At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the care and development of our diverse art collections and curate engaging exhibitions.
- Company: Join The New Art Gallery Walsall, a vibrant cultural hub in the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, training opportunities, and local discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape how art is experienced and engage with diverse audiences in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in collections management and curating exhibitions is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 46142 £ per year.
The New Art Gallery Walsall is one of the leading visual arts venues in the West Midlands. Situated in the heart of Walsall town centre, the Gallery is a busy and vibrant building with an exciting programme of contemporary art exhibitions and collections displays, lively learning, education and community events, an artist studio, library, café, conference facilities and shop. The Gallery is home to the prestigious Garman Ryan collection, including works by Jacob Epstein and Lucian Freud, as well as Constable, Degas, Matisse, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. The New Art Gallery Walsall has also an impressive Permanent Collection of over 3500 works - as well as Victorian history paintings and works with a resonance to Walsall, the Gallery retains a strong commitment to contemporary collecting.
As part of Walsall Council and funded as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England, the Gallery is committed to delivering ambitious artistic programmes and meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.
We are seeking an ambitious and experienced Collections professional to lead the care, development and interpretation of our Collections, Archives and Art Library. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions & Collections, you will play a central role in shaping how our collections are managed, displayed and shared with audiences. You will oversee collections management to accreditation standards, develop policies and procedures, and curate a dynamic programme of exhibitions and displays. You will also:
- Lead on the accessioning, conservation and long-term care of the Gallery’s collections and archives
- Develop and manage loans, acquisitions and collections policies
- Curate and deliver exhibitions and displays from the collection
- Increase public access and engagement through innovative interpretation
- Build partnerships with artists, donors, communities and sector peers
- Line manage the Collections and Archives Assistant and support wider team development
This is a key role for the organisation, acting as an advocate for the Collections and contributing to the Gallery’s wider artistic and strategic ambitions.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic individual, with good attention to detail and an excellent team player to join us for the next exciting stage in the Gallery’s future. As a skilled and motivated professional with a passion for collections and public engagement you will bring:
- Strong experience in collections management within a museum or gallery setting.
- Knowledge of historic, modern, and contemporary art.
- Experience of curating exhibitions and developing engaging displays.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex projects.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence to work across teams and with partners.
- Creative thinking and the ability to develop innovative approaches to interpretation and audience engagement.
- Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively.
At The New Art Gallery Walsall, you’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team working within a nationally recognised cultural institution. We offer:
- The opportunity to work with an important and diverse art collection
- A leading role in shaping how collections are experienced by audiences
- Professional development and opportunities to grow your career
- The chance to contribute to an ambitious Arts Council England funded programme
Whilst working with Walsall Council you can take advantage of a host of employee benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement (increasing after 5 years)
- Access to the LG Pension scheme
- Wide range of training opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health support
- Cycle scheme and car leasing scheme
- 15% selected membership discount for Walsall Leisure centres + other local discounts
As part of Walsall Council, you will also benefit from a strong organisational commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and flexible working.
Based at The New Art Gallery Walsall, with some flexibility to work at other locations. Includes occasional evening and weekend working and public engagement activity. Opportunity to represent the Gallery at events, previews and sector networks.
We want our staff to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve in Walsall, and at The New Art Gallery we are committed to promoting equality and anti-discriminatory practice. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, races, ethnicities and religions, of different genders, ages, sexual orientations, and abilities, and recognise unique perspectives and contributions.
For more information on the role, or to discuss aspects of this role, please contact Deb Robinson, Head of Exhibitions & Collections. Deborah.Robinson@walsall.gov.uk. Additional information is also available on our website thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk.
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole – particularly your ‘Supporting Information’ – reflects your own voice.
Closing Date: Sunday 28th June 2026
Collections Manager - Ref: EE04026 in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
The New Art Gallery Walsall is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment within a nationally recognised cultural institution. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to wellbeing and inclusion, all while engaging with a diverse and significant art collection. Join a passionate team dedicated to making art accessible and meaningful for the community, with the chance to shape the future of collections and exhibitions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Manager - Ref: EE04026 in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Gallery! Before your interview, dive into the New Art Gallery Walsall's collections and exhibitions. This will not only show your passion but also help you come up with insightful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the culture and expectations, plus it might just give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you’ve used innovative approaches to engage audiences. This is key for a role focused on collections management and public engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, make sure to tailor your supporting statement to reflect how your skills align with the role – this is your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Manager - Ref: EE04026 in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to hear your unique voice and experiences, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to carefully read the employee specification and tailor your supporting information statement to highlight how your skills and experience match what we're looking for. This is your chance to stand out!
Show Your Passion:We love candidates who are passionate about collections and public engagement. Share specific examples of your previous work or projects that demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the arts.
Follow the Application Guidelines:Remember, we don’t accept CVs, so make sure you fill out all sections of the online application form, especially the work history and qualifications. It’s super important to follow our guidelines to ensure your application gets noticed!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Know Your Collections
Before the interview, dive deep into the collections at The New Art Gallery Walsall. Familiarise yourself with key pieces, especially those in the Garman Ryan collection. Being able to discuss specific works and their significance will show your passion and knowledge about the role.
✨Showcase Your Curatorial Skills
Prepare examples of past exhibitions you've curated or displays you've developed. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you engage audiences through innovative interpretation. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and vision for the gallery's future.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
As a Collections Manager, you'll be working closely with various teams. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, managed projects, or built partnerships. This will illustrate your strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across different sectors.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the gallery's future exhibitions or how they engage with the community. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation, making you stand out as a candidate.
