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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate exciting visual arts programmes and manage the University Art Collection.
- Company: Lancaster Arts, a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to diversity and inclusion in the arts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of art while collaborating with talented creatives and artists.
- Qualifications: Experience in curating, strong leadership skills, and a passion for the arts.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Post
The Curator is responsible for the visual arts programme at Lancaster Arts (LA), working closely with the Director to curate the LA thematic programme across all artforms, which in turn informs future strategic plans. This role oversees the care, maintenance and growth of the University Art Collection, ensuring its sustainability and capability to flourish. The Curator sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and manages the creative team. The Curator is responsible for the management of the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust.
Major Duties
- Have responsibility and oversight for the visual arts offer, e.g. overseeing the concept, planning, design and delivery of exhibitions, visual art projects and events, including liaising with artists, other institutions and funding organisations.
- Ensure the high-quality management of the Peter Scott Gallery, maintaining the commitments made as an Accredited Museum.
- Work closely with the Director in overseeing LA’s thematic artistic programme across all areas of art form and activity, taking forward programming decisions, and ensuring these are maintained within budgets.
- Contribute to ACE NPO applications if timelines necessitate this activity within the duration of the role.
- Line-manage the creative team: Assistant Curator, and the Collections Support Co-ordinator ensuring strong collaboration and high-quality delivery of programme.
- Contribute to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), working with colleagues in the Senior Leadership Team to develop strategic oversight and deliver.
- Support the development of key strategic partnerships alongside colleagues in the SLT.
Art Collection
- Oversee the management of the University’s art collections and a strategy for access, study and dissemination.
- You will ensure that the collection is integrated, wherever appropriate, into the planning of exhibitions.
- Work with university colleagues to maintain the highest standards of upkeep for the collection and grow it through new acquisitions and commissions.
- Take responsibility for the Accreditation of the collection, working with the University to ensure appropriate conservation, including storage and preventative conservation as well as ensuring sufficient attention towards a new application (due in 2029).
- Oversee loans, transfers, exchanges and new acquisitions across the programme, maintaining and updating documentation.
- Administer the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust, ensuring the preparation and distribution of paperwork, minutes and communications with Trustees.
- Contribute to the national and international profile of the programme and collections.
Financial Work
- Work with the SLT to develop budgets and targets for the artistic programme and specifically, the visual arts programme, ensuring the goals are met.
- Support the SLT in determining future funding needs and collaborate on the development of funding applications.
Management
- Act as key liaison with Estates and Facilities for the Peter Scott Gallery to ensure maintenance and ongoing development of the gallery.
- Ensure robust monitoring across the artistic programme with strong engagement.
- Work closely with the Communications Manager to ensure high visibility of the visual arts and thematic combined art programme.
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to reporting for the Lancaster Arts Board (LAB) and monitoring against key performance indicators.
- Work with the SLT to provide a supportive, accessible and creative place for all staff to realise their full potential, whatever their role, assisting in staff support, training and development for the whole team.
- Oversee the Lancaster Arts Environmental Action Plan, reporting on commitments and developing new ideas, alongside the LAB and team.
- As champions for the Creative Case for Diversity, support the implementation of policies to ensure that LA is employing best practice through a proactive approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Inclusion
- Represent LA in local/ regional/ national/ international networks, as required.
- Contribute to local and regional networks in the arts and cultural sector.
- To deputise as part of the Senior Leadership team for the Director at senior internal or external meetings, when necessary.
- See artistic work locally, nationally and internationally.
- Undertake professional development and any other duties.
Art Curator in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Art Curator in Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow art enthusiasts, curators, and artists. Attend exhibitions, workshops, and events to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous work in curation or related fields. Use social media to share your insights on art trends and exhibitions, making you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current exhibitions and future plans, so you can discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who can bring fresh ideas to the table. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application shines!
We think you need these skills to ace Art Curator in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art: When writing your application, let your love for visual arts shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and understanding of the art world. We want to see how you connect with art and how it inspires you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Art Curator at Lancaster Arts. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to show us why they’re a perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Art Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current visual arts landscape, especially in relation to Lancaster Arts. Familiarise yourself with their past exhibitions and projects, and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their thematic programme.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Curator, you'll be managing a creative team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and high-quality delivery. Highlight any experience you have with mentoring or supporting team members.
✨Budgeting Brilliance
Since financial management is key, brush up on your budgeting skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've developed budgets for artistic programmes before, and think about how you would approach funding applications for future projects.
✨Engage with Inclusion and Diversity
Demonstrate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the arts. Have specific examples ready that show how you've championed these values in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you would implement best practices at Lancaster Arts.