Curator, Exhibitions and Displays

About the role
Tate Liverpool is seeking a Curator (maternity cover) to contribute to both our reopening programme and our displays at RIBA North. You will take an inclusive, innovative and transnational approach to developing and delivering various aspects of our planned artistic programme. The role will suit a museum professional who has a varied knowledge of modern and contemporary international art, and strong project management skills.

About your team
This is an exciting time to join Tate Liverpool as we prepare for reopening our gallery on the Royal Albert Dock in 2027. The Exhibitions and Art Handling team is delivering collection displays at RIBA North, off-site programme and planning for our reopening exhibitions and displays, and you will have the opportunity to gain a varied experience across multiple projects. You will work closely with the Head of Exhibitions and Displays, and two Assistant Curators on researching and developing our broad-ranging artistic content for the programme of temporary exhibitions and displays, and commissions.

What you will gain
Motivated, and skilled people are key to our continued success, and we want everyone at Tate to have the opportunity to develop and thrive. In this team, you will be encouraged to contribute your ideas, realise your potential, and learn new skills and knowledge.

What you will do (Main Duties and Responsibilities)

1. Lead on, co-ordinate and manage exhibitions and collection displays, according to the project planning process to ensure efficient and cost-effective delivery of projects to Tate’s goals and the highest international standards.
2. Work with colleagues on appropriate interpretation strategies, writing and compiling accessible texts for exhibitions and displays and delivering supporting talks, tours and other events.
3. Act as a key project contact for Tate teams, providing materials and information needed to support fundraising, internal and external communications and practical delivery.
4. Devise and maintain project timelines and documents to support effective and timely delivery of projects.
5. Negotiate loans and liaise with artists, collectors, public and private institutions.
6. Ensure project budgets are delivered within the allocated budget through efficient forecasting and administration, working to obtain best value without compromising high standards of presentation.
7. Liaise with Registrars on required movement and conditions of art works and insurance.
8. Accurately record data on The Museum System database (TMS), Tate’s Collection and exhibition management system.
9. Contribute to negotiating and writing contractual arrangements with all parties associated with producing and delivering exhibitions and commissions.
10. Work with the learning, marketing, communications and visitor teams to ensure public programme related to exhibitions and displays is aligned across departments.
11. Work sustainably and collaboratively to contribute to reducing carbon emissions associated with Tate Liverpool's programme, supporting Tate’s institutional commitment to reduce its carbon impact.
12. Maintain excellent relationships with local and regional partners in the North-West.
13. Support and mentor Assistant Curators to carry out their work.

What you will bring to the team

Essential:

1. An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject or substantial equivalent and relevant work experience.
2. Substantive work experience in an art gallery, museum, or equivalent setting, and extensive experience of the processes involved in staging and project managing displays and exhibitions and related events.
3. Demonstrable knowledge of international modern and contemporary art.
4. Excellent organisation, planning and administrative skills, with the ability to remain calm and focused whilst working under pressure and solve problems pragmatically and through negotiation.
5. Substantive project management skills with ability to work independently and as part of inter-departmental teams to devise, prioritise and coordinate multiple activities, including managing project timelines and budgets.
6. A well-developed visual sense and understanding of issues involved in the display of works of art in a public gallery, including functional operations.
7. Excellent writing skills in English.
8. Excellent attention to detail and apply judgement with a commitment to quality control.
9. Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate, mediate and negotiate diplomatically and effectively at all levels, both internally and with external contacts.
10. A flexible approach, able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and on your own initiative.
11. Ability to contribute to an inclusive and respectful culture within a team and applying the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in all relationships with colleagues, artists, advocates and partners.
12. An understanding of the issues involves in the production and presentation of works of art in public space, including operational, ongoing maintenance and health and safety regulations.
13. Ability and willingness to travel and attend out of hours functions, as required, to meet Tate’s objectives.
14. An interest in and commitment to Tate’s vision, objectives and values.

Desirable:

1. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject
2. Knowledge of Tate’s collection.
3. Experience of working with Sketch Up or similar 3D modelling software

The requirements listed here are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. You don’t have to satisfy every requirement and we welcome candidates who bring transferable skills. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.