Curator

Open Eye Gallery; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool is seeking a Curator for a permanent contract. You will lead the exhibitions programme, collaborate with arts, academic and community partners, and shape photography’s future in education and public engagement.

The role involves co-curation models, fundraising, and managing installations, with the chance to work on a landmark 50th anniversary year in 2027. Minimum three years’ experience in exhibitions is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in organising and delivering exhibitions with a proven record of excellence.

Responsibilities

• Curate and co-curate programmes, projects and events.
• Lead the gallery exhibitions programme, delivery and evaluation.
• Develop a relevant, diverse programme locally, nationally and internationally with partners.
• Support fundraising and development of partnerships.
• Manage budgets and oversee installation/ de-installation of exhibitions.

Skills

Exhibitions management

Curatorial practice

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Job description

‘Is this a Garden?’ launch at Open Eye Gallery. Image by Rob Battersby

Permanent Contract

Salary £27,000 – £31,000, depending on experience

Open Eye Gallery’s curator will embrace co-authorship as an approach to their practice. We are looking for someone who can work effectively with our arts, academic, community and other partners to create, share and champion photography.

They will lead our programme of cultural exchange, forming relationships with emerging and established artists and photography sector partners to shape the landscape of photography, and be at the cutting edge of research and discussion. They will also contribute to our partnerships with universities.

This varied, hands-on role provides opportunities to explore and experiment with curation and co-curation models. It also provides the chance to shape the next generation of practitioners, and the role of photography within people’s lives for the years to come.

2027 is our 50th anniversary, providing our new curator with the opportunity to work with multiple photography sector leaders and key partners in an exciting year for the organisation.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Curator will hold responsibility for the overall management of the exhibitions programme, including administration and delivery, and the line management of the Programme Assistants. The Curator will also work with technicians to oversee the safe installation of exhibitions, and the correct handling and condition-checking of artworks. Contributing to fundraising, partnership development and budget management, the curator will work closely with other members of the team to ensure the smooth running of the gallery and its programme.

We are looking for an ambitious, creative, energetic team player with the ability to work flexibly and concurrently on various projects. The successful candidate will have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in organising and delivering exhibitions with a proven record of excellence, and an understanding of the needs and perspectives of a diverse range of audiences.

Main function of job

• Curate and co-curate programmes, projects and events
• Lead the gallery exhibitions programme, delivery and evaluation
• Work with the team and partners to produce, deliver and evaluate a relevant, diverse programme, locally, nationally and internationally
• Support fundraising and development of partnerships
• Manage relevant budgets
• Lead on installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including overseeing packing/unpacking, transport, handling, insuring and condition checking of artworks

Duties/Responsibilities

• Support and/or deliver projects, and events, including off-site;
• Research, develop, produce and host occasional events for the Gallery’s public programmes;
• Prepare contracts for artists, partners, tour venues etc, and be the lead artist liaison, including coordinating travel and expenses;
• Work with the Communications Manager and the Design Coordinator on the design, production and installation of exhibition and interpretation graphics – including writing and editing exhibition, online, and publication texts;
• Contribute to the development and management of systems for storage and cataloguing, working on improving access to our archive;
• Including coordinating collection acquisitions and loans; and developing projects and programmes that utilise the gallery’s archive;
• Contribute to overall programme planning and work with the team to develop funding strategies and partnerships;
• With the Operations Manager, manage Curatorial Interns, volunteers and placements;
• Deal with inquiries and proposals from artists, galleries and members of the public.

Other responsibilities

• Share in everyday administrative and operational tasks to support the smooth running of the organisation;
• Attend team meetings and organisational development activities;
• Report to the board and other stakeholders as necessary;
• Be an active advocate and ambassador for the organisation, internally and externally.
• Cover letter detailing any relevant experience in relation to the Job Description .

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, and we fully recognise the value of a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities. We are particularly keen to hear from people of colour, and those living with disabilities. We welcome applications from those with knowledge or experience of Eastern and Central European cultures.

Closing Date: Midday Friday 2 October 2026.

Interviews will take place Monday 12 October at Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP.

Email Pascal O’Loughlin at [e-mail] with any queries. Please do not email [e-mail] with queries.

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