Art, Exhibits and Exhibitions Curator (Interpretation): Eden Project

Deadline: 1st August

Salary: £27,345 pa pro-rata

Role purpose

Responsible for the curation of artworks, exhibit and exhibition installations for the Invisible Worlds (IW) project. Line manager: Director of Interpretation.

Key accountabilities

1. Overview: To project manage the curation of the Invisible Worlds artworks, exhibits and exhibitions and specific associated installations.
2. Pre-production: To write briefs and tenders for commissions, put out calls to artists and designers, co-ordinate Eden’s arts commissioning panel and manage the commissioning process for new artworks and exhibits.
3. Artworks and Exhibitions: To curate IW-related artworks and exhibitions, oversee the layout and design of exhibitions in the Core Exhibitions Gallery and across the Eden site and produce specific designed elements relating to both exhibitions and events .
4. Management: To manage the commissioned artists and designers relationships throughout pre-production, production and post-production including contracts and IP agreements. Also to co-ordinate the relationships between the artists and designers and their science and content advisors.
5. Budget/programme: To manage the budget (payroll and non-payroll) for the art commissions and exhibitions installations and work to the timeline and milestones and conditions as set out in the IW Wellcome Trust and Arts Council Ambition for Excellence grants and overall IW project guidelines.
6. Installation: To work alongside the Eden Project IW Production Manager (responsible for overseeing installation) and oversee the relationships with the artists during the installation of the commissioned works.
7. Post-installation: To liaise with PR and marketing to promote the exhibition/artists and assist with publications. To manage the ongoing refurbishment and refreshment of the main exhibition components post-installation.
8. Evaluation: To work with the IW research and evaluation team to adjust and improve the installations and share learning from the project both in terms of engagement and understanding both in the public and specialist media.

Education and qualifications

Qualified to degree level with degree in relevant area (e.g. art and design, exhibits curation, events management) with a specific Project Manager’s qualification desirable. 

Knowledge and skills

The jobholder requires five year’s relevant experience within the creative industry particularly within exhibition project management, art curatorial knowledge (local, national and international) as well as budgetary, people management, creative, design, organization, prioritization and time management skills. A main aspect of the role requires the management of a team of contracted artists so a high level of contractor
managements of a wide range of personalities is a must. They will be required to understand the creative process within Eden’s Interpretation programme and have experience in the field of commissioning,
interpretive media including digital platforms, sci:art collaborations and public engagement with life sciences working with a wide audience profile. The job holder needs a good understanding of IW’s desired audience profiles and needs to be able to find ways of overcoming barriers to engagement particularly with those of low art and/or science capital. Commissions linked to this post are supported by the Wellcome Trust and the Arts Council. The post holder should have a good understanding of the criteria related to these grants. Requires knowledge of local (especially mid and East Cornwall), national and international art networks, museum mediums and communication mechanisms of sci:art installations. They will need to show an aptitude to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience of working with both Mac and PC – office suites is essential. There will be training for specific in-house packages. 

Decision making

Responsible for making decisions on the suitable artworks and media for the interpretation of the IW narrative through commissioned installations, exhibits, exhibitions and components of the live programme. This will include decisions around artistic excellency, suitability for audience, effectiveness of communicating narrative, ability to deliver to budget, how the exhibits work effectively together and how the work responds to the Creative Case for Diversity. Creative decisions made in this role are medium to long term as they become apparent on completion of the installation and have a permanent lasting effect on the overall aesthetic and subsequent success of the project. The post holder will consult with their line manager and IW project manager head of department on a weekly basis for strategic decisions. 

Resourcefulness

The jobholder is required continuously to develop knowledge and understanding in the art and design field and keep abreast of industry trends and techniques. Works seamlessly as part of the IW project team collaborating with colleagues, other staff and external organisations and individuals to curate and deliver innovative and effective installations. Adaptive thinking is critical as we seek the highest end outcome using groundbreaking art and technology. Proven problem solver, quick thinker, adaptable, patient and calm under pressure.

People and asset management

The key people management is of the commissioned artists and designers which will be a team of around twelve people, linking them seamlessly within the structure of people and work on the Eden Site. Responsible for advising and assisting junior members of staff. Shared responsibility of a £350K budget, reporting to IW project manager for sign off.

Communication and visitor experience

The post holder will be required to communicate the status of curation and installation at regular project meetings with the IW team. Also responsible for meeting and communicating with external artists and designers. Understands and recognizes how to attract, engage and create a compelling, inspiring interpretation programme for visitors.
Works to Eden’s brand guidelines and charitable aims.