At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to research and engage with film and photography collections.
- Company: The BFI is the UK's leading organisation for film and moving image, promoting cultural storytelling.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, festival tickets, and excellent support for working parents.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community, spark creativity, and make a social impact through screen arts.
- Qualifications: 3 years experience in collections, research active in screen craft, and strong community engagement skills.
- Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented groups and guarantee interviews for eligible candidates.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants
We are looking for a Curator to join our vibrant Screencraft team, working with the UK’s most extensive collection of still photography, costume and production sketches, film posters and graphic arts collections for film and television. This is a new role, supported by an Assistant Curator and would suit someone motivated by the opportunity to conduct research into the collections; to further develop a successful team; to manage a lively portfolio of partnerships and projects; and to introduce new pathways for screen arts engagement at the BFI.
Key responsibilities include:
- Work across a full range of collections engagement activities, including publications, public programme, talks, broadcast, artist’s collaborations and events. Interpret and communicate the collections in a way that sparks imagination and encourages participation
- Propose and undertake new research into the Screencraft collections, securing opportunities for funded research and partnerships, and supporting our vibrant research community
- Develop and support our programme of community outreach, including the growth of volunteer engagement and participatory practice – from Collections in Schools to Pop Up Exhibitions
- Nurture relationships with contemporary makers and artists (particularly photographers and designers), lead acquisitions for this area, and keep up to date with emergent Screencraft fields. Inform a focused, responsive and sustainable collecting and disposal plan for the future. Fully contribute to acquisition, loan and disposal activities and planning.
We are looking for candidates who have:
- At least 3 years collections-based experience, or equivalent, within an archive, museum, gallery or library setting
- Research active in one or more areas related to screen craft (for example, photography, film, graphic arts, design), with a publication record in a related discipline and an enthusiasm for a range of historic and contemporary British film and TV
- Demonstrable experience of working in a socially engaged way with artists, makers and communities
- Experience of co-generating and delivering engagement strategies, with the ability to think and write creatively for audiences
- Experience of designing and managing collections-based projects
- A full list of responsibilities and minimum requirements can be found in the job description.
About the BFI
We are a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image. We believe society needs stories. Film, television and the moving image bring them to life, helping us connect and understand each other better. We share the stories of yesterday, search for the stories of today, and shape the stories of tomorrow.
At the BFI you’ll enjoy benefits such as excellent support for working parents, 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and additional paid time off at Christmas), tickets to BFI festivals and events plus many others.
We support diversity and inclusion, and as an organisation recognise that we need to address under representation within our teams. As such we strongly welcome and encourage applicants from our under-represented groups; who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or are Black and Global Majority. We guarantee a first interview to our under-represented groups who meet our minimum requirements.
Further details about the role, the BFI and our benefits can be obtained by visiting www.bfi.org.uk/about-bfi/job-opportunities.
Depending on the volume of applications, you may be asked to complete a small task or attend a pre-interview screening call to further to assist the hiring team in shortlisting for this role. In this instance, interview dates may be subject to change.
The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday 23 June 2025
First interviews will be held on Wednesday 02/ Thursday 03 July 2025
Second interviews will be held on Thursday 10 July 2025 (If needed)
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Research, Art/Creative, and Project Management
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Industries
Movies, Videos, and Sound and Museums
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Curator employer: British Film Institute (BFI)
Contact Detail:
British Film Institute (BFI) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BFI's collections and recent projects. Understanding their current initiatives and how they engage with the community will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the screen arts field. Attend relevant events, exhibitions, or talks to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends, which can give you an edge in discussions about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with community engagement and outreach. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with artists or communities, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Curator role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on emerging trends in photography, film, and graphic arts. Being knowledgeable about contemporary practices will not only enhance your application but also show your commitment to the field and its future.
We think you need these skills to ace Curator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your collections-based experience, particularly in archives, museums, or galleries. Emphasise any relevant research activities and community engagement projects you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for screen craft and how your background aligns with the BFI's mission. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage with artists and communities.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Include examples of your research work related to photography, film, or graphic arts. If you have publications, mention them to showcase your expertise and commitment to the field.
Highlight Engagement Strategies: Discuss any experience you have in designing and managing engagement strategies. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with artists and communities to enhance participation in projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Film Institute (BFI)
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
As a Curator, your ability to conduct thorough research is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or research you've undertaken in the past, particularly those related to screen craft. Highlight how your findings have contributed to collections or community engagement.
✨Demonstrate Community Engagement Experience
The role involves working closely with communities and artists. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups, co-generated projects, or facilitated participatory practices. This will show your commitment to social engagement and collaboration.
✨Be Creative in Your Communication
You’ll need to interpret and communicate collections in an engaging way. Prepare to discuss how you would present the collections to different audiences. Think about creative strategies you've used in the past to spark imagination and encourage participation.
✨Understand the BFI's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the British Film Institute's goals and values. Be ready to articulate how your vision aligns with theirs, especially regarding storytelling and cultural representation. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their mission.