Curator - Barber Institute of Fine Art - 106868 - Grade 6

Do you want to be part of a dynamic and creative team and play a key role in developing and delivering projects that enable our collections to be more relevant through their display and interpretation? Do you enjoy engaging directly with works of art and artists, and are you excited by the possibilities of curating, research and writing? This is a pivotal role within the Barber Institute's curatorial team and would suit a candidate who is eager to bring new ideas, enthusiasm and knowledge to the organisation.

We are looking to welcome someone to our small team who has experience of working with living artists and a specialism/research interest that extends beyond those existing within the team (existing specialisms include art from Britain, France and US c. 1930-1960; and British and European paintings and sculpture, 1600-1800), and who would be excited to contribute to re‑interpretation initiatives.

The Curator will lead on all aspects of the successful development, planning, and delivery of specific displays and artists projects as well as vital elements of the collections rehang, which will reimagine and reinterpret our collections, connecting the Barber's existing and new audiences to research and new narratives. This reflects the Barber's mission to make its growing internationally significant collections and programmes relevant to people's lives today as well as being a committed convenor of, and collaborator with, researchers and communities.

The post holder will be the key point of contact for specific curatorial projects, as well as providing support for other exhibitions and displays. These projects include, but are not limited to:

• Working directly with artists who are making new works in response to the collection, or co‑curating displays with artists and communities;
• Curating displays drawn from the Barber's extensive works on paper collection and enabling researchers and driving initiatives that enable wider communities to access these collections;
• Researching and developing new interpretation, including digital platform content in tandem with the collection rehang;
• Working with the Director and colleagues within the University, and region, to develop new exhibition projects.

Main Duties:

Curation and Research

• Lead, or work collaboratively with Barber colleagues, on curatorial development of some temporary exhibitions, displays, and artist projects. This might include researching the work of collection artists or living artists; liaising with artists, external curators and academics on exhibition projects; preparing loan lists.
• Initiate and nurture relationships with contemporary artists, lenders and sector colleagues with a view to work with senior colleagues to commission new work and support artist‑led projects, residencies, and interventions.
• Working with senior colleagues, to assist with the curation of permanent collection displays, ensuring relevance, accessibility, and alignment with institutional priorities including digital provisions.
• Contribute to reinterpretation research, writing and new access‑led initiatives within the permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions.
• Co‑ordinate and lead the programming of the Print Bays working in collaboration with collection and learning colleagues.
• Drive forwards initiatives to enable access to the works on paper collections which are housed in their own study space and number 800 items.
• Co‑ordinate responses to public and academic enquiries concerning the works on paper collection.
• Liaise with learning and marketing colleagues, and with designers and printers, sourcing quotes, ordering goods and services in line with University of Birmingham financial systems and processes.
• Contribute to research‑led public programme initiatives, e.g. leading the organisation of conferences and study days in collaboration with the Learning and Engagement team.
• Deliver short gallery talks and podcasts on featured works of art.
• Contribute, where appropriate, to teaching within the wider university.

Exhibitions Organisation and Administration

• To assist the Exhibitions and Loans Manager with all exhibition preparations, including sending loan request and acknowledgement letters, maintaining loans lists and assisting with applications for coverage of loans under the Government Indemnity Scheme.
• To work with the Exhibitions and Loans Manager to plan and execute the safe, timely installation of all loans, ensuring full compliance with Government Indemnity standards as well as lender and courier specifications.
• To work with the Exhibitions and Loans Manager on the design and build of exhibition display furniture, adhering to lender and Government Indemnity requirements.
• Arrange accommodation, travel and per diems for visiting artists, couriers etc.
• To work collaboratively within the team and organisation and participate in team and programming meetings, taking minutes for exhibition planning meetings.

Interpretation

• Coordinate the timely production of graphics and printed interpretation for internal exhibitions and displays, liaising with external designers and printers.
• Compile information for labels and text panels and write interpretative material for specific displays and exhibitions.
• Research and write interpretative materials for the rehang of the Barber's collection galleries.
• Research and contribute content to new digital platforms that the Barber is exploring for relaunch.
• Manage and maintain the Barber's non‑commercial image licences, permissions, and usage agreements, and liaise with the Bridgeman Picture Library regarding commercial usage.
• Co‑ordinate the acquisition and licensing of images for Barber publications.

Other Duties

• To act as sole courier for loans out, accompanying Barber works of art in transit and installation, nationally and internationally, as required (training will be provided).
• To assist in the supervision of collections and exhibitions interns, placements, volunteers and work‑experience students.
• To represent the Deputy Director: Collections and Research at internal and external meetings, as required.
• To be an active and supportive member of the Collections team, working together to ensure that the presentation of the galleries is always in immaculate order for visitors to enjoy and where required to assist in the movement and packing of works of art.
• To perform any other duties suitable for the post as may be reasonably requested.
• To comply with Health and Safety legislation and ensure appropriate working practices at all times.

Planning and Organising

• Will plan their own workload with support from the DDCR and in collaboration with the Collections teams.
• Will take responsibility for planning their own diary and prioritising their workload, working to the strategic priorities of the team (set by the DDCR) and Director.
• Short (one day task and finish) and long‑term (one‑year project for example) planning will be required.
• Responsible for the curatorial and collections research work of the Barber Institute.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Role holder will follow museum accreditation procedures for all mains areas of collections work and related decision making.
• The role holder will need to make some decisions about their work independently, but usually key decisions will be made on collaboration with, and reported to, the DDCR.
• Required to develop initiatives & approaches proactively, rather than just tackling problems as they arise.
• Recommends improvements within own area of work.

Internal and External Relationships

• DDCR as line manager and in planning and delivery of work.
• Director.
• Collections team - working and collaborating closely with Exhibitions and Loans Manager and with Collections Technician.
• Learning and Engagement team - working collaboratively on events for the wider programme.
• Comms and Marketing team - working to ensure that the website is updated and that collections and research is presented to the best possible standard.
• External - collections colleagues within the wider UOB- including Research and Cultural Collections, Lapworth, Winterbourne, Special Collections; curatorial colleagues within the wider City (BMAG, Grand Union, etc).
• Major Funders - Henry Barber Trust, Arts Council, private collectors.
• National and international peers and peer‑organisations.

Qualifications

• Degree in History of Art or a related degree with a strong component of History of Art (inc. contemporary practice) modules, or commensurate practical work experience.
• Demonstrable knowledge of an area of the Barber's collection holdings.
• Demonstrable knowledge of, and experience of working with, contemporary artists' practices.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a museum or art gallery.
• Understand and advocate for the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace and our programmes.
• Experience of writing research‑informed materials - labels, website content, extended essays.
• Experience in handling works of art.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with exemplary attention to deadlines and detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to build effective relationships with colleagues, volunteers and visitors, etc.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure, and to be flexible and use judgement to prioritise workload.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and database software, especially collection management systems.
• Minimum of grade C/4 in Mathematics and English at GCSE or equivalent level 2 qualifications.
• Willingness to undertake further training relevant to remit of post.
• Willingness to work out of hours when acting as a courier, or when assisting with events as activities, as required.
• The desire to support colleagues in the achievement of their individual and the collective goals, and to celebrate others' success as positively as your own.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in museum or gallery studies, or commensurate practical work experience.
• Experience of working with a wide‑ranging fine art collection.
• Courier experience - national and international.
• UK and International travel may be required for this role.

Offer to You

People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector‑leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.

With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide‑range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University. We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work. Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working.

In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries. The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state‑of‑the‑art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham. The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is an internationally important art collection, gallery and concert hall housed in a Grade I‑listed Art Deco building, located at the heart of the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus. Established in 1932 'for the study and encouragement of Art and Music', our mission derives from the far‑sighted vision of our founder, Lady Barber. The Barber uses its world‑class collections to create inspirational opportunities for learning and enjoyment for students, staff and the wider public. The Barber Institute is one of the UK's foremost university arts centres and enjoys an international reputation for its art collection and exhibitions and its concert programme. Often described as a mini‑National Gallery for the Midlands, its collection includes masterpieces by many of the major names in the history of western art, including Botticelli, Rubens, Vigée Le Brun, Turner, Rossetti, Monet, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh, among others. Its collection of Roman, Byzantine and mediaeval coins is one of the most important in the world. The Barber team organise a popular and successful programme of exhibitions and displays, along with innovative, critically engaged learning and engagement programmes. Access to the Barber's collections, exhibitions and many of its public programmes is free for all. The Barber is embarking on a transformation project in 2025/27 and is currently closed to the public. This is an exciting and critical project, which will encompass both physical and strategic change, transforming the museum. During its closure to the public, the Barber will tour its collections nationally and develop new core initiatives that will support its re‑opening and ambitious future.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.