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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Curatorial Department, overseeing exhibitions and collections development.
- Company: The Fitzwilliam Museum is a renowned institution with a vast collection of art and cultural artifacts.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a strong pension scheme, and opportunities for research leave.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team focused on innovative research and community engagement in the arts.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in museum management and recognized for impactful research in your field.
- Other info: This is a University Professorial appointment with promotion pathways after one year.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Fitzwilliam Museum welcomes around 500,000 visitors a year and houses over half a million works of art and material culture spanning from 10,000BCE to the present day, principally from Europe, North Africa and Asia. This includes sculpture, ceramics and decorative arts, paintings, drawings, prints, illuminated manuscripts, money, literary and musical autographs and the archives of artists and others.
This role will lead, champion and manage the Curatorial Department – which brings together an interdisciplinary team of (currently) 17 permanent and fixed term curators – to support the key priorities identified in the Museum’s Mission and Business Plan. The role will lead a team in curatorial research and collections development, the curation of exhibitions and displays, and contributions to collections documentation, to support the Museum’s Vision and Mission, the Research & Impact Strategy and the Business Plan.
In addition, you will curate and lead significant research on a specific area of the collection, which could include displays, exhibitions, documentation and collections development. The Museum is seeking applications from individuals specialising in one of the following areas, particularly encouraging approaches that consider the present-day and global relevance of these collections, and how communities connect with these objects and artworks:
- Collections from the Islamic World incorporating the diversity of artistic & material production from those regions from the 7th century CE onwards: the collection is particularly strong in ceramics (Iran, Egypt and Turkey), paintings and manuscripts relating to different faith traditions (especially from Iran and northern India), and money; further collections include textiles and armour.
- European paintings and drawings: significant Italian paintings of the 13th to 18th centuries, 18th-early 20th century French and British paintings, and an internationally renowned collection of Italian, French and British drawings and watercolours.
- Mediterranean & Western Asian antiquities: major collections of Classical Greek and Roman sculpture, ceramics, bronzes, terracottas and jewellery, alongside prehistoric, Mycenean, Minoan and Etruscan material. This includes excavated material from Cyprus and Greece. Western Asian collections include ceramics, palace reliefs from Nineveh and sculptures from Yemen.
You will have a substantial track record in managing teams of specialists in a museum or other relevant context, and be recognised internationally for outstanding research that is excellent in terms of its originality, significance and rigour, and that addresses significant questions. You will have made an impactful contribution to exhibitions, displays and programming, and have secured major research grants with academic and/or other partners. You will be committed to developing new perspectives on the collection and challenging assumptions, embracing collaboration, innovation and participatory approaches to research, and ensuring the curatorial team plays an important role in the Museum’s EDI objectives.
This is a University Professorial appointment (established Academic) entitled to apply for research leave after being in post for three years, with entitlement of one academic term in every six, which can be accrued. The role holder, after one year in post, will be eligible for the University’s Academic Career Pathways promotion scheme.
In return we offer an encouraging and supportive environment both within the Museum and the wider University, generous holiday allowance, an attractive pension scheme and many employee benefits.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Please quote reference DA43449 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Head of Curatorial employer: Theartgorgeous
Contact Detail:
Theartgorgeous Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Curatorial
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Fitzwilliam Museum's collections and current exhibitions. Understanding their focus areas, especially in Islamic art, European paintings, and Mediterranean antiquities, will help you articulate how your expertise aligns with their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the museum sector, particularly those who have experience in curatorial roles. Engaging with current curators or attending relevant conferences can provide insights into the expectations for this position and may lead to valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how they relate to managing interdisciplinary teams. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led curatorial projects or secured research grants, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in your approach to curatorial work. Be ready to share ideas on how you would promote these values within the curatorial team and the broader museum context, aligning with the institution's objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Curatorial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Curatorial position. Understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the specific areas of expertise that the museum is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your substantial track record in managing teams within a museum context. Provide specific examples of your research contributions, exhibitions, and any major grants you have secured.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the curatorial department in your application. Discuss how you plan to develop new perspectives on the collection and how you will embrace collaboration and innovation in your approach.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to quote reference DA43449 in your application and any correspondence. Double-check that you have included all required documents and that your application is complete before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Theartgorgeous
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Vision
Be prepared to discuss your vision for the Curatorial Department. Highlight how you would lead the team in curatorial research and collections development, and how your approach aligns with the Museum’s Mission and Business Plan.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Experience
Emphasize your experience in collaboration and innovation. Share examples of how you've worked with interdisciplinary teams and engaged communities in your previous roles, particularly in relation to exhibitions and programming.
✨Highlight Research Achievements
Discuss your track record in securing research grants and contributing to significant exhibitions. Be ready to provide specific examples of your research that address important questions and have made an impact in the field.
✨Commitment to EDI Objectives
Articulate your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the curatorial context. Share how you plan to ensure that the curatorial team contributes to the Museum’s EDI objectives and fosters a diverse perspective on the collection.
