At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the curation and delivery of contemporary art exhibitions and projects.
- Company: DCA is a renowned art gallery in Dundee, celebrated for its dynamic cultural programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension contributions, and opportunities for travel and research.
- Why this job: Join a creative team shaping Scotland's art scene and making a social impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in visual arts and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible application formats available; we support diverse candidates.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 £ per year.
DCA is seeking a new Head of Exhibitions to lead on the development, curation and delivery of contemporary art exhibitions, commissions, projects, publications and events as part of DCA’s creative and cultural programme. Working closely with the Director to fulfil DCA’s vision and shape its critically acclaimed wide-ranging and dynamic programme of Scottish, British and international contemporary art, the Head of Exhibitions leads programme activity both within the gallery spaces and beyond the building, through commissioning, touring, publications and partnership projects.
A central part of city and community life, as well as Dundee’s visitor offer, DCA was nominated as Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2024 and was named as one of Scotland’s five best art galleries in The Times, with shows frequently previewed and reviewed by The Guardian, Frieze, Art Monthly, Art Review and Studio International.
The Head of Exhibitions is responsible for managing the Exhibitions team, which includes the Exhibitions Manager, who manages a team of freelance Technicians, and the Exhibitions Coordinator and the Exhibitions Assistant. The Head of Exhibitions is a member of DCA’s Senior Management Team (SMT), with the Heads of Cinema, Print Studio, Learning, and Operations, the Deputy Director – Head of External Relations and the Deputy Director – Head of Finance. Strong supportive and strategic working relationships with all SMT members are key, alongside an ability to collaborate and share information and practices across the organisation, from developing audiences to creating funding opportunities, from collaborating on film projects to supporting Print Studio residencies.
The post holder is responsible for working closely with the Visitor Services Manager to ensure the team of Visitor Assistants have all the necessary information and access points they need to be briefed, confident and able to deliver the very best visitor experience. This post holder will also support the Director with the delivery of the final year of the We Contain Multitudes project, culminating in a major group show, and ensuring anti-ableist learning is embedded across DCA’s work.
A commitment to equality, antiracism, social justice and accessibility in all areas of your work is essential.
To apply, please send the following:
- Covering letter or video/voice file demonstrating how your skills and experience match the job description (max 2 pages or three mins for a video/ voice file).
- CV (3 pages written or four mins for a video/voice file)
- Application form
The deadline for completed applications is 12 noon on Friday 27 June 2025. First stage interviews will be online on Friday 18 July 2025. Second stage interviews will be in person at DCA in Dundee on Monday 11 August. Reimbursement of travel costs can be discussed with DCA. An outline of the interview sessions, including the questions, will be circulated in advance. We are committed to meeting candidates’ access requirements, both online and in person, and will work to ensure that any necessary reasonable adjustments are made, both in recruitment and in the workplace.
Head of Exhibitions DCA employer: Creative Entrepreneurs Club (CEC)
Contact Detail:
Creative Entrepreneurs Club (CEC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Exhibitions DCA
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the contemporary art scene, especially those who have experience in exhibition curation. Attend art events, openings, and talks to build relationships that could lead to valuable insights or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with DCA’s past exhibitions and current projects. Understanding their artistic direction and community engagement will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and partnership projects. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully worked with external organisations or artists to create impactful exhibitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to social justice and accessibility in the arts. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've integrated these values into your previous work, as they are essential to DCA's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Exhibitions DCA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Exhibitions position. Review the job description and the Information Pack thoroughly to align your application with DCA's vision and values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences match the job requirements. Highlight your experience in curating contemporary art exhibitions and your commitment to equality and social justice, as these are key aspects of the role.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Focus on relevant experiences, such as previous exhibition management, partnerships, and any leadership roles. Keep it concise, ideally within three pages, and ensure it reflects your creative and strategic capabilities.
Prepare for Interviews: Once your application is submitted, prepare for both stages of the interview process. Familiarise yourself with potential questions related to your vision for exhibitions at DCA and your approach to collaboration and community engagement. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Entrepreneurs Club (CEC)
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Vision
Be prepared to discuss your unique approach to curating exhibitions. Highlight specific projects you've led, focusing on how you developed themes and engaged audiences. This will demonstrate your ability to align with DCA's vision.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, share examples of successful collaborations in your past roles. Discuss how you fostered relationships with artists, stakeholders, and community partners to enhance exhibition outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Accessibility
DCA values equality and accessibility, so be ready to talk about how you've integrated these principles into your work. Share specific strategies you've implemented to ensure that exhibitions are inclusive and accessible to diverse audiences.
✨Prepare for Questions on Funding and Sustainability
Given the emphasis on delivering an ambitious programme, anticipate questions about securing funding and creating sustainable projects. Prepare to discuss your experience in grant writing or building partnerships that support artistic initiatives.