Oriel Creative Programme Curator

Are you ready for a once‑in‑a‑career opportunity and to be part of healthcare history? Do you want to join a team at the forefront of delivering a brand‑new world‑leading centre for advancing eye health in London? If so, there is an exciting opportunity to play a central role delivering the Oriel creative programme. We are seeking a creative programme curator to lead arts, heritage and science on‐show activity during the operational commissioning phase of the new centre and beyond. The postholder will act as the specialist curatorial lead, supporting the safe transition, management, interpretation and display of Moorfields’ and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology’s arts and heritage collections. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape an inspiring, inclusive and therapeutic environment for patients, staff, students, volunteers and visitors within a landmark NHS development.

Main duties of the job:

• Lead arts and heritage policy development and collection management
• Oversee the safe relocation and installation of Moorfields’ historical and art collections
• Manage new commissions, acquisitions and rotation plans (subject to funding)
• Deliver an integrated, building‑wide interpretive strategy for arts, heritage and science on show
• Support stakeholder and public engagement activity
• Provide expert advice on arts, heritage and collections within a healthcare environment

The role requires regular travel between Moorfields sites, the Camden construction site and partner organisations.

What’s in it for You?

• Competitive salary (including high‑cost area supplement)
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• 24/7 independent counselling support
• Career‑long learning and development opportunities
• Excellent transport connections
• Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes
• Free Pilates classes
• Full support and training to develop your skills

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities:

• Serve as the specialist curatorial lead for Moorfields and the IOO, and provide administrative support to the Joint Arts and Heritage Committee
• Lead on development of policies for the Joint Arts and Heritage committee
• Support transition to a new model and location for the Moorfields Historical Collection
• Complete a full audit and condition assessment of the Moorfields & IoO art collection & develop the collection criteria/manifesto for the new centre
• Identify artworks suitable for display in the new centre through spatial mapping and engagement with stakeholders
• Oversee conservation, reframing and preparation for installation, working with removal company to ensure location plan is realised
• Manage new commissions, acquisitions and rotation plans, pending funding agreement
• Work with stakeholders and undertake engagement to lead production of a building‑wide interpretive strategy for arts, heritage and science on show, launch this for building opening plan, organise, manage and facilitate stakeholder events as required
• Set up and lead project team meetings, working groups and task groups involving stakeholders and project team members
• Regularly report on progress, monitoring progress against plan and delivery of objectives
• Collate inputs and draft reports for Oriel Executive Board as required
• Produce and update other key documents/reports as required, using the full suite of Microsoft Office tools

Person specification:

Education Essential criteria:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in an arts‑related qualification or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in an art environment
• Professional qualification(s), postgraduate qualification in Arts management or Arts in Health or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in an arts and health environment
• Thorough knowledge of Arts in health professional issues and current practice

Experience Essential criteria:

• Highly developed specialist knowledge of Arts and Arts in Health
• Post‑qualification experience in an art, museum or arts in healthcare environment (at least 5 years)
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in cataloguing and art handling

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge Essential criteria:

• Extensive experience of planning and implementing exhibitions and art events
• Established stakeholder management (Senior Level)

Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory DBS disclosure and two references. We do not offer visa sponsorship for roles unless clearly stated in our adverts, so please consider this before applying.

Equality, diversity and inclusion:

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our organisational culture. As part of our pledge to take positive action in recruitment we encourage applications from under‑represented candidates including BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) and Disabled candidates as we work towards a representative workforce that is able to provide the quality, dignity and respect and to deliver above and beyond. Moorfields is a flexible working friendly organisation, and we are committed to helping our employees achieve a work‑life balance that is beneficial for health and wellbeing, motivation levels and job satisfaction. Every employee of the Trust has the right to request to work flexibly. Please speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement. If it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you. If we receive sufficient applications, we will close this ad prior to the closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application.

Contact Questions about reasonable adjustments before applying or an accessible version of recruitment documents, please contact the recruitment team at moorfields.recruitment@nhs.net.