Curatorial Programme Assistant, Live Programme

Curatorial Programme Assistant, Live Programme

Victoria and Albert Museum

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Victoria and Albert Museum provided pay range

This range is provided by Victoria and Albert Museum. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

The Role

We’re looking for a curious, organised and creatively minded Curatorial Programme Assistant to join V&A East at a truly pivotal moment.

Working closely with the Contemporary Programme Curator, you’ll help shape and deliver live events, performances and public programmes across V&A East Storehouse and the future V&A East Museum. From working directly with artists to supporting ambitious live events in the galleries, this role offers hands‑on experience at the heart of contemporary curatorial practice.

This is a varied and developmental role for someone excited by contemporary art, design and performance, and interested in how live programming can transform how people experience museums. You’ll be part of a small, ambitious team experimenting with new formats, new voices and new ways of working — learning as you go and contributing ideas along the way.

You don’t need a conventional museum background. We’re keen to hear from people with transferable skills, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit, who want to help build something new.

With the Storehouse now open and the Museum opening in 2026, this is a rare opportunity to join V&A East as it takes shape — and to help define what live programming can be in a new cultural institution.

We particularly welcome applications from those living in, or with strong connections to, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, to help build V&A East for and by local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Project management
• Budget support
• Curatorial coordination
• Operational and delivery support
• Curatorial and creative contribution

Who are we looking for:

• A strong interest in and working knowledge of contemporary art, design, and performance, with an awareness of current debates, trends, and practices relevant to V&A East and its audiences.
• Experience supporting the delivery of live events, installations, or public programmes, including project coordination, basic budget tracking, contract administration, and an understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Demonstrates professionalism, diplomacy, and care in their work, and shares the V&A’s values of Sustainability, Equity, Creativity, Collaboration, and Generosity.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, confidence in liaising with artists and colleagues, and good IT and administrative skills.
• Works well as part of a team, contributes positively to group efforts, and builds constructive relationships with artists, colleagues, and external partners.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, respond flexibly to changing circumstances, and prioritise work in a fast‑paced, live‑programming environment.

What’s in it for you?

• 29 days of holiday + public holidays each year
• 5.5% employee pension contribution, 10% employer pension contribution (post‑probation)
• Life assurance scheme (to value of 4 x annual salary)
• Family‑friendly policies e.g. enhanced maternity + paid carers leave
• Free sanitary products for all employees across our sites
• Free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions
• Benefits platform offering discounts at major retailers
• many more

Applications close: 11 January @ 23:59

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Business Development; Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos; Museums; Non‑profit Organizations