Factory International is a major UK arts and cultural organisation based in Manchester, responsible for the Manchester International Festival (MIF) and Aviva Studios, a large-scale cultural venue opened in 2023. The organisation produces ambitious year-round artistic work across disciplines, working with international artists, local communities and emerging creative talent. Its programme places particular emphasis on collaboration, inclusion, innovation, youth engagement and developing opportunities for people across Greater Manchester.
Title & Description
Factory International is seeking a Programme Manager to lead the planning, coordination and delivery of its Young Curators programme, supporting a cohort of young people aged 18–30 as they develop curatorial practice, build professional networks and create ambitious public-facing work. The programme combines learning, mentoring, professional development, creative activity and opportunities for participants to shape and present their own work.
The successful candidate will manage the programme operationally while providing direct support to participants and coordinating artists, facilitators, partners and internal teams. The role is particularly suited to an experienced arts or cultural programme professional with strong project‑management skills and an interest in supporting emerging curators and creative practitioners.
The Role Overview
- Organisation: Factory International
- Contract: Fixed‑term
- Contract period: September 2026–31 March 2028
- Programme participants: Young people aged 18–30
- Reporting: Works closely with the Young People and Family Lead
- Working relationships: Lead Facilitator, artists, creative practitioners, Producing team, partners and internal departments
Position & Tasks
The Programme Manager will lead the programme from planning through delivery and evaluation. Responsibilities include managing schedules, communications, contracts, administration, resources, reporting and the programme budget. The role also involves monitoring expenditure, processing payments and ensuring activity remains within agreed financial parameters.
The successful candidate will act as the principal contact for participants, providing guidance and support throughout the programme. They will coordinate workshops, mentoring, industry visits and professional‑development activities, while briefing and supporting artists, facilitators and partner organisations.
The role also includes supporting participant recruitment, evaluation, progression opportunities and alumni engagement, as well as coordinating the cohort's public activation with internal producing teams. A strong emphasis is placed on safeguarding, access, wellbeing, inclusion and youth‑led decision‑making.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Visual Arts
- Contemporary Art
- Arts ManagementCultural Programming
- Multidisciplinary Arts
- Youth Arts
The position is aimed at experienced programme and project managers rather than artists applying to participate in the Young Curators cohort. Applicants should have experience delivering creative, cultural, youth or participatory programmes and working with young people, emerging creatives or early‑career practitioners.
Experience with public‑facing exhibitions, installations, events or multidisciplinary projects is desirable. Knowledge of Manchester and Greater Manchester's cultural ecology is also desirable. Applicants must be willing to complete relevant statutory checks, including DBS where required.
This is a paid professional position, offering a salary of £32,000–£35,000 pro rata. The successful applicant will gain the opportunity to manage a substantial curatorial‑development programme within a major UK cultural organisation, working directly with artists, young curators, creative practitioners and cultural partners.
The role provides substantial experience in programme management, curatorial development, public‑facing cultural production, mentoring, stakeholder coordination and progression pathways within the creative sector.
- Duration: Fixed‑term, approximately 19 months
Location
This opportunity is not an open call for artists to submit artwork; it is a professional employment opportunity for someone managing a curatorial programme. Candidates should demonstrate practical experience in programme delivery, budget and project management, participant support, artist relationships and inclusive practice.
Factory International states that it is a registered visa sponsor and that international applicants may apply for eligible roles, with sponsorship considered where appropriate for the role and successful candidate.
Applicants are specifically advised not to rely solely on ChatGPT or other AI software when preparing their application answers, as the organisation may discount responses it believes have been generated entirely by AI.
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