Curatorial Programme Assistant, Live Programme

Victoria and Albert Museum; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Greater London seeks a Curatorial Programme Assistant to contribute to contemporary programming. The role involves collaborating with a curator to shape live events and public programmes while learning new ways of working. Ideal candidates will have a curiosity for contemporary art and design, offering transferable skills rather than a conventional museum background. This position provides a unique opportunity to help define programming in a newly developing cultural space opening in 2026.

Qualifications

• Interest in contemporary art, design, and performance.
• Transferable skills from diverse backgrounds.
• Curiosity and a collaborative spirit.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Contemporary Programme Curator.
• Help shape and deliver live events and public programmes.
• Contribute ideas for new formats and ways of working.

Job description

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.