At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and curate innovative exhibitions showcasing contemporary art from the Global South.
- Company: Join The Southern Art Hub, a dynamic platform redefining gallery experiences.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, creative freedom, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage in a vibrant cultural dialogue and contribute to global artistic conversations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the art world while collaborating with diverse artists and institutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in curating, project management, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Southern Art Hub (TSAH) is a curatorial platform and nomadic gallery committed to advancing contemporary artistic practices from the Global South through intellectually rigorous, internationally relevant, and strategically positioned exhibitions. Operating at the intersection of artistic production, research, and discourse, TSAH develops projects that function simultaneously as exhibitions, conceptual frameworks, and long-term cultural propositions.
The platform seeks to move beyond conventional gallery models by producing ambitious, research-driven initiatives that engage museums, institutions, collectors, scholars, and wider publics. Grounded in the understanding that contemporary art from the Global South cannot be reduced to geography, identity, or market category, TSAH positions itself as an active cultural agent contributing to global conversations on art, history, spirituality, memory, and society.
As part of its international growth and institutional positioning, TSAH is seeking an outgoing, collaborative, and innovative Curator & Gallery Lead with the ability to thrive under pressure and contribute creatively within a team-oriented environment. The Curator & Gallery Lead will support the development of TSAH's exhibitions, artist programmes, institutional partnerships, and global operations.
The Gallery Lead & Curator will oversee curatorial programming, from concept development to exhibition delivery, for a nomadic gallery model. This contract role is hybrid, based in the London Area, United Kingdom, with a mix of on-site activity (exhibitions, events, partner meetings) and remote work (research, planning, administration).
Day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Researching artists and themes from the Global South
- Developing exhibition concepts
- Coordinating schedules
- Managing logistics for shows and off-site projects
- Building and maintaining relationships with artists, lenders, partner institutions, and vendors
- Ensuring ethical representation and clear communication
- Contributing to grant applications, sponsorship proposals, and public-facing materials
- Helping shape public programs such as talks, screenings, and workshops that support the gallery’s mission
Qualifications include:
- Curatorial and programming skills, including experience developing exhibition concepts, writing research-based curatorial texts, and working with artists from diverse backgrounds
- Project and event management skills, covering scheduling, logistics coordination, vendor management, and on-site supervision of installations and deinstallations
- Research and writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex ideas, write clearly for different audiences, and prepare grant, sponsorship, and program materials
- Relationship-building skills, including stakeholder management, partnership development, and confident communication in cross-cultural and multilingual environments
- Basic budgeting and administrative skills, including managing small project budgets, tracking expenses, and maintaining organised records and timelines
- Knowledge of contemporary art from the Global South or similar and an interest in ethical, inclusive, and decolonial curatorial practices
- Comfort working in a hybrid, flexible environment, with the ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and respond to changing project needs
- Relevant academic background (e.g., Art History, Curating, Cultural Studies) or equivalent professional experience in galleries, museums, or independent spaces
Gallery Lead & Curator in London employer: The Southern Art Hub
The Southern Art Hub (TSAH) is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and collaboration among its team members. With a commitment to advancing contemporary artistic practices from the Global South, TSAH offers unique opportunities for professional growth through engaging exhibitions and partnerships, all while operating in the vibrant London area. Employees benefit from a hybrid work model that promotes flexibility, alongside the chance to contribute meaningfully to global conversations in art and culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gallery Lead & Curator in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the art scene! Attend exhibitions, talks, and events to meet artists, curators, and other industry folks. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or collaborators, let your enthusiasm for contemporary art from the Global South shine through. Share your ideas and insights about the field; it shows you’re not just qualified but genuinely invested in the mission.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
In the fast-paced world of curating, flexibility is key. Be prepared to pivot your ideas based on feedback or new information. Show that you can thrive under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances—this will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining our team at TSAH.
We think you need these skills to ace Gallery Lead & Curator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Contemporary Art:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for contemporary art from the Global South shine through. We want to see how your experiences and interests align with TSAH's mission, so don’t hold back on sharing what inspires you!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your curatorial skills and any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to manage exhibitions and engage with diverse artists. We love seeing how you can bring your unique perspective to our team!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity in applications! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us understand your ideas and experiences better, especially when it comes to your research and writing skills.
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 role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about TSAH and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Southern Art Hub
✨Know Your Art
Dive deep into contemporary art from the Global South. Familiarise yourself with key artists, movements, and themes that resonate with TSAH's mission. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your vision aligns with their curatorial goals.
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Skills
Prepare to discuss specific exhibitions you've curated or contributed to. Highlight your process from concept development to execution, and be ready to share any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your relationship-building skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with artists, institutions, or vendors in the past. This is crucial for a role that involves extensive networking and partnership development.
✨Be Ready for Hybrid Work
Since the role is hybrid, discuss your experience working in flexible environments. Talk about how you manage your time between on-site and remote tasks, and provide examples of how you've adapted to changing project needs while maintaining productivity.
