Curator: Information & Research (Historical)

Government Art Collection (GAC)
Currently based off Tottenham Court Road, London, the GAC is part of the DCMS. Its role is to promote British art and to contribute to cultural diplomacy. Works of art are selected for display in British government buildings, including 10 Downing Street and embassies around the world. The Collection has nearly 14,000 works of art spanning the 16th century to the present day and includes a diverse range of media. For more information see www.gac.culture.gov.ukJob Specification
This post holder will report to the Deputy Director/Senior Curator and will work primarily on the research and interpretation of historical works in the Collection with a focus on 18th and 19th century art. As the historical art specialist within the team your commitment to increasing understanding, appreciation and interest in historical works amongst stakeholders is essential. You will also contribute towards enhancing the Collection’s profile amongst academic, professional and general audiences.

Main responsibilities
• Researching, interpreting and writing texts on works of art in the Collection presentation in British Government buildings in the UK and around the world;
• Carrying out in-depth research into historical works of art in the Collection;

• Writing and/or editing material for other GAC purposes such as texts on proposed and new acquisitions, the GAC annual report and Advisory Committee papers the GAC website, social media and the DCMS intranet.
• Writing, producing and publishing (where appropriate) in-depth art historical research and articles on the Collection and/or its works;
• Managing the GAC library, book and periodical buying and relevant budget, catalogue new titles, researching and building material on artists whose works is held in the Collection (in conjunction with other GAC staff);
• Working with the Deputy Director/Senior Curator to develop and manage research partnerships;
• Occasionally project manage and deliver GAC publications, write and/or edit text, commission photography & design; manage schedules and budgets; liaise with other Government Departments and/or stakeholders.

Shared with other colleagues:
• Reviewing information provision at selected central London Government buildings and contributing to the development of GAC information and engagement strategies;
• Providing public tours of the GAC and dealing with a range of research enquiries;
• Occasionally meeting government Ministers, senior civil servants and diplomats to select works of art and devise displays;
• Representing the GAC at external meetings and events as required.

Person Specification
The Civil Service has a range of competencies. In applying you will need to demonstrate your capabilities against those for the EO level. These are to be found in the Civil Service Competency Framework 2013 – 2017. Below are those most relevant to this post.

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Leading and Communicating
• Collaborating and Partnering
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

Essential Requirements:
Research experience in a museum, art gallery or similar environment with a particular focus on British art of the 18th and 19th centuries;
Experience of writing interpretative texts for a broad range of audiences;
Experience of editing and presenting information for displays of art and for publication.

Desirable:
Previously published art historical research and/or criticism;
An active network of art historians and researchers in historical British art;
Experience of public speaking, presentations or lectures;
Experience of curating/supervising art installations;
A general interest in modern and contemporary visual art and culture.

Personal Qualities:
You should be a self-motivated, highly organised and pragmatic person with excellent team working, interpersonal and communication skills. You will be working in a demanding political and international environment, and this job requires tact, diplomacy, lateral thinking and discretion. You will need to be able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines and budgets and demonstrate willingness to work outside conditioned hours on occasions, such as evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:
A postgraduate degree or equivalent in art history or similar subject.

A postgraduate degree or equivalent in art history or similar subject

You will be asked to supply evidence of meeting these competencies when you apply.

• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Leading and Communicating
• Collaborating and Partnering
• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service

Civil Service Competency Framework

For successful candidates, pension schemes are available.

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service Nationality Rules.If applying for a role requiring security clearance be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar, but certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with countries outside the UK.

This is a Non Reserved post and is therefore open to UK, British Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals and certain non EEA members

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Applications from the UK Reserve Forces are welcome, as we aspire to be a model employer of those who serve their country. We also offer a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants who meet our minimum selection criteria. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination.

The Civil Service recruits by merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.

Candidates will be subject to UK school leaving age legislation.

Adrian George,

Sifting Dates: 12 – 13 OCTOBER 2015Interview Date: 22 OCTOBER 2015