Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions
Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions

Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions

Temporary 46680 - 64620 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the vision and delivery of innovative temporary exhibitions at Wellcome Collection.
  • Company: Join Wellcome Collection, a free museum exploring health and human experience, part of the Wellcome Trust.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a vibrant workplace culture with diverse perspectives.
  • Why this job: Be part of a transformative team shaping health narratives and making a social impact.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in large-scale exhibitions, team leadership, and a commitment to inclusivity required.
  • Other info: Apply by uploading your CV; interviews start on 2 June 2025.

The predicted salary is between 46680 - 64620 £ per year.

Salary: £56,600

Closing date: Sunday, 11 May 2025

Contract type: Permanent

Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library exploring health and human experience, where you can enjoy exhibitions, museum and library collections, public events, and a vibrant shop and café. We also publish books and online stories.

This is a great time to join Wellcome Collection as we embark on an exciting period of change. Wellcome Collection has recently introduced a new ten-year strategy, and this role will play an important part in bringing to life our vision of a world where everyone's experience of health matters.

Wellcome Collection is part of Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation that supports science to build a healthier future for everyone. Wellcome Trust plans to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

You will join the curatorial team, in the Curatorial and Public Practice department at Wellcome Collection, to work on our ground-breaking temporary exhibition programme. Wellcome Collection's exhibitions explore the past, present and future of health, bringing together a diverse range of voices, material and ideas. You will collaborate with colleagues across Wellcome to lead a curatorial vision for temporary exhibitions for our museum based on Euston Road, in London.

Wellcome Collection is seeking a visionary Lead Curator to guide the development and delivery of our temporary exhibitions programme. As a Lead Curator, you will:

  • Spearhead the vision for temporary exhibitions at Wellcome Collection.
  • Manage and mentor exhibition curators, both internal and external, fostering an inclusive approach to content and interpretation.
  • Collaborate with the Partnerships and Engagement teams to develop networks, supporting collaborative practice through partnership work.
  • Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, collaborating across departments.

We are looking for someone who has significant experience in programming large-scale exhibitions and artist commissions, working with a range of perspectives and collaborators. You will have experience leading a busy team utilising your extensive management skills and be a confident advocate for the temporary exhibition programme. You will be a motivated leader, with the ability to be both creative and strategic. Communication will be a strength, as will the ability to work well with people with a range of different skills and backgrounds.

We are looking for somebody who has:

  • Experience of the planning and delivery of ambitious temporary exhibitions and displays.
  • Line management experience and the confidence to lead a dynamic team.
  • A demonstrable commitment to inclusive exhibition making.
  • Exceptional written and verbal skills, including the ability to represent Wellcome Collection publicly and to communicate complex issues.
  • A creative and pro-active strategic approach.

To apply please upload your current CV and complete our short application.

Interview dates: W/C Monday, 2 June 2025.

You can view the full job description on our website. You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website.

Our Hybrid Way of Working: We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us.

Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions employer: WELLCOME TRUST

Wellcome Collection is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusion while fostering creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to exploring health and human experience. Join us to be part of a transformative journey, where your contributions will shape impactful exhibitions and engage diverse audiences.
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Contact Detail:

WELLCOME TRUST Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Wellcome Collection's current and past exhibitions. Understanding their curatorial vision and the themes they explore will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the museum and exhibition sector. Attend relevant events or engage with curators on social media to build connections that could provide insights into the role and the organisation.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered inclusivity and collaboration in your previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends in health, art, and culture. Being knowledgeable about contemporary issues will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the mission of Wellcome Collection.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions

Exhibition Programming
Team Leadership
Project Management
Creative Vision
Strategic Planning
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills
Inclusive Practices
Public Representation
Mentoring and Coaching
Networking
Problem-Solving Skills
Artistic Direction
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Curator position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their vision for temporary exhibitions.

Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV showcases your relevant experience in curating large-scale exhibitions, team management, and your commitment to inclusivity. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for health and human experience, and detail your strategic approach to curating exhibitions. Mention specific examples of past projects that demonstrate your leadership and creativity.

Highlight Communication Skills: Since exceptional written and verbal skills are crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Consider including examples of public speaking or presentations you've delivered.

How to prepare for a job interview at WELLCOME TRUST

✨Showcase Your Vision

As a Lead Curator, it's crucial to demonstrate your vision for temporary exhibitions. Prepare to discuss innovative ideas and how you would bring diverse voices and perspectives into the exhibitions at Wellcome Collection.

✨Highlight Your Management Experience

Be ready to talk about your experience in managing teams and mentoring curators. Share specific examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment and led successful projects in the past.

✨Communicate Clearly

Exceptional communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating complex ideas simply and effectively, as you'll need to represent Wellcome Collection publicly and engage with various stakeholders.

✨Emphasise Inclusivity

Wellcome Collection values diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss your commitment to these principles in exhibition making and how you plan to ensure that all voices are represented in your work.

Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions
WELLCOME TRUST
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  • Lead Curator - Temporary Exhibitions

    Temporary
    46680 - 64620 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-05-13

  • W

    WELLCOME TRUST

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