Organisation: Serpentine
Location: London, United Kingdom
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Application Deadline: 10 July 2026
About the Role
Serpentine is seeking an experienced interdisciplinary curator to initiate, develop and produce a dynamic live programme that extends and activates the gallery’s exhibitions and curatorial vision. The role will shape how audiences experience Serpentine through talks, performances, participatory experiences, screenings and cross-disciplinary live formats.
Building on established programming strands including Marathons, Park Nights, Serpentine Cinema and Study Days, the successful candidate will develop a programme that runs alongside and through exhibitions—not as interpretation, but as an extension, interruption and provocation.
Working closely with the Programmes, Production and Audience teams, the Live Programmes Curator will create innovative, interdisciplinary programming that is rigorous, accessible and responsive to diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Development & Curatorial Leadership
- Conceive, curate and deliver a year-round programme of live events aligned with Serpentine’s exhibitions, commissions and artistic objectives.
- Develop new formats that bring visual art into dialogue with disciplines including dance, music, film, literature, technology, design and social practice.
- Identify and work with emerging and established artists, thinkers and collaborators across disciplines.
Production & Delivery
- Lead the planning and delivery of talks, performances, workshops, screenings and other live events.
- Manage event timelines, budgets and schedules.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure high-quality programme delivery.
- Oversee technical, spatial and audience experience considerations.
Audience Engagement & Innovation
- Develop programming that attracts diverse and multi-generational audiences both onsite and online.
- Experiment with participatory, immersive and socially engaged approaches.
- Work with Audience and Editorial teams to communicate programme narratives and promote events.
Collaboration & Partnerships
- Build relationships with artists, collectives, institutions and community partners locally and internationally.
- Collaborate closely with curators, producers and artists across the organisation.
- Contribute to strategic discussions around programming and audience development.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Significant experience curating and/or producing live programmes within galleries, museums, festivals or cultural organisations.
- A strong interdisciplinary curatorial approach.
- Experience developing original programme concepts and delivering public-facing events.
- Excellent project management, budgeting and scheduling skills.
- Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
- Established professional networks and awareness of developments within the field.
- Deep knowledge of contemporary art and current cultural discourse.
- Experience engaging diverse audiences and communities.
- Familiarity with digital and hybrid programming formats.
- A conceptually driven, imaginative and audience-focused approach.
Benefits
- Hybrid working model (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after five years’ service
- 8 bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Season ticket loan scheme
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Staff discounts on selected Serpentine products
Working Hours
Standard office hours are 10:00–18:00, Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required in line with programme delivery.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter outlining:
- How their skills and experience meet the requirements of the role
- Relevant examples from current or previous positions
- Their interest in the role and in working at Serpentine
Recruitment Timeline
- Application deadline: 10 July 2026 (midnight)
- First-round interviews: Week commencing 20 July 2026
- Second-round interviews: Week commencing 27 July 2026
