Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in exploring the vibrant connections between India and Wales through art and culture.
- Company: Glynn Vivian Art Gallery showcases diverse exhibitions that challenge perceptions and celebrate creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free entry, engaging workshops, and a chance to connect with artists and the community.
- Why this job: Be part of a thought-provoking exhibition that examines identity, history, and cultural exchange.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for art and culture!
- Other info: Participate in exciting events like performances and talks throughout the exhibition.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is delighted to present Tigers & Dragons: India and Wales in Britain, an extraordinary exhibition that delves into the deep-rooted connections between the Indian Subcontinent and Wales. Tigers & Dragons explores the iconography of South Asian nations and Wales; examining how they have imagined themselves—or been imagined—over the centuries.
If India was the Jewel in the Imperial Crown, could we argue that Wales was England’s first colony? As Wales struggles for its identity within ‘British-ness’, it is timely to re-assess the way it contributed to, benefited from and, even, suffered for Britain’s Imperial ambitions. The show investigates the British Empire’s legacy and its continuing relevance for Welsh identity as well as for India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The exhibition features over 100 artworks – paintings, photographs, performances, textiles, sculptural installations and new media – by roughly 70 artists from Wales, England, India and Pakistan. Historic and contemporary loans are drawn from private and public collections, including National Museum Cardiff, National Library Wales, National Trust’s Powis Castle and the Bristol Museum’s British Empire & Commonwealth Collection. Loans are supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund.
The exhibition traces the social and political complexities of the India-Wales relationship. Highlighting Imperial connections (through war, trade and language), it also probes other equivalences. If Wales is England’s Internal Colony, as India was once an External one, what can we learn from comparing the two?
The exhibition considers the visual symbolism of both Imperial subjugation (the Indian Tiger dominated by the Lion of Britannia; the Red Welsh Dragon pitted against the White Dragon of England) and national awakening. Just as Indian independence movements were inspired by ideas of Mother India, similarly Welsh nationalism clings to the skirts of Mother Wales.
New commissions by contemporary artists (such as Goa-based performance artist Nikhil Chopra) have been supported by CELF, National contemporary art gallery for Wales. Glynn Vivian’s intersectional community textiles group, Threads, has been working with international artist Adeela Suleman, who lives in Karachi, Pakistan, and Swansea-based Menna Buss, to produce an artwork in response to Suleman’s own large scale tapestry, commissioned for the exhibition.
Dr Zehra Jumabhoy, Lecturer in the History of Art, University of Bristol, UK: “Tigers & Dragons pivots around the central question: what do the Dragon (ie Wales) and the Tiger (ie India) share? In the light of ‘de-colonizing’ debates, calls for Welsh independence, and the rising tide of macho-nationalisms across South Asia (and, indeed, elsewhere) what better time to re-assess Britain’s Imperial past and its continuing contemporary consequences?
Karen MacKinnon, Director of Glynn Vivian Art Gallery: "This extraordinary exhibition brings together artists from South Asia and Wales to explore an intersection from which together we can examine our shared pasts and our futures. These places are where many changing forces meet – not only where cultures clash and converse but where ideologies coexist, merge, separate.”
Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: “The Weston Loan Programme empowers museums and galleries all over the UK to bring fascinating art and objects to local audiences, where they can be experienced through the lens of regional history and heritage. We are delighted to support this thought-provoking exploration of the connections between Wales and the Indian Subcontinent.”
The exhibition is curated by Glynn Vivian’s Exhibitions Officer, Katy Freer, and art historian Dr Zehra Jumabhoy at University of Bristol. Jumabhoy’s research was funded by a Paul Mellon Centre for British Art Curatorial Research Fellowship. The exhibition is grateful for support from the Arts Council of Wales, Taimur Hassan Collection; Canvas Gallery, Karachi; Grosvenor Gallery, London; Chatterjee & Lal Gallery, Mumbai, and Chemould Prescott Road, Mumbai.
The accompanying book, with Tigers & Dragon’s Curatorial Essay by Zehra Jumabhoy as well as texts by Pakistani art historian Salima Hashmi and Welsh artists Iwan Bala and Peter Finnemore, will be published in collaboration with Hmm Foundation with a grant from Seher and Taimur Hassan. The Threads project has been funded by Arts Council of Wales Create Grant.
There will be a full programme of workshops, talks and events throughout the exhibition, beginning with a performance by Nikhil Chopra on Friday 23 May. Visit www.glynnvivian.co.uk for more information.
Contact Detail:
arts.wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Presents, Tigers & Dragons: India and Wales in Britain
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the themes of the exhibition, such as the connections between India and Wales. Understanding the cultural and historical context will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the art and cultural sectors, especially those involved with exhibitions or galleries. Attend related events or workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for art and culture by participating in discussions on social media or forums related to the exhibition's themes. This can demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider volunteering at local galleries or art events to gain relevant experience. This not only enhances your CV but also helps you build a network within the art community, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs.
We think you need these skills to ace Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Presents, Tigers & Dragons: India and Wales in Britain
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Exhibition Theme: Familiarise yourself with the themes of the exhibition, 'Tigers & Dragons: India and Wales in Britain'. Reflect on how your skills and experiences align with the exploration of cultural connections and historical narratives presented.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in art curation, exhibition management, or community engagement. Emphasise any previous work that relates to cultural exhibitions or collaborations between diverse communities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the arts and your understanding of the significance of the exhibition. Mention specific aspects of the exhibition that resonate with you.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If applicable, include examples of past projects or exhibitions you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to engage with complex cultural themes. This could be through a portfolio or a detailed description in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at arts.wales
✨Research the Exhibition
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the 'Tigers & Dragons' exhibition. Understand its themes, the artists involved, and the historical context it addresses. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the exhibition and the gallery's future projects. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your proactive approach to understanding the organisation's mission and vision.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Art
Be ready to discuss your passion for art and how it relates to the themes of the exhibition. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your connection to the arts, particularly in relation to cultural identity and history.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Given the collaborative nature of the exhibition, emphasise your ability to work well with diverse teams. Share examples of past collaborations, especially those involving artists or community engagement, to illustrate your teamwork skills.
