Archivist

Archivist

London Full-Time 28000 - 38000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as an Archivist to preserve and engage with our art collection.
  • Company: Be part of Whitechapel Gallery, a historic hub for contemporary art in East London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Contribute to making art accessible while working in a dynamic, inclusive team.
  • Qualifications: We seek detail-oriented individuals with a passion for archives and strong technical skills.
  • Other info: Some evening and weekend work required, compensated with time off in lieu.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 38000 ÂŁ per year.

Don’t miss out on the art world’s most entertaining newsletter - every Friday. And career news every Tuesday. Founded in 1901 to present “the finest art of the world to the people of the East End, London”, Whitechapel Gallery will always be locally embedded and globally connected. Successive waves of migrants, and generations of artists and makers living and working locally, continue to shape the distinctive character of our diverse communities, as well as the Gallery’s uniquely pioneering spirit and programmes.

Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting out, we offer exciting opportunities for growth and development in the art world. You will be part of a dynamic, dedicated and caring team, committed to making contemporary art and ideas accessible to the widest possible audience, putting artists and ideas at the heart of everything we do. If you are enthusiastic about our commitment, then we would like to invite you to explore the possibilities of a career with us. All opportunities are recruited for as they become available through a fair and open application process. We cannot facilitate employment or volunteering enquiries which do not relate to an advertised position.

We are looking for a qualified Archivist to refresh and reinvigorate our approach to the Whitechapel Gallery Archive. You will be passionate about the preservation of the collection, ensuring it is catalogued, cared for and acts as a catalyst for programming and public engagement. Working closely with colleagues in the Participation team, you will help to create and experiment with new ways that artists and audiences can engage with archive materials and use our Reading Room. Your work will underpin how staff, artists and visitors understand the history of Whitechapel Gallery, how it connects with wider artistic and social developments, and how it might shape the institution’s future programme and practices.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of London’s most dynamic cultural institutions, supporting its mission to make art accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. The role demands a dedicated, detail-oriented professional with a passion for archives, strong technical expertise, and a commitment to inclusion and collaboration.

Conditions of work

  • Contract: Permanent
  • Hours of work: Full-time (36.25 hours). Monday to Friday, 9:30am– 5:45pm (with one hour unpaid lunch).
  • Salary: ÂŁ33,000 per annum
  • Probationary period: 6 months
  • Due to the nature of the job, some evening and weekend work will be required, as well as occasional travel. This will be compensated by time off in lieu.
  • An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.

To apply: Please complete the application form and diversity monitoring form, and return to [emailprotected] by 10:00am on Monday, 23 June 2025. First interviews will take place w/c 7 July 2025. Second interviews will take place w/c 14 July 2025.

We want our workforce to represent all sections of the community and expect all our employees to commit to creating an equal, diverse and inclusive environment.

Archivist employer: Theartgorgeous

Whitechapel Gallery is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the vibrant East End of London, offering a unique opportunity to work within one of the city's most dynamic cultural institutions. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development in the art world. Join a dedicated team passionate about making contemporary art accessible to diverse audiences, while enjoying a fair application process and the chance to contribute to innovative programming.
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Contact Detail:

Theartgorgeous Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Archivist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Whitechapel Gallery's history and its archive. Understanding the significance of the collection and how it connects to contemporary art will help you articulate your passion and vision during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the art and archival fields. Attend events, exhibitions, or workshops related to archiving and contemporary art to build connections that could provide insights or recommendations for your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your technical expertise by being prepared to discuss specific archiving methods or technologies you have used. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken in previous roles that align with the gallery's mission of public engagement.

✨Tip Number 4

Demonstrate your commitment to inclusion and collaboration by sharing examples of how you've worked with diverse teams or communities in the past. This will resonate well with the gallery's values and mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Archivist

Archival Management
Cataloguing Skills
Preservation Techniques
Research Skills
Attention to Detail
Technical Proficiency in Archival Software
Public Engagement Strategies
Collaboration and Teamwork
Communication Skills
Knowledge of Art History
Project Management
Adaptability
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Archivist position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with what Whitechapel Gallery is looking for.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in archiving, preservation, and public engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your passion for archives and your technical expertise.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of Whitechapel Gallery. Discuss how your background and skills can contribute to their goals, particularly in making art accessible to diverse audiences.

Complete Required Forms: Ensure you fill out the application form and diversity monitoring form accurately. Pay attention to detail, as this reflects your commitment to the application process and the values of the organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Theartgorgeous

✨Know the Archive Inside Out

Before your interview, take the time to familiarise yourself with the Whitechapel Gallery Archive. Understand its history, key collections, and how it has evolved over the years. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the institution.

✨Showcase Your Passion for Inclusion

The role requires a commitment to inclusion and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss your experiences or ideas on how to make archives accessible to diverse audiences. Highlight any previous work that aligns with this value.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

As a qualified Archivist, you should expect technical questions related to cataloguing, preservation techniques, and digital archiving. Brush up on your technical expertise and be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past roles.

✨Engage with the Participation Team's Vision

Since you'll be working closely with the Participation team, think about innovative ways to engage artists and audiences with archive materials. Prepare some ideas or projects that could enhance public engagement and show your creativity during the interview.

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