UP Projects seek an Assistant Curator

About UP Projects

UP Projects curates, commissions and produces contemporary art that explores heritage, identity and place, engaging the people of London, the UK and across the globe. We believe in working collaboratively with artists, communities and others to do this.

We run a programme of artist projects and commissions outside traditional gallery spaces as well as delivering cultural strategies, commissions and events with a range of partners.

Commissioning artists     Empowering communities     Inspiring Collaboration     Rethinking public space

UP Projects are about to embark on a new programme which will explore London’s position as a global city, and its relationship to the rest of the world, investigating   and re-thinking how to live and work within, as well as outside of, a place that throws up both opportunities and challenges for its  citizens.

UP Projects was established in 2002 by Emma Underhill (Director) and operates from a shared office in Shoreditch, London. UP Projects is a registered company Ltd by guarantee and governed by a Board of non-executive Directors.

Job Description

UP Projects is seeking a talented and dedicated Assistant Curator who is interested in working with artists on projects outside of traditional gallery environments and exploring the possibilities of art in communities. The Assistant Curator will play a   key role in implementing UP Projects’ new programme over the next few years and will involve:

• Working with the Curatorial Team, including Director, Senior Curator and Education & Participation Curator, to develop and implement UP Projects Programme
• Developing and implementing projects with artists in a range of  contexts
• Researching and developing UP Projects’ network of artists
• Developing and implementing a series of talks and events to accompany the programme with the Senior Curator & Education and Participation Curator
• Managing events
• Writing artist biographies and copy for projects
• Building relationships and networks with project partners including venues, community groups, arts organisations and universities and developing a database of contacts
• Liaising with project partners, including Local Authorities, event partners and venue managers to support the delivery of the programme and  events
• Managing volunteers and leading on UP Projects volunteer training and recruitment processes
• Project evaluation, including report writing, audience data collection and documentation
• Managing and updating UP Project’s data monitoring  systems
• Administration and project management including budget management, minute taking and programme planning, supporting fundraising application and writing risk assessments
• Supporting project specific marketing campaigns
• Contribution to UP Projects Social Media
• Generally promoting UP Projects’ programme and services through networking
• Representing UP Projects at events (private views, networking events, symposia etc
• Contributing to developing a collaborative style of working
• Awareness of UP Projects’ values and to work with artists partners and individuals in their spirit

Person Spec

Essential

• Very good knowledge of contemporary art scene in London, UK and internationally
• Special interest in social and political concerns within a cultural context
• Experience or strong interest in working outside the white cube, with communities and in unexpected ways
• Experience of working with artists
• Experience of writing about art and artists
• Excellent administrative skills including budget management, contract liaison, minute taking and programme planning
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well within a team
• Understanding of artist working process and fabrication
• Hands on approach
• Flexibility
• Fluid understanding of contemporary culture and its manifestation

Desired

• Knowledge of commissioning and developing new work
• Experience of working in the public realm, both on permanent and temporary projects
• Practical, technical skills
• Knowledge of Press & Marketing
• Digitally literate
• Degree/Masters in relevant subject

Terms

You will report to UP Project’s Senior Curator as your line manager

• The role is part time 3 days a week position
• Salary: 25,000 per annum pro rata
• 25 days’ holiday per annum pro rata not including bank  holidays
• Notice 2 months

How to Apply

Applications should include:

• A comprehensive curriculum
• A covering letter that summarises your interest in this post, providing evidence of your ability to match the criteria outlined in the Person Specification (no more than 2 sides of A4).
• Details of your latest salary, notice period and names of 2 referees, together with a brief statement of the capacity in which they have known you and an indication of when in the process they can be contacted (please note we will not contact your referees without your express   permission).
• Telephone contact numbers (preferably daytime and evening/mobile) which will be used with

Selection Process

Closing date for applicants is Friday 31st May at 6pm Please send your application by email  to:

Helen Nisbet
Senior Curator
helen@upprojects.com

Interviews will take place on Thursday 9th June