Curator

At Nottingham Contemporary, we believe in the power of contemporary art to inspire, challenge and transform. Our exhibitions, events and learning programmes offer opportunities for people to encounter, experience and participate in contemporary art and culture.

Our vision is to be a leading international contemporary art gallery, known for our innovative exhibitions, live programmes and engagement with the community. We aim to be a space where art connects, bridging conversations across our city and around the world, nurturing and shaping the future of art and ideas.

Our mission is to be a home for collaboration. Everything we do is collaborative. We believe art can be a prism for better understanding the world and each other.

Our values of being brave, open, hopeful and resourceful reflect our commitment to promote diversity, equity and access in the arts. We are not afraid to take risks, embrace new ideas and question the status quo. We are open to different perspectives and believe in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Our hope is that contemporary art will inspire people to imagine a better world, and our resourcefulness allows us to find creative solutions to the challenges we face.

Nottingham Contemporary has presented more than 80 exhibitions of international art since opening in 2009. Our ambitious exhibitions empower different perspectives into the most pressing social, cultural and political questions of today.

We support artists at different stages of their careers, from presenting first-time solo shows in the UK, to surveys of internationally renowned figures. We commission major new works, with many of our exhibitions touring nationally and internationally. Our large-scale, research-led thematic exhibitions often bring art into dialogue with music, design, architecture, film and other disciplines.

Objectives:

• Work closely with the Director, Chief Curator and Assistant Curator to shape, produce and deliver exhibitions, commissions, project-related events and cross-departmental collaborations, in dialogue with the Learning, Live Programmes and Technical teams
• Ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Exhibitions Department

Key Responsibilities:

Curatorial research & development

• Connect with the interests of our local communities, building significant relationships in the city, and connecting with current international debates
• Keep abreast of developments in national and international contemporary art, actively participating in contemporary art world events to develop working relationships
• Research ideas and contribute approaches to the programme and its strategic development
• Work in collaboration with the Live Programmes and Learning teams to identify and develop opportunities for integrated programming

Exhibition production, project management & delivery

• Lead on up to two curatorial projects per year, from conception to realisation, as directed by the Chief Curator
• Support the coordination and delivery of projects initiated by the Director and Chief Curator
• Work closely in collaboration with the Assistant Curator to ensure the efficient and environmentally responsible operation of the Exhibitions Department, evaluating and revising processes as necessary in dialogue with the Chief Curator
• Manage the planning and scheduling of all stages of the exhibition process, in liaison with the Curatorial and Technical teams and other departments as necessary. This includes: research, liaison and management of loan requests; drafting contracts with exhibiting artists and external partners; coordinating the production and technical aspects of exhibition delivery, including researching and liaising with fabricators and sub-contractors, and installation and de-installation of exhibitions, in dialogue with the Technical team; and coordinating art handling, transport and insurance in collaboration with the Assistant Curator.
• Monitor and maintain project income and expenditure budgets set by the Chief Curator, including researching draft budgets and managing quarterly budget reconciliations. Ensure projects are delivered within available budget.
• Coordinate the administration of touring exhibitions and commissions
• Write exhibition texts and copy for interpretation, website, marketing materials and other platforms
• Manage hospitality arrangements for exhibitions
• Ensure exhibitions are fully documented for archival purposes, and maintain exhibition archives and files (both paper and electronic)
• Work with the Assistant Curator and Audiences team to produce exhibition resources and implement accessibility measures
• Risk-assess and coordinate safeguarding discussions for exhibitions, liaising with H&S officers, Facilities Manager, Chief Curator, Head of Audiences and Head of Learning
• Assist the Chief Curator in ensuring other teams, including Visitor Services, Front of House and Gallery Assistants, are well-informed about Nottingham Contemporary’s future programme

Fundraising, evaluation & partnerships

• Fundraise for the Exhibitions programme, researching opportunities (trusts, foundations, sponsors and individual supporters) and writing applications, with support from the Development Manager and Assistant Curator
• Assist the Development Manager in drafting patrons’ documents related to the artistic programme
• Liaise with the Director and Development Manager to steward patrons and benefactors, as appropriate
• Represent the organisation by giving presentations, tours and introductions to groups of patrons, partners and supporters.
• Manage reporting and evaluation to lenders, partners and funders
• Support the Director and Chief Curator in developing and maintaining partnerships with museums, galleries and other organisations

General

• Manage the administration of unsolicited exhibitions proposals
• Coordinate the production of exhibition catalogues and associated publicity material
• Manage internships and apprenticeships, including the recruitment process, training and line-management
• Contribute to the training and professional development of the Assistant Curator
• Coordinate and participate in project meetings, staff meetings, training, employee forums, working groups and others as appropriate
• Represent Nottingham Contemporary at local, regional and national forums, as appropriate, acting as an advocate for Nottingham Contemporary’s values and mission
• Carry out duties in accordance with Nottingham Contemporary’s Equal Opportunities, Access and Inclusion, Employment, Environmental, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding policies

Skills Required: 

• Experience of commissioning and organising exhibitions from planning to delivery, including experience of registrar duties
• Ability to manage projects, including relationships, timelines and budgets, with good administrative and planning skills
• Experience of monitoring and controlling project budgets
• Track record of working on numerous projects at the same time with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven experience of building strong relationships with artists, and working with galleries, institutions, partners and funders
• Experience of public arts sector funding and completing successful fundraising bids. Interest in developing relationships with patrons and benefactors.
• Experience of developing and project managing publications, related print and interpretative material
• Sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary art and of cultural and socio-political debates both nationally and internationally
• An energetic and collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and accuracy in editing and proof reading.
• Working knowledge of IT including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SketchUp
• A proven commitment to environmental responsibility and access, equity and inclusion