Assistant Curators

We encourage applicants to identify which role you feel you are best suited to, but we will consider all applicants for both roles. When completing your application, please indicate which role you feel best suited to, and explain how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification.

The Assistant Curator roles, support the Programme Team in all aspects of the research, preparation, delivery, production, installation, maintenance and de-installation of the Biennial exhibitions and year-round programme of projects, talks, events, publishing and research.

The Production role will have particular focus on the planning and organisation of the technical aspects of projects and exhibition.

The Public Programme role will have a particular focus on the planning and delivery of live events and audience participation, as well as contributing to the delivery of two non-festival projects in the public realm.

Curatorial / Exhibitions Organisation (both roles)

• Support the Programme Team in all aspects of the research, preparation, delivery, production, installation, maintenance and de-installation of the Biennial exhibitions and year-round programme of talks, events, publishing and research.
• Assist the Programme Manager and Co-Curators to ensure that select festival commissions and all aspects of the Public Programme are integrated and delivered on time and within budget.
• Support the Programme Manager and Curator of Learning to ensure all artworks and events are made as accessible as possible, organising additional access provision where appropriate and exploring how to embed creative access into projects with artists at early stages of projects.
• Represent Liverpool Biennial at public events, meetings and networking events, and lead curatorial tours or talks throughout the festival.
• Liaise with all Biennial departments to ensure a smooth, consistent flow of information.
• Be main point of contact for select artists and their representatives, and liaise with arts institutions, funders and other key stakeholders regularly.

Administration (both roles)

• Arrange accommodation, travel and per diems for select visiting artists, participants or contractors. Set up meetings and prepare welcome packs for artist visits and host them when they’re in the city.
• Liaise, communicate, convene, attend and record meetings.
• Organise and attend site visits and research trips.
• Monitor and maintain budgets for specific exhibitions and events efficiently and in a timely. This includes obtaining estimates, following procurement procedures, raising purchase orders, processing invoices, maintaining digital and physical budget files and providing regular updates to the Programme Manager.
• Draft, file and administer service contracts with artists, suppliers, contractors and other participants, and with non-partner venue sites.
• Maintain and update contacts on the Liverpool Biennial database and support the Development team with compiling guest lists for events and openings.
• Prepare and regularly update checklists and timelines.
• Support with copy-editing and sign-off processes for artist information and interpretation and support the Marketing team in the development of marketing campaigns by providing up-to-date project information.
• Provide information, including research reports or project proposals, to enable the Development team to research, identify and secure funding streams for participants in the exhibition and year-round
• Support in the writing of risk assessments and ensure that health &safety and safeguarding considerations are implemented.
• Ensure that sustainability is prioritised throughout planning and delivery of all exhibitions and events.

Other duties (both roles)

• Manage trainees, interns and freelance employees as well as supervise departmental work placements where
• Attend training and professional development opportunities as
• Work within the context of Liverpool Biennial’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy, Code of Conduct, Health & Safety Policy, Sustainability policy, Safeguarding and other policies in delivery of internal and external service and treatment of colleagues, partners and participants.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends as necessary, taking this as Time Off in Lieu (to be agreed in advance with the Programme Manager).
• Other duties as required, commensurate with the nature and responsibility level of the role.

Curatorial / Exhibitions Organisation (Production role)

• Work with the Programme Team and in particular the Programme Manager, to coordinate and liaise with the partner venues as well as contractors employed to deliver aspects of the Biennial exhibition and year-round
• Monitor, evaluate and report effectively on all Production matters against agreed objectives, using insights to inform future action.
• Support the Curator and Programme Manager in planning and designing of exhibition layouts.
• Booking & overseeing technical staff, contractors, and equipment hire.
• Oversee exhibition and artwork maintenance during the festival.
• Advocate for Sustainable practice by inputting into Liverpool Biennial’s Sustainability policy and action plan, and by ensuring it is adhered to across all elements of programme delivery including artwork fabrication, shipping and install.

 Curatorial / Exhibitions Organisation (Public Programme role)

• Oversee the delivery of in-person and digital public programmes, working closely with the Co-Curators and Programme Manager to devise and deliver a diverse range of talks, workshops, screenings and events for key audiences across multiple venues.
• Oversee the delivery of select festival commissions, projects and loans, including live and digital works and commissions involving participation.
• Assist the Programme Manager in liaising with Biennial partners and venues, ensuring that venue staff are all fully briefed on schedules, installation plans and artists’
• Assist with installation and deinstallation of artworks and support Front of House team to deal with all maintenance enquiries as appropriate, ensuring that all exhibitions and installations are running smoothly.
• Contribute to the delivery of Biennial publications such as festival catalogue and online research journal Stages where necessary.

To find out more about this role and how to apply, download the job pack below