Curator

Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library exploring health and human experience, where you can enjoy exhibitions, museum and library collections, public events, and a vibrant shop and café. We also publish books and online stories.

This is a great time to join Wellcome Collection as we embark on an exciting period of change. Wellcome Collection has recently introduced a new ten-year strategy and this role will play an important part in bringing to life our vision of a world where everyone’s experience of health matters.

Wellcome Collection is part of Wellcome, a global charitable foundation that supports science to build a healthier future for everyone. Wellcome plans to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health. These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won’t be solved by science alone.

You will join the curatorial team, in the Curatorial and Public Practice department at Wellcome Collection, to work on our ground-breaking temporary exhibition programme. Wellcome Collection’s exhibitions explore the past, present and future of health, bringing together a diverse range of voices, material and ideas. You will collaborate with colleagues across Wellcome to develop and deliver exhibitions for our galleries based on Euston Road, in London.

In collaboration with other members of the curatorial team, you will take the lead in devising and delivering interdisciplinary exhibitions and artist commissions that address complex subjects in accessible and relevant ways. You will work with a range of different materials, approaches and perspectives and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. You will develop ideas in dialogue with others including scientists, artists, researchers and people whose experiences can broaden our understanding of health and medicine, as well as demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practice.

As a Curator you will:

• Work on the research, planning and delivery of temporary exhibitions and displays, taking the role of lead curator on specific projects, in line with Wellcome Collection’s audience strategy and overarching mission.
• Develop exhibition projects that explore different meanings of health in its many social, cultural, historical and personal contexts.
• Contribute to Wellcome Collection’s curatorial strategy.
• Act as an advocate and public spokesperson for the exhibitions programme and for Wellcome Collection.
• Contribute to a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, collaborating across departments.

We are looking for a curator who has experience in working across different media and with a range of different perspectives and collaborators. You will have strong research skills and be self-motivated but happy working as part of a dynamic team. Communication will be a strength, as will the ability to work well with people with a range of different skills and backgrounds.

We are looking for somebody who has:

• Experience of developing compelling and accessible programming and engagement for a range of audiences.
• Understanding and experience of best practice in access and inclusion and sustainability in exhibition making and museum practice.
• Knowledge of contemporary trends in artistic and scientific discourse, and developments in curatorial, museological and critically engaged social practice.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Experience of developing compelling and accessible programming and engagement for a range of audiences.
• Experience of working with artists and a range of different stakeholders inclusively on projects.
• Knowledge of all aspects of producing exhibitions and displays including research, design, loans processes, marketing and press and promotion.
• Exceptional written and verbal skills, including the ability to represent Wellcome Collection publicly and communicate complex issues.

Our Hybrid Way of Working: We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. We are currently working 3 days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from our Euston Road offices (as part of our hybrid Ways of Working) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.

Wellcome isn’t just a supporter of great ideas, it’s a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.