Art curator jobs
About us
Since 2021, the SS Great Britain Trust has offered people in Bristol who are underrepresented in the heritage sector the opportunity to use the museum archive to generate creative work. Originally funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, since 2023 the Trust has maintained this work independently, and we have recently secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop this work further.
We aspire to develop a participatory research practice which allows community members to explore the Trust’s entire archive collections, and for this to drive our site storytelling to bring relevance to the breadth of communities who call Bristol home. We need someone with a unique set of skills and aptitudes to help this work grow.
The Community Research programme encourages open and honest investigation and exploration, and empowers people to publish, write, draw and create from original archival material, developing and opening up positive and tangible bonds with new communities and audiences in Bristol.
Candidate description:
The candidate will work with the Trust’s curatorial team, our collection items, our communities officer, and cohorts of researchers from a range of Bristol communities. Bringing these elements together, we want to meet someone who can facilitate non-museum specialists in generating research, storytelling and making creative outputs from those collections, in a number of forms. These could be publications, public events, educational resources, art, literature and more. We’re looking for someone who will enjoy researching with historical materials and have the ability to link people and stories together. They will work to unlock the barriers that exist between many audiences and heritage sites and support the overall development of Community Research within the wider work of the Trust.
It is essential that the person for this role has good knowledge of and be experienced in discussing and contextualizing history with individuals that do not have background or training in the subject. We also want to overcome barriers by being flexible on the time of day and week that people can engage with us, so we’re looking for someone who is able to work flexibly, potentially for one evening a week and 2 weekend days per month.
Main Responsibilities
- Work with, and support visitors and researchers from all backgrounds and places to explore, research, publish and curate stories and histories of mobility, communication and globalisation as they relate to the SS Great Britain.
- Work with the Trust’s Communities Officer to scope and generate new opportunities for collaborative, community-led research and collections work and support the work of future Community Research cohorts in 2025 and 2026.
- Act as lead co-ordinator for an on-site community hub, a multi-use story space and flexible work area which will host community participants, and which participants will co-create and use to host others that they wish to engage
- Provide physical and digital access to the Trust’s Designated Collections for visitors and researchers and SS Great Britain team members
- When required, carry out documentation procedures relating to museum objects, including accessioning, photographing and making electronic records for new acquisitions and existing collections, and to become familiar with collections in such a way as to assist participatory research
- When required, manage safe use of the Brunel Institute and community hub to ensure both learning and enjoyment, and the safety of the collections, and supervise ‘Archive in Five’ public access sessions, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors
- Undertake historical research using material from both Trust and non-Trust collections and have the ability to link people and stories together
Person Specification
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in History or related discipline
- Evidence of working with historic artefacts and archive materials
- Ability to demonstrate co-operative working especially with non-specialist audiences
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evening meetings and some weekends
- Awareness of museum practices and willingness to be fully trained in collections management procedures
- Basic awareness of museum object handling
- Commitment to continuing professional development
- Attention to detail and ability to respond to changing priorities
Desirable
- Evidence of working with community partners in project or volunteering work
- Familiarity with histories of the Atlantic World, maritime and/or imperial histories
- Experience of computerised data entry
- Experience of working with collections in a museum or heritage environment
Registered Charity 
51 - 100
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Modern Art Oxford is offering an exciting opportunity within its Exhibitions team.
Coordinator, Exhibitions & Live Programmes
Salary: £26,520
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time – 40 hours per week including regular evenings and weekends with time off in lieu
Based: Modern Art Oxford, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP
Line Manager: Curator, Exhibitions & Live Programmes
Working as Coordinator, Exhibitions & Live Programmes you will support the Exhibitions team in the research, administration and delivery of exhibitions, commissions and live programmes. A highly organised individual with an eye for accuracy, you will ensure appropriate and ongoing communication across departments to realise projects successfully, within budget and to the highest standard.
The role provides the opportunity to build on your existing skills and experience in the research, planning and delivery of contemporary art exhibitions and events. You will be trusted to use your initiative in problem solving and encouraged to contribute ideas. This job is an integral role in the team, aimed at an early-career arts professional with roughly 2 years of experience.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for contemporary art and a willingness to gain a broad range of curatorial skills and experiences. They will have strong administration skills, with demonstrable experience, a proactive mindset and the ability to be flexible. They will have a keen attention to detail and an ability to prioritise and deliver multiple strands of work to deadlines. Good planning and communication skills are essential in this busy, demanding and exciting environment. They will be comfortable working as part of a team, and sharing responsibilities and tasks where necessary.
Essential:
- A keen interest in contemporary art and visual culture.
- Highly organised and methodical with experience of managing and updating records and databases.
- A solutions-focused, proactive and flexible attitude.
- A motivated, proactive self-starter who takes initiative with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Rigorous attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Good time and workload management skills.
- Proficient IT skills – MS Office, Excel in particular.
- At least two years’ experience in an administrative role.
Desirable:
- An undergraduate degree in an Arts and Humanities subject.
- Knowledge of the Adobe suite including inDesign, Photoshop and Sketch Up.
- Experience of working within an arts organisation.
About Us
Modern Art Oxford is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces. Our programmes offer opportunities for all for inspirational exchange and creative participation, both in person and online.
Modern Art Oxford is Oxford’s only public space dedicated to contemporary art and culture. We pride ourselves on innovative and ambitious programming, our commitment to education, and our confidence in the power of visual culture and art to enact positive social change.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus public bank holidays
- Employees are entitled to a discount in our Modern Art Oxford Shop and Café.
- There is an Employee Assistance Programme through Gemelli.
- Discounts, Cycle-scheme and Tech-scheme program available through BHN Extras.
- An auto-enrolment pension scheme is in place with Legal & General. Under pension auto enrolment legislation, the employee will pay 5% (before tax relief) and the employer will pay 3% of qualifying earnings to the Legal and General plan.
Applications must be received by midnight on Sunday 29 June, 2025.
Interviews planned for w/c 7 July, 2025.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We are committed to improving the diversity in our workforce in order to better reflect the diversity of our local communities. All job vacancies are advertised here as part of a fair and open process. We welcome applications from people of all cultures and ethnicities, including those that may experience racism, as part of our Anti-racism Action Plan.
No agencies please.
Thank you!
Join Portraits of Recovery (PORe) as Deputy Director and Drive Change Through Art
Portraits of Recovery (PORe) is a pioneering visual arts charity based in Manchester and is the UK’s only visual arts charity inspiring and supporting people affected by and in recovery from substance use. Dedicated to fostering inclusion and systemic change for individuals and communities in recovery from substance use.
Through the transformative power of contemporary visual art, we collaborate with leading artists and Recoverists to challenge stigma, open new conversations about addiction and recovery, and empower marginalised communities. As the UK’s only contemporary visual arts organisation working within this field, we are committed to ensuring that recovery is recognised as a health, social, and cultural issue, driving change through creativity and engagement.
As Deputy Director, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping PORe’s future, ensuring our long-term sustainability, and driving impactful organisational development. You will work closely with the Director & CEO to enhance our operations, administration, and financial management while leading a small team to support the delivery of our Business Plan. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape strategic business processes, contribute to PORe’s artistic programming, and play an integral role in our fundraising efforts. If you’re passionate about cultural activism and believe in the power of art to change lives, we invite you to be part of this transformative movement.
You’ll be looking after a small team, and the administrative, and financial aspects of the organisation. You’ll also be inputting into funding bids, helping with data collection, and coming up with creative commercial opportunities to help us grow. As a new company, this role would be perfect for someone ambitious, looking to help shape and grow our organisation even further.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Director & CEO in strategic, financial, and organisational development.
- Play a senior leadership role, overseeing operations, administration, financial processes, and governance.
- Manage and support a small team to effectively deliver PORe’s Business Plan.
- Ensure efficient business activities, including HR and data collection processes.
- Oversee financial management, including budget control, reporting, and compliance.
- Support delivery of public programming and contribute to project development.
- Collaborate on fundraising initiatives, including bid writing.
- Represent PORe in meetings with funders, stakeholders, and key partners.
- Manage organisational governance, including trustee meetings and board development.
- Lead risk management, policy updates, safeguarding, health & safety, and diversity initiatives.
- Oversee IT systems, digital security, and business continuity planning.
- Drive internal communication, staff recruitment, training, and performance reviews.
- Ensure compliance with charity and company law, funding agreements, and legal obligations.
At PORe, we value diversity and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of recovery. If you meet even half of the requirements, we strongly encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective and skills could contribute significantly to our mission.
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment process. We seek to build a team that reflects the communities we serve, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we encourage early submissions. Join us in shaping a future where art and recovery intersect to create lasting impact.
This version aligns with PORe’s advocacy-driven tone while ensuring clarity and inclusivity in the job advert. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
Application deadline: Friday 20 June
Interview notification: Friday 27 June
Planned interview date: Tuesday 7 July
Planned start date (subject to satisfactory references): TBC
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Senior Management Accountant
Finance
Full-time, 41 hours per week (including one hour paid lunch break)
Permanent
£59,004.75 per annum
Application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 25 June 2025
About the role:
We are looking for a Senior Management Accountant who can work with our high performing team to deliver a first-class management accounting service to the British Museum.
You will be responsible for ensuring that best practice is embedded across the British Museum in relation to fund accounting, grant management and the financial aspects of the Museum's Advancement strategy and Public Engagement activities. This is an exciting chance to work with a first-class team in a world renown institution.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Support the Collections and Public Engagement business areas in development and monitoring of our public engagement and advancement strategies. Advise on fund accounting and grant management, heritage assets accounting and financial processes.
- Project work - advise colleagues on Museum wide projects and develop processes for/contribute financial expertise towards these, analyse income and expenditure streams and provide and review financial information for business cases and funding applications.
- Accounting services and line management - line management of management accountants, including mentoring and developing your team. Preparation of management reports and quarterly forecasts. Support budgeting processes for departments across projects. Coordination of financial information for reports and paper, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and other activities.
For more information, please see the job description.
About you:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Qualified accountant - ACA, ACCA or other.
- Knowledge of fund accounting and grant management
- Good technical knowledge of relevant regulatory and accounting frameworks (including Accounting Standards, VAT, income tax, NI), IT literacy with strong excel skills and experience of accounting systems.
- Audit experience including some post qualification experience.
- Experience of project management.
- Demonstrable ability to juggle conflicting demands and prioritise personal and team workloads appropriately.
- Able to demonstrate strong judgement and able to present complex financial information to senior and non-financial staff clearly.
- Experience of developing and streamlining processes and setting service standards
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
You can view a selection of our impressive collection of prints and drawings in our virtual gallery.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years' service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
- Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
- Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
- Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
Additional details:
For more information about this role, please see the job description.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that employees have the right to work in the UK. If you currently do not hold the right to work in the UK, we can only sponsor a limited number of roles that meet eligibility criteria. To offer a sponsorship, the job role you apply needs to be in the list of eligible occupations: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations. Additionally (with some limited exceptions), the role will need to meet the minimum salary threshold of £38,700 or the going rate for the job, whichever is the highest. You can find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles.
We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 1 or 2 days a week.
The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
