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- Tasks: Curate and develop Southern European art collections, creating exciting exhibitions and enhancing access.
- Company: Join the prestigious Ashmolean Museum, a hub of art and culture in Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, a great pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on art history while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in art history and experience in curating major exhibitions required.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ashmolean Museum is seeking a new Curator of Southern European Art who will join our Western Art department.
About the role
Ashmolean’s Department of Western Art holds internationally significant collections and is at the heart of the Museum’s ambitious programme of exhibitions, research and capital development. In this role, you will have curatorial responsibility for the care, development and interpretation of the Italian and Spanish collections, and related Southern European schools, from the fourteenth century to 1945. You will develop and curate ambitious exhibitions, contribute to research, publication and teaching, and play a central role in the major West Wing project, helping to shape new gallery displays and improve access to the collections. You will enhance the collections through acquisitions and long-term loans, cultivate relationships with donors and international partners, and contribute to the documentation, digitisation and online presentation of the collections. The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across the Museum, GLAM (Gardens, Libraries, and Museums), and the wider Oxford University, as well as leadership and supervision of fellows, interns, volunteers and students. This is a full-time post, working 37.5 hours per week. Subject to the line manager’s approval, this role supports working from home up to two days per week.
About You
You will bring advanced subject expertise in Southern European art, supported by a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience, and a strong record of research and publication. You will have demonstrable experience of planning and delivering major exhibitions, loans and acquisitions, and of building and sustaining international networks. You will work effectively both independently and collaboratively, communicate confidently with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders, and provide leadership and supervision to students and early career professionals. You will be able to plan and deliver complex projects to time and budget, and contribute positively to the shared goals of the Museum and University.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at Diversity. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process,
Curator of Southern European Art in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator of Southern European Art in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow curators, artists, and museum professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build those connections; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up at exhibitions and events related to Southern European art. Engage with the community and make your presence known. We believe that being visible in the right circles can lead to unexpected opportunities!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Ashmolean Museum’s current exhibitions and projects. We want you to demonstrate your passion and knowledge about their collections, especially the Italian and Spanish art. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Curator of Southern European Art in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Southern European art shine through! We want to see how your love for the subject can contribute to our collections and exhibitions.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in curating, research, and exhibition planning. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and achievements in the field.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Art History
Brush up on your knowledge of Southern European art, especially from the fourteenth century to 1945. Be prepared to discuss specific artists, movements, and how they relate to the Ashmolean's collections. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Exhibition Experience
Prepare examples of major exhibitions you've planned or contributed to. Highlight your role in the process, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver ambitious projects that align with the museum's goals.
✨Network Like a Pro
Discuss your experience in building and maintaining international networks. Be ready to share how these connections have benefited your previous roles, particularly in terms of loans and acquisitions. This shows you can enhance the museum's collections through collaboration.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share examples of how you've led or supervised students and early career professionals. This will highlight your leadership skills and your commitment to fostering a collaborative environment.
