At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate and research contemporary dance, ensuring preservation and accessibility of collection items.
- Company: Join the V&A, the world's leading museum of art and design.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, flexible working, and discounts at V&A shops.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the arts while working in a vibrant, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for dance and experience in curation or research.
- Other info: Join us from Summer 2026 and grow your career in a dynamic setting.
The predicted salary is between 35561 - 41488 £ per year.
Salary £35,561 - £41,488 pro rata per annum
Location: Cromwell Road, London
Employment type: Permanent, Part-Time (0.8 FTE)
Application deadline: The vacancy will close in a month at 23:59 GMT.
The Role
We are seeking to appoint a permanent Curator of Dance (0.8 FTE). The post-holder will form part of the team responsible for the care, research, display, and interpretation of the Theatre and Performance Collections. The role is part of the wider curatorial team in the Department of Performance, Furniture, Textiles and Fashion.
Responsibilities include:
- Researching and curating contemporary dance within the V&A collection, with a particular focus on the history of dance in the UK, Ballets Russes, and related forms.
- Displaying and interpreting collection items, and ensuring their preservation and accessibility.
- Representing the museum at national and international venues and contributing to policy, fundraising and income generation.
- Assisting senior colleagues in running the department and fostering a positive collaborative environment.
We would like the successful candidate to join us from Summer 2026.
About the V&A
The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects, books and archives across five millennia. The museum’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by promoting research, knowledge and enjoyment of the designed world to the widest possible audience.
Benefits
- Generous pension scheme
- 29 days plus bank holidays
- Flexible working
- Tickets to V&A exhibitions
- Subsidised staff canteen
- 25 % discount in V&A shops
- Give as you earn scheme
- Bicycle loan
- Interest‑free season ticket
- Interest‑free rental deposit loan
- Free safety checks and small repairs to your bike with Doctor Bike
- Wide range of training and professional development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff diversity networks
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At the V&A we are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) for all. We are a Disability Confident Employer Level 2 and make the following commitments:
- Guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.
- Providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
- Making reasonable adjustments during recruitment to give disabled applicants the best opportunity to demonstrate their suitability.
- Supporting employees and adjustments during employment.
Curator of Dance employer: V&A Museum of Childhood
Contact Detail:
V&A Museum of Childhood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator of Dance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the dance and museum sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for contemporary dance and the V&A's mission. Share your ideas on how you could contribute to their collections and initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the V&A’s current exhibitions and collections. Think about how your background in dance curation aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Curator of Dance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and passion for dance curation. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since the role involves researching contemporary dance, include examples of your research work or projects. We love seeing how you’ve engaged with dance history, especially in relation to the UK and Ballets Russes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at V&A Museum of Childhood
✨Know Your Dance History
Make sure you brush up on the history of dance in the UK, especially the Ballets Russes and contemporary dance. Being able to discuss key movements and figures will show your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Curator of Dance.
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you've researched, displayed, or interpreted collections. Highlight how you ensured preservation and accessibility, as this aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with the V&A's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the V&A's mission to enrich lives through art and design. Be ready to discuss how your vision for curating dance can contribute to this mission and engage a wider audience.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working within a team, think of examples that demonstrate your ability to foster a positive collaborative environment. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked with others to achieve common goals.