V&A Museum, London & Leeds, UK
Position Type: Fixed-term, 22 months
Location: Primarily South Kensington, London, with a 6-month placement in Leeds
Salary: £27,528 – £28,500 per annum
Hours: Full-time, 36 hours per week
About the Role
This traineeship, supported by the Art Fund and Vivmar Foundation, aims to develop curatorial expertise in contemporary sculpture while promoting diversity in curatorial recruitment. The trainee will work within the Decorative Art and Sculpture Department at the V&A Museum and collaborate with Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute during their placement.
Key Responsibilities
Deepening Knowledge:
- Develop expertise in contemporary sculpture and museum collections management systems.
- Enhance knowledge of V&A collections and their historical and cultural contexts.
- Build professional networks with regional and international museum colleagues.
Collections Development:
- Learn about acquisitions, loans, and collections management.
- Assist with object handling, movement, and cataloging.
- Contribute to documentation and digitization initiatives.
Presenting and Interpreting Collections:
- Collaborate on exhibitions, displays, and gallery maintenance.
- Develop interpretation materials for print and online.
- Contribute to photography, digitization, and storytelling projects.
- Assist with educational programs and public engagement.
Innovating:
- Understand museum policies and participate in developing strategies and public programs.
- Support national and international museum partnerships and initiatives.
Teamwork:
- Actively engage in curatorial projects across teams.
- Take on delegated responsibilities as required.
Candidate Profile
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Interest in contemporary sculpture, demonstrated through study, practice, or observation.
- Enthusiasm for making collections accessible to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational and practical skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate in a team and manage multiple tasks under pressure.
- Motivated, flexible, and proactive with excellent communication skills.
Core Attributes:
- Respects diverse perspectives and contributions.
- Open to change, new ideas, and opportunities for self-development.
- Works collaboratively and engages effectively with colleagues across departments.
