At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Western Art department, shaping gallery narratives and enhancing visitor experiences.
- Company: Join the Ashmolean Museum, a historic institution at the University of Oxford with over 1 million annual visitors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, a vibrant work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project, influencing the future of a world-renowned art collection.
- Qualifications: Must have curatorial leadership experience, a strong academic background, and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 73000 £ per year.
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Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2PH Grade 10: in the range of £63,000 – £73,000, dependent on skills and experience. About the roleOpen since 1683, the Ashmolean Museum is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology. Situated in the heart of the city, the Museum is an iconic destination open to everyone, every day. With over 1 million visitors per year, the Museum preserves and shares its collections and knowledge to promote research, learning and enjoyment, in order to illuminate our shared humanity. As part of Oxford’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) group, the Museum also plays a vital role in the University’s research, teaching, and public engagement mission. With four major curatorial departments across Antiquities, Eastern Art, Western Art, and the Heberden Coin Room, the collection works closely to deliver internationally recognised exhibitions, innovative digital initiatives, and wide-reaching educational programmes. The Museum is now seeking a Keeper of Western Art. This opportunity comes at an exciting moment for the Ashmolean, as it embarks on a major new phase of development. Central to this is the West Wing Project, which will restore and reimagine the nineteenth-century building, transform public access to the Western Art Print Room, and enable a redisplay of most of the Western Art galleries. The Keeper will play a central leadership role in this initiative—shaping gallery narratives and visitor experience, ensuring curatorial excellence and working in partnership across the Museum and wider University. The Keeper will lead a department of curators and support staff, responsible for one of the UK’s most important Western Art collections, which includes world-renowned holdings of drawings by Raphael and Michelangelo, major paintings from Renaissance Italy and 17th-century Flanders, and outstanding collections of sculpture, silver, decorative arts, musical instruments and archives. The Keeper will also play an important role in representing the Museum externally and will contribute actively to its fundraising efforts, as well as hold a Governing Body Fellowship at Balliol College, thereby actively contribute to the academic life of the University. About youThe successful candidate will be a curatorial leader of academic distinction, with a specialism in an area represented within the department and a scholarly reputation. They will bring experience of managing staff, collections and budgets in a major museum or academic institution, and a strong track record in developing and delivering exhibitions, research, and public programmes. With excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach, they will combine strategic thinking with a deep commitment to collections-based scholarship, teaching, and widening access. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a world-renowned collection and contribute to a transformative chapter in the Ashmolean’s history. This is a permanent, full-time position, working 37.5 hours per week. DiversityRecognising that diversity is our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, we aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution, while providing all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to develop and do their best work. No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Applications should be received by noon (BST) on Thursday 31stJuly.
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Keeper of Western Art employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Keeper of Western Art
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Ashmolean Museum's current exhibitions and future plans, especially the West Wing Project. Understanding their vision will help you articulate how your expertise aligns with their goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the museum and academic sectors, particularly those involved in Western Art. Attend relevant events or lectures to build connections that could provide insights or recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences managing teams in a curatorial context. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives that align with the museum's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion in your professional practice. Think about how you can contribute to the museum's goal of building a diverse community and be prepared to discuss this in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Keeper of Western Art
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Keeper of Western Art position. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, required qualifications, and the museum's mission to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your curatorial leadership experience, particularly in managing collections and exhibitions. Mention any specific projects that align with the Ashmolean's goals, especially those related to Western Art.
Showcase Your Scholarly Reputation: Include details about your academic achievements, publications, and any relevant research that demonstrates your expertise in Western Art. This will help establish your credibility as a candidate.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that connects your skills and experiences to the role. Discuss your vision for the future of the Western Art collection and how you plan to enhance visitor engagement and educational programmes.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your specific area of specialism within Western Art. Highlight your previous experiences in managing collections and exhibitions, and how they align with the Ashmolean's mission.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Keeper, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed staff and collaborated with different departments in past roles, showcasing your ability to inspire and guide others.
✨Engage with the Museum's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Ashmolean's current projects, especially the West Wing Project. Discuss how you can contribute to shaping gallery narratives and enhancing visitor experiences in line with their goals.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
The Ashmolean values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to talk about how you've promoted these values in your previous roles and how you plan to foster an inclusive environment within the museum.