Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is looking for an experienced curator with expertise in co-creation and community engagement to join us on a collection development project and exhibition. This work has already commenced, focusing on collaborating with communities and individuals to uncover new and relevant narratives within our collection.
You will work closely with the Collection and Buildings Officer, Director/CEO, Learning Co-ordinator, and other colleagues to develop this project, leading to an exhibition opening in July 2025.
Your contributions will inform management and board discussions about this ongoing work, make recommendations to support our future collection redisplay planning, and provide information for funding bids.
This project will also inform a subsequent initiative to redisplay works from our collection, aiming to tell the core Ditchling story in an accessible and comprehensive manner.
About Us
Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is an award-winning museum that celebrates the work and lives of the artists and craftspeople who came to Ditchling from the turn of the 20th century onwards. The museum’s Accredited collection includes the work of internationally renowned craftspeople and artists, including Eric Gill, Edward Johnston, and Ethel Mairet.
The collection narrates the story of the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, a collective of Catholic craftsmen formed in Ditchling in 1920, along with other artists and craftspeople from the village. We present new temporary exhibitions every six months and run a thriving learning program for all ages, as well as a social program that supports individuals in the surrounding area with less access to culture.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will engage with the museum during an exciting 12-month period, developing new work, managing the curation and installation of an exhibition and changing displays, fostering new community relationships, and collaborating with internal and external partners to develop a brief for the collection redisplay project.
Responsibilities will include:
1. Working with new and existing community partners to explore the DMAC collection and its significance to them.
2. Curating displays to showcase this work.
3. Commissioning contemporary makers and artists to create new work in response to the collection through residency opportunities.
4. Curating an exhibition utilizing the entire museum space, opening in July 2025.
5. Making recommendations for a brief on permanent collection redisplay.
6. Producing reports for the Board as required, including liaising with the Collection Development Committee.
7. Collaborating with the Collections and Building Officer on record keeping and information management.
Requirements and Skills
1. Proven experience in curation within a co-production or community context.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience in producing museum interpretation.
4. Deep understanding of the museum and arts sectors.
5. Knowledge of 20th-century art and craft.
6. Ability to navigate different perspectives and sometimes conflicting viewpoints.
7. Experience in object handling, collection management, and display.
8. Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues.
9. Willingness to engage with the press and public about the project.
10. Ability to work flexibly and meet deadlines.
11. Budget management and reporting skills.
12. Strong commitment to equality and inclusion, which is a key element of this role.
Indicative Timeline and Key Milestones
Start date: (12-month contract) As soon as possible
February-April 2025: Curator starts role and engages with existing project strands including Sensational Museum, Oral Histories, Abuse Survivors project around Eric Gill, young people’s project, Ditchling History Project (local history group).
March-May: Planning for summer exhibition with interpretation, press, and other materials produced collaboratively.
June: Exhibition install during the last 2 weeks.
Exhibition opens: 4 July
July 2025 – Feb 2026: Manage animations during the exhibition period, including residencies, demonstrations, and changing displays.
February/March 2026: Final report and recommendations with evaluation of work completed and proposals for collection redisplay brief.
The timetable will require flexibility, with more intense working periods at times. You will need to be able to come to the museum site as required and can work from here during all contracted days if you wish. Information about getting to Ditchling is available on our website. The contract will run for 10-12 months (depending on the start date) and may continue subject to further funding.
Budget
A budget of £12,000 is available to deliver this work, including personal expenses and travel. The appointee will be responsible for paying their own tax and national insurance contributions. This is a grant-funded project, and there is a budget in place for activity and exhibition planning and installation. Additional funding will be sought to expand the range and amount of activity.
Application Process
Please direct questions about the role to Steph Fuller, Director/CEO: steph@ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk
To apply, send the following to charlotte@ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk:
1. CV
2. Cover letter (no more than 2 pages) detailing your suitability for the role, including examples of previous work
3. A budget breakdown, detailing how many days’ work at what day rate this would equate to.
4. 2 referees (these will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for the position)
Please save documents using your name and this job role as the title. Interviews will take place either remotely or at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling BN6 8SP. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview.
You can find information about getting to Ditchling on our website. Please also complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This will be stored anonymously and not used as part of the application process. Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is committed to access, equality, and social inclusion. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
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