At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development and delivery of dynamic art exhibitions at the Royal Academy.
- Company: Join the historic Royal Academy of Arts, a leader in contemporary art.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and access to wellbeing services.
- Other info: Flexible working, employee clubs, and a supportive environment for all.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of art exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Experience in exhibitions, strong research skills, and a love for diverse art.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Royal Academy of Arts is embarking on a new chapter in its history following the recent appointment of a new Secretary and Chief Executive, Artistic Director and Senior Curator, as well as a new Leadership Team. The Academy is at an exciting juncture in its existence as it seeks to expand its world class and uniquely wide-ranging exhibition programme to reach even broader audiences.
We currently have a rare opportunity for an Assistant Curator to join our dedicated and passionate Curatorial team. Working collaboratively across the RA and with artists, curators and partners, this role will support the research, development and delivery of a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions. From liaising with guest curators and institutional lenders to contributing to key research on artists, artworks and future ideas, the Assistant Curator will play a key role in shaping exhibitions from concept to completion.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will bring experience of working on exhibitions within a museum or gallery environment, with excellent research skills and a keen eye for detail. An ability to build and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders is essential as is a collaborative approach to working. You will have a genuine passion for art across different time periods, media and geographies and will thrive in a team environment, contributing to a shared commitment to delivering an ambitious and wide-ranging programme.
The Company
The RA dates way back to 1768 when a group of artists and architects persuaded King George III to help them to ‘establish a society for promoting the Art of Design'. The original academy, in Pall Mall, was less than 10 meters long. Since then, there have been many changes, though the RA’s core purpose of bringing art and design to a broad audience and championing art and artists still holds true. Today we are a contemporary art organisation hosting internationally acclaimed exhibitions and through investment in employee training and development, with courses such as Unconscious Bias, LGBTQ+ Awareness, Bystander, and Mental Health First Aid training, we are striving to foster a safe space for everyone through positive action. We also have Employee Network Groups, Ways In Groups, and an Employee Council so every employee has a voice and a way to feel heard by colleagues through the CEO. The RA is truly a unique place, both as an attraction to our visitors, but also as a workplace. Our people are at the heart of all we do, and we support a broad and inspiring mix of departments; from exhibitions, curators, art handlers, researchers, publishers, and digital to schools and education, visitor welcome, fundraisers, and corporate support.
The Benefits
- Reciprocal Agreements with galleries across the UK
- Enhanced Pension: Generous employer contributions
- Enhanced Holiday: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing: Access to a virtual GP Service and Mental Health First Aiders
- Agile Working: The opportunity to work flexibly
- RA Staff Council: Where your views are heard and listened to
- Employee Clubs: Football, Staff Choir and more
Assistant Curator in London employer: Royal Academy of Arts
Contact Detail:
Royal Academy of Arts Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Curator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the art world, attend exhibitions, and engage with curators. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for art! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the RA, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your favourite artists or exhibitions and why they inspire you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the RA's current and past exhibitions. Knowing their style and mission will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RA family and contributing to its exciting future.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Curator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art: When writing your application, let your love for art shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged with different art forms and how that passion drives you to contribute to our exhibitions.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in museum or gallery settings. We want to see how your skills in research and collaboration can help us deliver dynamic exhibitions, so be specific about your past roles!
Be Professional Yet Personable: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t forget to let your personality come through! Building relationships is key in this role, so a friendly tone can help us get to know the real you.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Arts
✨Know Your Art History
Brush up on your knowledge of art across different time periods and media. Be prepared to discuss your favourite artists and exhibitions, as well as how they influence your curatorial vision. This will show your genuine passion for art and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Research the Royal Academy
Dive deep into the Royal Academy's history, current exhibitions, and future plans. Understanding their mission and recent changes in leadership will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of their exciting new chapter.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse teams or stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build relationships and contribute to a shared vision, as this is crucial for the Assistant Curator role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come equipped with insightful questions about the RA's exhibition programme and future initiatives. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation, making you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely invested in the role.