Curator of Exhibitions

Job title: Curator of Exhibitions (Leeds Art Gallery)

Salary: £36,124 - £37,938

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Leeds Art Gallery

As the Curator of Exhibitions at Leeds Art Gallery you’ll thrive on delivering innovative, high-quality art exhibitions for diverse audiences.

About You

As the Curator of Exhibitions at Leeds Art Gallery, you will bring to the role:

1. Experience of working collaboratively with artists to successfully realise exhibitions and other projects.
2. Knowledge of exhibition design, management and organisational procedures.
3. Experience of successfully managing projects on time and within budget, including ability to manage a number of projects simultaneously.
4. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and develop excellent working relationships, including with partner organisations.
5. A clear understanding of audience access and inclusion issues.
6. Knowledge of conservation, security, insurance, environmental and commercial issues in relation to works of art and objects.

About The Role

The Curator of Exhibitions leads the temporary exhibition programme at Leeds Art Gallery, working closely alongside colleagues. You will need to bring experience of exhibition delivery and working with artists to this crucial role as part of a small team.

The role is integral to both the Collections & Programmes team within Leeds Museums & Galleries and the team at Leeds Art Gallery. Working collaboratively with colleagues across Leeds Museums and Galleries, Leeds City Council, external partners and communities to maximise the impact of our programmes and the experiences of our audiences is an important aspect of the role.

What We Offer You

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

1. a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
2. membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
3. flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
4. a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
5. a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How To Apply

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Yvonne Hardman, Head of Collections & Programmes – yvonne.hardman@leeds.gov.uk

Job Description

Job Purpose

To develop and deliver an inspirational, challenging yet accessible and socially inclusive exhibitions programme as part of the overall visitor experience for Leeds Art Gallery and in line with Leeds Museums and Galleries’ objectives.

Responsibilities

1. The initiation, development, implementation and evaluation of a high quality, inspiring exhibitions programme working with colleagues representing collections and programmes, community engagement, learning, audience development, site teams, artists and communities.
2. Work in partnership with site, collection, conservation and technical colleagues to agree exhibitions, learning and display proposals incorporating the best possible interpretation.
3. Project manage from inception to completion individual exhibitions (including touring shows) ensuring risk assessments procedures are complied with and deliver accurate and timely performance management data on activities and their impact.
4. Create public events programmes to run alongside exhibitions.
5. Work with colleagues to engage local communities and other audiences such as families, teachers and schools in the development of socially inclusive exhibition learning programmes.
6. Manage delegated project budgets and proactively seek sponsorship and funding.
7. Manage project funded staff and volunteers.
8. Undertake research and fieldwork in order to deliver best practice in all exhibitions and to maintain the city’s reputation and profile for innovative exhibitions.
9. Ensure all texts for catalogues, labels, marketing and other publications are timely and accessible to all.
10. Working with the Operations team and Registrars, be responsible for the security and care of material in each exhibition, particularly items on loan.
11. Participate in exhibition installation and deinstallation, including devising 3D plans, the hanging and placing of objects working with in-house technicians and conservators, as well as overseeing freelancers as required.
12. Promote the positive image of the Service at all times and work with the Audience Development team to advocate the value of exhibitions to key stakeholders.
13. Work with the Commercial team to maximise the commercial and merchandising opportunities offered by the exhibitions programme.
14. Develop partnerships with a wide range of institutions and organisations to further the Service’s objectives.
15. Collaborate with colleagues across the Service, provide cross-site support, participate in appropriate professional networks for self-development and represent the Service where appropriate.
16. To be aware of and adhere to Leeds City Council Health and Safety Policy.
17. To promote and apply consistently the principles of Leeds City Council Equality policies.
18. To undertake any other duties as commensurate with the grade.

Essential requirements

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post:

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
2. Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually or in groups, at all appropriate levels.
3. Ability to develop excellent working relationships with colleagues, partner organisations and other Leeds City Council departments.
4. Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
5. Ability to manage, motivate and develop teams and individuals.
6. Ability to monitor and control resources.
7. Ability to use research methods and techniques.
8. Educated to degree level, professional vocational qualification within a relevant subject/area or equivalent experience.
9. Knowledge of exhibition design, management and organisational procedures.
10. Knowledge of conservation, security, insurance, environmental and commercial issues in relation to works of art and objects.
11. Knowledge of current learning experiences and theories in a museum, gallery or exhibition context.
12. Clear understanding of audience access and inclusion issues.
13. Knowledge of a discipline relating to the collections at Leeds Art Gallery.
14. Knowledge of a range of ICT applications including Microsoft Office and collections management databases.
15. Knowledge of the requirements of the Health & Safety and Equalities legislation.
16. Experience of planning, organising and delivering exhibitions.
17. Experience of working with artists to successfully deliver exhibitions and projects.
18. Experience of successfully managing projects on time and within budget.
19. Experience of procurement, managing resources and delivering new funding income streams.
20. Experience of developing and maintaining successful partnerships.
21. Experience of preparing and presenting reports and proposals for different stakeholders.
22. Demonstrate an interest in the work of Leeds Museums & Galleries.

Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics

1. Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
2. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas.
3. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
4. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
5. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
6. Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
7. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
8. Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
9. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all.
10. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse.