Art Curator

Warwick Employment Group (WEG); Coventry; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Warwick Arts Centre at the University of Warwick seeks an Art Collection Curator to oversee day-to-day care, management and interpretation of a 1,000+ work collection across campus. You will coordinate loans, documentation, conservation programmes and installations to the highest standards in line with Accreditation requirements.

You will lead displays across campus, working with departments, students and external partners to realise projects that support teaching, research and the student

Qualifications

• Collaborative, organised and intellectually curious with an awareness of the gallery/museum sector.
• Strong written and verbal communication to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to coordinate complex projects and installations across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Care for and manage the university art collection, including loans, documentation and conservation programmes.
• Lead on displays and installations across campus in collaboration with academic departments and stakeholders.
• Develop content for digital platforms, exhibitions, talks and learning programmes to broaden access to the collection.
• Work with external artists, lenders and conservators to deliver high professional standards.

Skills

Organised

Documentation

Project coordination

Written & verbal communication

Digital engagement

Job description

Join us as Art Collection Curator and play a central role in the day-to‑day care, management and interpretation of a significant university art collection of over 1,000 works displayed across campus. Working closely with the Principal Curator, you will ensure that collections management activities including loans, documentation, conservation programmes and installations, are delivered to the highest professional standards and in line with Accreditation requirements.

You will lead on the operational delivery of displays and installations across campus, collaborating with academic departments, students and stakeholders to realise projects that support teaching, research and the student experience. You will contribute to research, interpretation and engagement activity, developing content for digital platforms, exhibitions, talks and learning programmes that broaden access to the collection.

The role works closely with the Principal Curator, Visual Arts Technician, Arts Centre colleagues, academic departments and the Art Collection Committee, as well as external artists, lenders, contractors and conservators.

This is a varied, campus‑wide role involving regular on‑site activity across university locations and occasional off‑site work. Flexibility is required to support installations, events and engagement activity, including some evening or weekend working.

About You

We are seeking a collaborative, organised and intellectually curious individual with a strong understanding of modern and contemporary art practice and an awareness of the gallery and museum sector. You will bring a thoughtful approach to working with artists, stakeholders and collections, alongside a commitment to best practice in collections care and access.

Key skills include excellent organisation and documentation, the ability to coordinate complex projects and installations across multiple sites, and strong written and verbal communication skills to engage a wide range of audiences. You will be confident managing competing priorities, solving problems independently, and working effectively within a small, collaborative team.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are passionate about widening access to art, developing inclusive interpretation and exploring how collections can support teaching, research and community engagement. An interest in digital engagement and new forms of interpretation will also be valuable.

While relevant experience is welcome, we encourage application from individuals who can demonstrate transferable skills, recognising that not all candidates will have had equal access to opportunities within the sector.

About the Department

Warwick Arts Centre is the largest purpose‑built arts centre outside London. Opened in 1974 and situated at the heart of the University of Warwick, in Coventry, we're home to a variety of spaces including a concert hall, theatre, two studios, three cinemas and an art gallery. Almost one million people visit us every year, with many more engaging in our activities across communities and other spaces. We're passionate about the arts, and how it has the power to move, connect, inspire and present new possibilities; we're here to amplify under‑represented voices, nurture the next generation of creatives, and serve as a vibrant and welcoming social hub for all.

Warwick Arts Centre is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We particularly welcome applications from people who are currently underrepresented in the arts sector, including people of Global Majority heritage, those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds, and disabled people. We recognise that a greater diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives enriches the arts and strengthens our organisation.

Purpose – We’re here to share our love for the arts

Belief – We believe the arts are a place we can all meet - a place to share our experiences, a place to find common ground and understanding, a place to connect and have the courage to transform and explore new possibilities together.

Promise – Experiences you’ll feel and never forget – be it joy, excitement or sadness and whoever you are, wherever you’re from