At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting exhibitions and support emerging artists in a vibrant gallery setting.
- Company: Aspex Portsmouth, a contemporary art gallery with a mission to inspire creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, relocation support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a creative hub and make a real impact on the arts community.
- Qualifications: Experience in curatorial practice and a passion for contemporary visual art.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Aspex Portsmouth is a contemporary visual art gallery and educational charity located in the Vulcan Building, a former Royal Navy storehouse at Gunwharf Quays on Portsmouth's waterfront. The organisation has since become known for championing early-career artists, with figures including Cornelia Parker, Lindsey Mendick, David Blandy, Mona Hatoum, Richard Wilson, and Susan Collis all receiving Aspex support at formative points in their careers.
Aspex Portsmouth is seeking a Curator to take on strategic and operational responsibility for the organisation's seasonal programme of exhibitions, projects, residencies, artist support activities, and associated on- and off-site events, while contributing to audience development. The role also includes oversight of the gallery's Crafts & Retail business. This is a management-level position reporting to the Director, with line management responsibility for the Crafts & Retail Co-ordinator, freelance staff, interns, volunteers, and — funding permitting — Project Co-ordinators/Assistants.
The Role Overview:
- Position Type: Full-time
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Reports To: The Director
- Line Management: Crafts & Retail Co-ordinator, freelance staff, interns, volunteers, and (funding permitting) Project Co-ordinators/Assistants
- Department / Programme: Arts Programme and Crafts & Retail
- Relocation Support: Up to £1,000 available, to be discussed at interview
Position & Tasks:
- Curatorial & Programming: Initiate and develop exhibitions and projects, including researching potential artists for the programme on- and off-site; Research new opportunities for the development of the programme; Develop an artist support programme and residencies; Collaborate with the Creative Engagement Manager to develop a programme of exhibitions in the Communal space showcasing Aspex's activities and partnerships; Work with the staff team to plan and deliver audience development events; Research and identify appropriate sources of funding for the programme; Work with the Director to make funding applications in support of the programme; Promote and maintain productive relations with external organisations, including funding bodies, organisations, and galleries; Represent Aspex Portsmouth through attendance at events, giving talks/tours, and attending meetings, seminars, and conferences; Oversee the development of Crafts & Retail as an income-generating aspect of the business.
- Exhibition & Project Management: Organise and administer all aspects of the exhibition programme, including liaison with artists, other galleries and agencies, transportation, insurance, and preparation of contracts; Manage all aspects of project delivery and installation, including condition checking, supported by freelance technicians and volunteers; Prepare copy, images, and video for the promotion of exhibitions and interpretative materials, working closely with the Marketing & Communications Manager; Organise documentation, evaluation, and archiving of materials for all projects, including collection of activity data for seasonal reports and submission to Arts Council England.
- Budget Management: Manage the Arts Programme budget; Oversee the Crafts & Retail budget.
- General: Train and support volunteers to undertake tasks; Identify and undertake professional/personal development opportunities aligned with Aspex's priorities and the role's responsibilities; Support office administration, including keeping internal documentation up to date and to a high standard; Take part in the rota of Duty Managers during daytime opening and regular special events, including evenings and weekends; Undertake other appropriate duties for the effective administration and operation of the gallery as reasonably required by the Director.
Categories: Curatorial Practice, Contemporary Art, Arts Administration, Exhibition Production, Community Arts, Gallery Management.
Salary: £28,000 per year. Full-time position, 35 hours per week. Relocation budget of up to £1,000 available, to be discussed at interview. Access to Work application support, potentially including a grant toward practical workplace or home support costs, travel support, support worker services, and/or mental health support. MacBook provided for work at Aspex Portsmouth and from home. Flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal/caring responsibilities and artistic practice, including consideration of job share partnerships. Training and professional/personal development opportunities aligned with the role. Materials available in alternative formats (e.g., large print) on request.
Application Deadline: 7 September 2026. Interview Date: Monday, 28 September 2026.
Curator Job at Aspex Portsmouth, UK employer: Artinfoland
The South London Gallery is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for emerging curators to gain invaluable experience in a vibrant contemporary art setting. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the fellowship provides structured professional development, mentorship, and access to influential networks, all within a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises community engagement and artistic innovation.
