At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to plan and promote the Open House Festival, engaging young audiences.
- Company: Open City, a charity focused on making the built environment accessible and equitable.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in event management and curation while connecting with your community.
- Other info: Perfect opportunity for those aged 18-30 looking to make a difference in their community.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting festival that celebrates London and empowers local voices.
- Qualifications: Passion for events, strong communication skills, and a connection to Lewisham.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Lewisham Young Curator will join a small team that runs the Open House Festival, an annual, London-wide built environment festival, as part of the charity Open City. They will support the planning, marketing and delivery of the festival, with a particular focus on engaging a younger audience in the borough of Lewisham. Open House Festival 2026 will take place 12-20 September. Applicants should be aged between 18 and 30, and must be able to demonstrate a connection to Lewisham.
About Open City: Open City is a charity empowering communities to learn about, experience, and have a role in shaping places where they live. Our mission is to make the built environment more open, accessible, and equitable. We do this through:
- Our flagship event Open House Festival, opening up and celebrating London and its communities each September
- A year-round young people’s programme which includes city-making workshops at primary (Young City Makers), secondary (Accelerate Studios) and SEND schools (It’s My City Too!), as well as our pre-university mentorship programme Accelerate for young people traditionally excluded from architecture in London and now Birmingham
- A year-round programme of events, podcasts and tours to democratise public knowledge about cities and the way we live in them
- Supporting, growing and cultivating dialogue across a network of over 60 cities from Lagos to New York through Open House Worldwide
As Lewisham Young Curator, you will be responsible for:
- Working with the Open House Festival team and with Lewisham Council to build the Open House Festival 2026 programme in Lewisham, with an emphasis on encouraging buildings to run/host hands-on activities during the festival, including contacting and onboarding specific sites into the Lewisham Neighborhood
- Curating a collection of festival activities in Lewisham, including selecting images and writing an introduction
- Recording video reels of selected sites from the festival programme, for use on social media to promote individual activities in Lewisham, the collection and the Lewisham Neighbourhood
- Attending key Open House Festival 2026 events (launch in July, stakeholder event, Lewisham events during the festival in September)
Knowledge, skills and experience: Applicants should:
- Have an interest in festivals and/or event management and/or curation
- Be able to demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills
- Have an interest in and experience of using social media
- Have a passion for the built environment
- Be a Lewisham resident (desirable) or have a connection to Lewisham (essential)
Our commitment to diversity: As part of our ambitions to improve equality and diversity, we welcome applications for this role from those who identify under any of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which include race, age, disability, gender, religion or belief, and sexual orientation; and, from those who identify as working class.
Lewisham Young Curator - Open House Festival in London employer: Creative Lives in Progress
Open City is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering communities and engaging young people in the built environment. As a Lewisham Young Curator, you will not only contribute to a meaningful festival but also benefit from opportunities for personal growth and professional development within a supportive team. Located in the heart of Lewisham, this role offers a unique chance to connect with your community while making a tangible impact on local engagement and accessibility.
Contact Details:
Creative Lives in Progress Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lewisham Young Curator - Open House Festival in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Open House Festival and its vibe! Dive into their past events, check out their social media, and understand what makes them tick. This way, when you chat with the team, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the festival.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to people involved in the festival or similar events in Lewisham. Attend local meet-ups or workshops to connect with others who share your interests. Building relationships can open doors and give you insider info on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Think about how you can engage younger audiences in Lewisham. Prepare some fresh ideas or activities that could be part of the festival. When you pitch these during interviews, it’ll demonstrate your enthusiasm and innovative thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the Open House Festival.
We think you need these skills to ace Lewisham Young Curator - Open House Festival in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for festivals and the built environment! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your interest. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Connect with Lewisham:Since a connection to Lewisham is essential, make sure to mention your ties to the area. Whether you live there or have spent time in the borough, let us know how it has influenced your perspective.
Be Organised:We love a well-structured application! Make sure your CV and cover letter are clear and concise. Highlight your organisational skills and any relevant experience in event management or curation.
Engage on Social Media:If you’ve got experience using social media for promotion, shout about it! We’re keen to see how you can help us engage a younger audience during the festival. Don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Lives in Progress
✨Know Your Festival Stuff
Make sure you’re clued up about the Open House Festival and its mission. Familiarise yourself with past events, especially those that engaged younger audiences. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect your ideas to their goals.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or events in the past. Whether it’s a school project or a community event, be ready to discuss how you planned, executed, and evaluated your work. This will highlight your organisational prowess.
✨Get Social Media Savvy
Since the role involves promoting activities on social media, come prepared with ideas on how to engage Lewisham's youth through these platforms. Think about creative content you could produce and how you would use video reels effectively.
✨Connect with Lewisham
Demonstrate your connection to Lewisham during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that relate to the borough. This will show your passion for the community and your commitment to making the festival relevant to local residents.
