At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and interpretation of modern and contemporary art collections.
- Company: Join the Ashmolean Museum, a hub for art and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, childcare services, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with excellent career growth and support for interns and students.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the art world while collaborating with contemporary artists.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in modern/contemporary art and significant curatorial experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Ashmolean Museum is seeking an outstanding Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art to lead the development, interpretation, and research of post-1945 collections within the Western Art Department. You will also be the curatorial lead for our experimental contemporary space, working with artists and with colleagues across the museum to deliver an ambitious programme. You will contribute to the museum’s research and teaching mission through publications, talks, and university teaching, while working closely with colleagues on collections care, conservation, digitisation, and interpretation. This is a full-time, fixed-term post for 5 years.
You will have a postgraduate degree in modern and/or contemporary art together with significant curatorial experience within a museum or gallery environment. You will bring expertise in exhibitions, collections development, and the presentation of modern and contemporary art. You will have experience of working with contemporary artists, a strong research and publication profile, and the ability to engage specialist and non-specialist audiences alike. Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills are essential, together with the ability to build effective professional relationships and support interns, volunteers, and students.
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer:
- 38 days of annual leave (bank holidays inclusive)
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at atrecruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.
An automatic annual increment each year will be paid up to (and not including) the discretionary range within the University of Oxford’s grade 9 salary scale.
Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Western Art in Oxford employer: Association for Art History
The Ashmolean Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values diversity and employee wellbeing. With generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, childcare services, and support for flexible working, the museum fosters professional growth through collaboration with artists and academic institutions, making it an ideal place for those passionate about modern and contemporary art.
Contact Details:
Association for Art History Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Western Art in Oxford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow art enthusiasts, curators, and artists. Attend exhibitions, talks, and workshops to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or colleagues, don’t hold back! Share your insights on modern and contemporary art, and discuss your past projects. This will showcase your passion and knowledge, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by researching the museum and its collections. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to discuss your vision for exhibitions. Confidence is key, so practice your responses and be ready to engage in meaningful conversations.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your application – we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Western Art in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for modern and contemporary art shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at the Ashmolean Museum.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant curatorial experience and showcases your expertise in exhibitions and collections development. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your experiences with contemporary artists and how you can contribute to our ambitious programme.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association for Art History
✨Know Your Art History
Brush up on your knowledge of modern and contemporary art, especially post-1945. Be prepared to discuss key movements, artists, and exhibitions that have shaped the field. This will show your passion and expertise, making you a strong candidate.
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Experience
Be ready to share specific examples of your curatorial work. Discuss exhibitions you've organised, collections you've developed, and how you've engaged with contemporary artists. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Engage with the Museum's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Ashmolean Museum's mission and current projects. Think about how your vision aligns with theirs and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their research and teaching goals. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but in the institution itself.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about teamwork and collaboration, as these skills are essential for the role. Have examples ready that showcase your ability to work with diverse teams, support interns, and engage with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
