Curator (Art Collection) (20621-0826)

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

26 days holiday plus Christmas closure

Parental/adoption leave policy

Onsite childcare facilities

Learning and development opportunities

Hybrid working where possible

Job summary

The Warwick Arts Centre at the University of Warwick invites applications for an Art Collection Curator to care for a collection of over 1,000 works displayed across campus, coordinating loans, documentation, conservation programmes and installations to Accreditation standards.

You will lead campus-wide displays and collaborate with academic departments, students and external partners to realise projects that support teaching, research and the student experience, and contribute to interpretive

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.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

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.

You can find out more about our vision and values at https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/our-vision/

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.** Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**

Closing Deadline: Sunday 20th September 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)*

What we Offer

We provide a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 26 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

Where possible, we offer hybrid working arrangements that combine office-based and remote working. Opportunities for hybrid working will depend on the requirements of the role, business needs of the department and can be discussed during the recruitment process.

For more information, see here .

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.

Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer .

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.

• Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
• The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

We wish to advise applicants that this role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa. If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK you will need to check the UK Government Website to see if you are eligible to obtain the right to work in the UK through one of the other UK immigration routes before you make your application.