Job Details

Listed

Jan 17, 2025

Location

London

Salary

£35,000 - £50,000

Closing Date

Jan 28, 2025

Southbank Centre

Assistant Curator

Job Summary

We are currently looking for an experienced and passionate Assistant Curator, to join our Visual Arts team on a full time, eight months fixed term basis.

Job Description

As the hub of visual arts activity at the Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery presents a diverse exhibition programme that features monographic surveys of influential artists from across the world and major international group shows exploring pivotal themes and issues of the day. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the planning and delivery of exhibitions that push boundaries, explore vital cultural themes, and foster a sense of discovery.

As Assistant Curator, you will work closely with Hayward Gallery Curators, contributing to all aspects of exhibition planning and delivery. From managing exhibition workflows to liaising with artists, lenders, and internal teams, you’ll ensure exhibitions run smoothly, on time, and within budget. You will also play a key role in research, organising public talks, and overseeing the creation of exhibition catalogues. Your expertise and organisational skills will be crucial in supporting delivering exhibitions that both challenge and engage our visitors.

Job Requirements

  • Exhibition Experience: Proven experience in organising exhibitions, managing loans, and working with technical and operational teams.
  • Budget & Financial Acumen: Strong skills in budget tracking and reconciliation.
  • Artistic Passion: A genuine interest in contemporary art and its presentation to the public.
  • Strong Communication: Able to work well and communicate with a wide range of people, with the ability to engage a broad range of stakeholders.
  • Organisational Skills: Able to demonstrate effective prioritising skills and a methodical approach while applying strong attention to detail.
  • IT Proficiency: Experience with MS Office, Google Drive, and Photoshop.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A flexible, positive attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment.
  • Commitment to Diversity: A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts.
  • Art History Knowledge: A strong foundation in art history to support curatorial work.

Job Responsibilities

  • Exhibition Organisation: Support curators in planning and coordinating exhibitions, managing schedules, and ensuring communication between stakeholders.
  • Budget Management: Assist with scoping and tracking exhibition budgets, liaising with operations teams, and identifying any financial risks.
  • Liaison and Loans: Lead the loan process, acting as the primary contact for lenders and artists, ensuring smooth transactions and documentation. Working with the registrar’s teams for loan administration.
  • Research & Development: Contribute to the development of the Project Space programme and undertake research for upcoming exhibitions.
  • Interpretation & Publications: Write and proof engaging interpretive texts for gallery guides, labels, and the website. Oversee the production of exhibition catalogues.
  • Collaboration: Ensure strong internal and external communication, working closely with curatorial, operations, and technical teams to realise exhibition goals.
  • Public Engagement