JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE : REPORTS TO : CHIEF CURATOR DIRECTOR DATE JD PREPARED : JUNE 2013 1. JOB PURPOSE To work closely with the Director, alongside the Collection and Exhibitions team, to research and develop a world-class contemporary exhibitions programme in one of the UK s most popular and visited public galleries. 2. THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD The Hepworth Wakefield comprises ten impressive gallery spaces, four of which are focussed primarily on temporary exhibitions and six for collection displays. Additionally, there are a couple of acres of external gardens in which sculpture can be exhibited and a new 600 square metre temporary exhibition space is opening in Summer 2013 in a re-purposed 19 th Century industrial mill. 3. SUPPORTING INFORMATION The Hepworth Wakefield is a major public art gallery that opened in May 2011 to public and critical acclaim. It exhibits Wakefield s art collection, the Hepworth Family Gift and the work of major contemporary and 20 th century artists. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, our ten superb gallery spaces and grounds make this one of the UK s largest and most visited galleries outside London, attracting 850,000 visitors in two years. 1
SUPPORTING INFORMATION (Cont.) As The Hepworth expands on site to occupy a newly created 600 square metre gallery in a 19 th century warehouse, and The Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle initiative develops in the region, the Chief Curator will work closely with the Director, Head of Collection and Exhibitions, and Exhibitions Team to research and develop our contemporary exhibitions programme, both on and off-site. This is a newly created senior post that will play a key part in the gallery s strategic development. This comprises: Our newly developed 600 square metre gallery space in the 19 th century warehouse opposite The Hepworth, with the opportunity for further eventual expansion into the three upper floors Developing international partnerships and collaborations with like-minded institutions The wider opportunities for artists and projects afforded by the external site of the gallery grounds The Yorkshire Sculpture Triangle initiative (collaborating with near neighbours Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the Henry Moore Institute & Leeds Art Gallery) that it is envisaged will generate major new commissions in the region by significant artists Contributing substantially to the development of our publication programme, through both physical and on-line outputs Working to form productive partnerships, in collaboration with key SMT members, with regional higher education institutions to create a research culture that will feed into all aspects of our programme Public programming partnerships that integrate fully with our exhibitions and collection displays Developing an on-line artistic programme 4. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Knowledge A good first degree and a further post-graduate qualification in Art History, Curatorial Studies or Fine Art, or extensive equivalent experience An extensive knowledge of contemporary art, of artists and artworld networks Developing and organising conferences and seminars, contributing to internally convened and external (national and international) learning activity and agendas Skills / Attributes Proven senior-level organisational skills and an ability to work collaboratively An ability to work strategically both as part of a team and independently, leading multiple projects and remaining calm under pressure Excellent verbal communication skills and a skillful, sensitive and politically astute negotiator, able to cultivate and develop strategic partnerships Impeccable writing skills and proven experience of high-quality critical writing on contemporary art and an ability to write text for an approproiate range of audiences and contexts 2
Highly diplomatic, with an ability to achieve satisfactory outcomes when resolving sensitive problems and challenges Confident public speaker able to represent the gallery and its programmes credibly in the most senior international professional contexts Ability to devise accurate financial projections and manage budgets Preparedness to travel and work in evenings and at weekends as required Highly numerate and literate, possessing strong IT skills Experience An established well-regarded reputation for curating contemporary art, within an informed international perspective Extensive experience of working with living artists and their representatives Senior curatorial experience gained within a major gallery or as an independent curator A track record of curating shows that received critical acclaim and have popular appeal A proven commitment to developing diverse and new audiences for art through programming Proven fundraising experience, from corporates and high net worth donors, to help realise ambitious curatorial projects Experience of successfully managing and developing complex projects and budgets within an organisational context An acknowledged and respected contributor to conferences, lectures and panels A strong publishing track record 3
5. KEY RESULT AREAS 1. Working closely with the Director, Head of Collection and Exhibitions, Curators and technical team to develop and implement an integrated programme of contemporary and art historical exhibitions and events both on and off site 2. Taking the lead role in leading researching and generating strong proposals for exhibitions, projects and international collaborations 3. Supporting the Director and Senior Management Team in developing and nurturing existing partnerships and cultivating new relationships to ensure that our programmes are innovative, internationally significant and locally relevant 4. Relating and positioning our offer as distinctive and ambitious within a local, national and international context 5. Working congruently with the Senior Management Team and audience development strategy to develop new and sustain existing audiences, building a widely accessible programme 6. Writing clear, compelling and rigorous texts to broaden critical understanding of art for a wide public 7. Professionaly representing THW at national and international artworld events 8. Complement and contribute as required to the cross-departmental strategic work of the Senior Management Team, including fundraising, learning, commercial and marketing activity 9. Assist the Development Managers in identifying and preparing sponsorship and fundraising proposals and applications for specific projects with trusts and foundations and be active in patron, donor and stakeholder cultivation 10. Liaise with SMT members in delivering associated programmes through information sharing and collaborative working 11. Support SMT members in developing and delivering associated print, promotional campaigns, product development and commissioning of limited editions and other outputs 12. Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the Director 13. Routinely attend launches, receptions and events associated with the programme outside of normal office hours 14. Carry out duties in accordance with our Equal Opportunities, Access, Employment, Health and Safety and Inclusion Policies 4
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS OPERATIONAL Head of Collection and Exhibitions Curators Gallery Manager and Technician Head of Marketing and Communications Head of Learning Development Managers Finance Manager Collection and Exhibitions Assistant Audience Development Co-ordinator MANAGEMENT Director Deputy Director EXTERNAL Artists Lenders Gallerists External Curators/Directors Publishing contacts Other major stakeholders including Trustee Board members 7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION He or she will also be among colleagues at the gallery with responsibility for producing publications and devising integrated events as a key part of our public programme. The successful candidate will have a track record of creating and managing ambitious contemporary exhibitions and projects and will collaborate closely with artists and their galleries or representatives. The post-holder will contribute to the development of all aspects of THW s objectives, including local, national and international advocacy, as well as forging new fruitful partnerships. 5