Programmer / Curator

The Sherborne; Sherborne; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sherborne is seeking an imaginative Programmer/Curator to shape its cultural programme across exhibitions, sculpture, outdoor commissions, performances and literary events. You will work with the CEO and team to deliver ambitious, public-facing work that connects local communities with national and international artists.

We value collaborative, well-organised candidates who can turn exciting ideas into thoughtfully planned experiences and help grow The Sherborne’s presence as Dorset’s

Qualifications

• At least two years’ experience of curating or programming within a gallery, museum, arts centre or comparable cultural organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a distinctive cultural programme spanning exhibitions, sculpture, performance and talks.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and wider team to turn ideas into well-planned, beautifully delivered experiences.
• Champion artists with local roots and national/international standing to shape The Sherborne’s cultural DNA.

Skills

Curating experience

Programming

Job description

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, or part-time at 32 hours per week
Salary: £35,000-£40,000, commensurate with experience
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, Liz Gilmore

Help shape the cultural future of The Sherborne

This is an unusually exciting opportunity to join The Sherborne at a defining moment in our story.

We are looking for an imaginative, experienced and brilliantly organised Programmer/Curator to help shape what The Sherborne shows, who we platform and how our artistic ambitions are brought to life.

Working closely with our CEO and wider team, you will lead the development and delivery of a distinctive cultural programme spanning exhibitions, sculpture and outdoor commissions, performance, artist residencies, talks, literary events, wellbeing and hands-on creative participation.

You’ll champion artists who live, work and create across the South West, placing their work alongside artists of national and international standing. You’ll also help shape our contribution to Sherborne’s year as Dorset Town of Culture 2027 and the emerging ambition for a future Wessex Culture Trail.

And then there is our historic Art Room. We want to turn it from a quiet space into a gloriously messy one: a welcoming place where people come to paint, make, experiment and create.

From exhibitions and outdoor performance to literary salons, music nights, artist residencies, natural-world conversations and art and absinthe evenings, this is a chance to help build a programme with local relevance, national ambition and plenty of creative energy.

About you

You will have at least two years’ experience of curating or programming within a gallery, museum, arts centre or comparable cultural organisation, together with a track record of delivering ambitious public-facing work.

You’ll bring strong artistic networks, excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to turn exciting ideas into thoughtfully planned, beautifully delivered experiences. Most importantly, you’ll be collaborative, curious and excited by the opportunity to help shape the cultural DNA of a growing organisation.

We would love to hear what excites you about The Sherborne and what you feel you could bring to its evolving cultural programme.