Aspex Portsmouth – Curator
Application deadline: Monday, 7 September 2026
Position type: Full-time (35 hours per week), with flexibility including job share partnerships considered
Salary: £28,000
Eligibility: At least 3 years of experience working within a gallery, arts organisation, or with a professional freelance curatorial practice
Work permit / citizenship: Not specified. The legal right to work in the UK is likely required. Please check with the employer.
About the Role
Aspex Portsmouth is seeking a Curator to take responsibility for programming, fundraising, delivery, and evaluation of the gallery’s seasonal programme of exhibitions, projects, residencies, artist support activities, and associated events on and off-site. The role also involves overseeing the Crafts & Retail aspects of business development and contributing fully to audience development. The Curator will line-manage the Crafts & Retail Co-ordinator, freelance staff, interns, and volunteers.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Development
- Initiate and develop exhibitions and projects, including researching potential artists for the programme on and off-site
- Research new opportunities for programme development
- Develop an artist support programme and residencies
- Collaborate with the Creative Engagement Manager to develop a programme of exhibitions in the Communal space
- Work with the staff team to plan and deliver audience development events
- Research and identify appropriate sources of funding for the programme
- Work with the Director to make funding applications
- Promote and maintain productive relations with external organisations (funding bodies, organisations, and galleries)
- Represent Aspex Portsmouth through attendance at events, talks, tours, meetings, seminars, and conferences
- Oversee the development of Crafts & Retail as an income-generating aspect of the business
Management of Delivery
- Organise and administer all aspects of the exhibition programme, including liaison with artists, other galleries and agencies, transportation, insurance, and preparation of contracts
- Manage all aspects of project delivery and installation (including condition checking), supported by freelance technicians and volunteers
- Prepare copy, images, and video for exhibition promotion and interpretative materials, working closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager
- Organise documentation, evaluation, and archiving of materials for all projects, including activity data for seasonal reports and ACE submissions
- Manage the Arts Programme budget and oversee the Crafts & Retail budget
- Train and support volunteers to undertake tasks
- Identify and undertake suitable opportunities for professional development
- Support office administration as relevant
- Be part of the rota of Duty Managers during daytime opening and regular special events including evenings and weekends
Requirements:
Essential
- At least 3 years of experience working within a gallery, arts organisation, or with a professional freelance curatorial practice
- Significant experience of working with artists
- Curating/producing art projects
- Writing texts about art for general audiences
- Handling and installation of artworks
- Managing budgets and preparing monthly budget monitoring reports
- Fundraising experience
- Good knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary visual art
- Ability to contribute creatively to the programme
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Familiarity with the UK arts funding system
- Excellent organisation skills with strong attention to detail
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines
- Excellent administrative skills, including working knowledge of Google Workspace
- Excellent IT skills
- Demonstrable numeracy skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to be self-motivated and act on own initiative, manage own time and prioritise workloads
- Ability to work productively and positively within a team, with a proactive and supportive approach to managing staff, volunteers, and interns
- Flexible and adaptable with the changing needs of the organisation
- Good knowledge and understanding of customer care and Health & Safety
Desirable
- Negotiating contracts
- Managing people
- Working with diverse teams
- Hold a UK driving licence
What the Post Offers:
- A competitive salary of £28,000
- Flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal/caring responsibilities and artistic practices
- Job share partnerships considered
- A Macbook provided for working at Aspex and from home
- Support with an Access to Work application for practical support, travel, or mental health support
- Relocation budget of up to £1,000 available (discuss at interview)
- Opportunities for professional development
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
This call has been edited for formatting purposes. Please visit the link below to view the full listing and application process.
Image credits: Via Aspex Portsmouth website
