Curatorial Programme Assistant, Live Programme

Victoria and Albert Museum; England; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days of holiday + public holidays

5.5% employee pension contribution

Life assurance scheme

Family-friendly policies

Free entrance to major exhibitions

Employee discounts platform

Job summary

A renowned cultural institution in the UK is seeking a Curatorial Programme Assistant to support the delivery of live events and public programmes. The ideal applicant will have an interest in contemporary art and performance, experience with live projects, and strong communication skills. This full-time role offers opportunities for creativity and collaboration within a developing team as the new cultural venue shapes its innovative programming. Benefits include generous holiday, a pension scheme, and more.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in contemporary art, design, and performance.
• Experience supporting delivery of live events.
• Demonstrates professionalism and diplomacy.
• Clear communication skills with confidence.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects including timelines and budgets.
• Support curatorial coordination and operational delivery.
• Contribute creatively to programming.
• Liaise with artists and collaborators.
• Help define live programming for V&A East.

Skills

Interest in contemporary art, design, and performance

Experience with live events delivery

Clear communication skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Good IT and administrative skills

Job description

Curatorial Programme Assistant, Live Programme

Victoria and Albert Museum

Join to apply for the Curatorial Programme Assistant, Live Programme role at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Victoria and Albert Museum provided pay range

This range is provided by Victoria and Albert Museum. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

The Role

We’re looking for a curious, organised and creatively minded Curatorial Programme Assistant to join V&A East at a truly pivotal moment.

Working closely with the Contemporary Programme Curator, you’ll help shape and deliver live events, performances and public programmes across V&A East Storehouse and the future V&A East Museum. From working directly with artists to supporting ambitious live events in the galleries, this role offers hands‑on experience at the heart of contemporary curatorial practice.

This is a varied and developmental role for someone excited by contemporary art, design and performance, and interested in how live programming can transform how people experience museums. You’ll be part of a small, ambitious team experimenting with new formats, new voices and new ways of working — learning as you go and contributing ideas along the way.

You don’t need a conventional museum background. We’re keen to hear from people with transferable skills, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit, who want to help build something new.

With the Storehouse now open and the Museum opening in 2026, this is a rare opportunity to join V&A East as it takes shape — and to help define what live programming can be in a new cultural institution.

We particularly welcome applications from those living in, or with strong connections to, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, to help build V&A East for and by local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Project management
• Budget support
• Curatorial coordination
• Operational and delivery support
• Curatorial and creative contribution

Who are we looking for:

• A strong interest in and working knowledge of contemporary art, design, and performance, with an awareness of current debates, trends, and practices relevant to V&A East and its audiences.
• Experience supporting the delivery of live events, installations, or public programmes, including project coordination, basic budget tracking, contract administration, and an understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Demonstrates professionalism, diplomacy, and care in their work, and shares the V&A’s values of Sustainability, Equity, Creativity, Collaboration, and Generosity.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, confidence in liaising with artists and colleagues, and good IT and administrative skills.
• Works well as part of a team, contributes positively to group efforts, and builds constructive relationships with artists, colleagues, and external partners.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, respond flexibly to changing circumstances, and prioritise work in a fast‑paced, live‑programming environment.

What’s in it for you?

• 29 days of holiday + public holidays each year
• 5.5% employee pension contribution, 10% employer pension contribution (post‑probation)
• Life assurance scheme (to value of 4 x annual salary)
• Family‑friendly policies e.g. enhanced maternity + paid carers leave
• Free sanitary products for all employees across our sites
• Free entrance to many major museums and exhibitions
• Benefits platform offering discounts at major retailers
• many more

Applications close: 11 January @ 23:59

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Business Development; Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos; Museums; Non‑profit Organizations