Jobs: Media Space - Associate Curator (2)

12200953694?profile=originalAre you an art curator looking to join a cross-discipline team exploring and questioning science, technology and visual media? The Science Museum Group is looking for two motivated individuals with experience of researching, developing and delivering artist-led exhibitions, events and participatory projects for adult audiences. You will be self-motivated and able to work effectively within a team and comfortable communicating with a range of people including artists, experts, colleagues, volunteers and students. You will be willing and able to balance creative curatorial work with routine and necessary tasks as and when appropriate.

Under direction, you will use your experience and enthusiasm to research and deliver ideas that utilise our world-class collections in an artist-led content programme. Previous experience of managing the delivery of art commissions, exhibitions and/or events is important.   

  • Two posts
  • One year fixed term
  • Closing date 17 September 2012

Application details


When you apply you will be asked to upload one document in Microsoft Word format which includes both your CV and a covering statement. If you are applying for more than one role please upload your CV and then answer online the role specific question.

In your covering statement please state why you feel you are suitable for this role. Please focus only on the experience you consider to be most relevant to this role.

Information for internal applicants  

The post is offered on SMG Enterprises terms, but employees currently on Museum terms may apply, and remain on Museum terms, subject to conditions to be discussed at time of offer.

 

This position will be offered as a secondment. Your department must be willing to release you and hold your post open for your return, and you are advised to check that this is possible before you apply.


SMG Job Description

Job Details


Job Title: Associate Curator, Media Space and Arts Programme

Department:Exhibition Unit

Location: ScienceMuseum, London 
Reports to :Head of Media Space and Arts Programme

Date: August 2012

Purpose of the Job


To research, develop and deliver Media Space and Art exhibitions, interventions, events, on-line and residencies, working with artists to investigate science, technology and visual media (photography, film, television and new media).

 

Key Deliverables/Accountabilities

  • To manage up to five Programme Assistants/Assistant Curators, volunteers and placement students as required
  • To research, develop and deliver an authoritative and innovative programme of exhibitions, events, residences and online content, to time, budget and quality
  • To manage participatory practice and community engagement with arts projects
  • To manage evening events and activities as part of the Media Space programme
  • To ensure all processes and documentation are adhered to, liaising with colleagues across the museums including Collections, Conservation and Corporate and Collections Information departments
  • To monitor budgets up to £50,000
  • To administer consultancy agreements with artists in consultation with the Museum’s legal department
  • To manage the delivery, including the management of contractors and consultants, of art installations both in Media Space and elsewhere as required in the ScienceMuseum
  • To contribute to the development of sponsorship proposals and fundraising documents
  • To build networks and generate new ideas and proposals through active research for the Media Space and Arts Programme
  • Take care of your personal health and safety and that of others and report any health and safety concerns.  Ensure proactive compliance with Science Museum Group H&S Policies, including risk assessments and implementing safe systems of work

 

Working Relationships and Contacts

  • Curator, Media Space and Arts Programme (line manager) – delivery of the content programme
  • Head of Media Space and Arts Programme (senior line manager) – to ensure the content programme reflects Science Museum Group brands and values and is consistent with overall programming
  • Collections (both at ScienceMuseum and NationalMediaMuseum) – delivery of high quality content and to develop the collections and understanding
  • Design – delivery of high quality design for exhibitions and associated products
  • Workshops – delivery and installation of gallery products
  • Conservation – appropriate object handling, and display
  • Corporate and Collections Information – loan and purchase agreements
  • Learning – delivery of associated learning products
  • Visitor research – co-develop interpretation strategies for exhibitions
  • New Media – delivery of innovative multimedia products
  • Development and fundraising – support the team and provide information for sponsors
  • Marketing and communications – to ensure accurate and effective marketing and PR, maximising opportunities for external communications
  • Artists – delivery installations
  • External experts – research of high-quality content
  • External contractors – construction of new exhibitions with specialist contractors

Line Management and Budget Responsibility


Directly line manages: Up to 2 Programme Assistants / Assistant Curators, plus volunteers, interns

Indirectly line manages: None

Contractors/freelancers: Ongoing management/liaison of relationships and contracts

 

Budget Holder of £ Up to £50K project budgets

 

Candidate Profile


Experience

  • Demonstrable evidence of developing sound curatorial ideas and innovative ways of engaging audiences with content
  • Demonstrable evidence of managing the delivery of audience-focused exhibitions, events and artworks in museums or large-scale visitor attractions
  • Experience/understanding of community engagement and participatory practice with artists/art projects
  • Experience/understanding of the challenges involved with delivering themes to an adult audience
  • Demonstrable experience of commissioning and working with artists/photographers to develop concepts and ideas
  • Demonstrable experience of working with subject specialists to deliver accurate, engaging content for non-specialist target audiences
  • Demonstrable experience of event and/or conference development, organisation and delivery
  • Demonstrable experience of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional exhibition design process
  • Demonstrable evidence of effectively working in a team, supporting colleagues and managing stakeholders
  • Good external networks and understanding of the display of contemporary art and photography
  • Experience/understanding of the management of staff

Skills, Knowledge and Relevant Qualifications

  • A proven record in communicating art, media art and science through exhibitions or live events
  • Strong curatorial skills with a critical awareness of contemporary art and/or photography discourses
  • A degree in an arts-related subject, or equivalent experience
  • Strong communication skills and ability to liaise with photographers, artists and external specialists/organisations
  • Ability to research and develop accurate and engaging content within tight deadlines
  • Proven track record of delivering projects on time that involves co-ordination of a number of stakeholders
  • Proven ability to work effectively on more than one project simultaneously, managing different programmes to achieve high quality results
  • Ability to manage and deliver complex live events with a number of stakeholders 
  • Excellent research skills and ability to originate ideas
  • Evidence of strong negotiation and influencing skills
  • Evidence of managing resources carefully
  • Evidence of coordinating the work of different teams within demanding timescales
  • Good writing skills
  • Familiarity with and experience of the PRINCE 2 project management system

Behaviours

  • Ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively
  • Ability to react positively to change and uncertainty
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines, often in pressured environments
  • Ability to follow directed research creatively
  • Proactive and organised in approach to work, with attention to detail
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders of different backgrounds, supporting and learning from other team members
  • Ability to work well within teams located over more than one site
  • Ability to manage projects effectively, maintaining excellent standards and effective communication
  • Enthusiastic and committed to delivering innovative projects
  • Encourages creativity and supports innovation and work of the highest quality
  • Motivate, develop and support staff to ensure a cohesive, skilled and focused team

Scope for Impact

  • Delivery of high quality, life-enhancing, audience focused experiences that increase visitor awareness of media art and the collections of the Science Museum Group
  • Delivery of exhibitions that are world-class standards in curation, exhibition, presentation and display of photography and contemporary art
  • Delivery of a regular, rich, engaging programming of innovative products that enhances the Museum’s reputation and establishes the Museum at the forefront of the field
  • Extend the reach of the Museum by developing new products that appeal to an adult audience
  • Increase breadth of the collections by suggesting programming ideas that proactively increase the collections

Please note:

  • This job description is not exhaustive and amendments and additions may be required in line with future changes in policy, regulation or organisational requirements, it will be reviewed on a regular basis.
  • This role is subject to a Disclosure Scotland basic criminal record check
  • This role will require some evening work

More information: https://vacancies.nmsi.ac.uk/VacancyDetails.aspx?FromSearch=True&MenuID=6Dqy3cKIDOg=&VacancyID=228

Posted: 28/08/2012 09:30

Start Date: Not Available

Salary: Indicative salary £19,526 to £22,972 per annum

Location: Science Museum - London

Level: Exhibitions

Deadline: 10/09/2012 23:59

Hours: 36

Benefits: BUPA dental and medical; generous pension and holiday

Job Type: Full Time - Fixed Term

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