Director of Exhibitions

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional individual who will lead the shaping and delivery of Somerset House’s exhibition programme, as well as forming a vital part of the organisation’s senior management team. Working at a strategic level, with an international outlook but able to get involved in detail, this role is demanding, challenging and offers the successful candidate an opportunity to initiate, manage, curate and deliver ambitious work across Somerset House.

The overarching programme strategy and objectives are overseen by the Director of Somerset House. The Director of Exhibitions, the Director of Studios & Producing and the Head of Engagement & Skills work closely with the Director to develop and shape the future direction, each leading on the delivery of a different strand of the programme.

The role will build the reputation of Somerset House as an innovative cross-disciplinary contemporary cultural space, drawing on work generated by its creative community. The Director of Exhibitions will develop the exhibition and installation strands of the cultural programme, working collaboratively with in- house teams along with external curators and partners, to generate work produced on site, maximizing the cultural assets of Somerset House. The role will also require a committed and agile approach to developing UK and international partnerships that can bring financial and cultural benefits, helping to set a new bar for quality exhibitions and other formats in the London cultural landscape.

Artistic leadership

• Play a major part in shaping the artistic vision for Somerset House, ensuring the distinctive profile, reputation and success of the organisation continues to grow in London, nationally and internationally;
• Complement and expand the existing programme across exhibitions, talks and other future initiatives to develop the scope, character and distinctive quality of Somerset House;
• Actively explore new creative opportunities, taking artistic risk where appropriate to build Somerset House’s profile as a world-class venue that attracts critical acclaim and reaches new audiences;
• Ensure that Somerset House’s goals around audiences, access, diversity, community engagement are integral across all of our cultural offering;
• Be at the forefront of innovative creative practice with a clear sense of what lies on the international artistic horizon;
• Maintain a strong track record of working with artists to develop and deliver ambitious projects which break boundaries both in terms of artistic practice but also audience experience.

Programming

• Lead the creation of an exhibitions, installation and related events programme across Somerset House that will reach a wide audience throughout the year;
• Create a calendar that is distinctive, relevant and responds to the context of the UK and international cultural scene;
• Build a pipeline of projects, researching and developing new ideas, ensuring that plans are far enough ahead for effective planning;
• Ensure the programme builds on the idea of Somerset House as a place where projects are researched and developed, as well as presented in their finished form;
• Collaborate with resident artists, other programming teams, organisations and external partners to develop the cultural offering, ensuring that quality remains high and that Somerset House maintains its distinctive identity.

Collaboration, Partnerships and Network

• Cultivate a broad network of relationships with artists and creative practitioners, both emerging and established;
• Work with our existing partners and develop a range of national and international partner cultural organisations to co-commission, enhance our programme and increase touring opportunities;
• Develop and support an external network of curators and producers to help deliver elements of our programme.

Audience Development

• Work with the Director of Marketing & Audiences, Head of PR and Head of Engagement & Skills, to shape and support the audience development strategy.

Commercial Acumen & Philanthropic Experience

• Manage the commercial balance of cultural activity, mixing exciting work that attracts good income with riskier activity requiring subsidy and additional investment.
• Work with colleagues to engage and secure funders, brand partnerships and donors; initiate development opportunities and contribute to funding applications.