Audience Development and Communications Manager
Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft are looking for an experienced curator with experience in co-creation and work with communities to work with us on a collection development project and exhibition. This work has already started, with a focus on working with communities and individuals to uncover new and relevant narratives with our collection.
You will work closely with the Collection and Buildings Officer, Director/CEO, Learning Co-ordinator and other colleagues to develop this work, leading to an exhibition opening in July 2025.
You will feed into management and board discussions about this ongoing work, make recommendations to support our future collection redisplay planning, and contribute information for funding bids.
This work will inform a further project to redisplay works from our collection to tell the core Ditchling story in an accessible and comprehensive way.
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 tells the story of the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic, a collective of Catholic craftsmen who formed in Ditchling in 1920, and the other artists and craftspeople from the village. New temporary exhibitions are presented every six months and we run a thriving learning programme for all ages, and a social programme which supports people in the surrounding area with less access to culture.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work with the museum through an exciting 12-month period during which they will develop new work, manage the curation and installation of an exhibition and changing displays, developing new community relationships, and working 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 exploring the DMAC collection and what it means 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 using the whole museum space, opening in July 2025.
5. Making recommendations towards a brief for permanent collection redisplay.
6. Producing reports for the Board as required including liaising with Collection Development Committee.
7. Working with Collections and Building Officer on record keeping and information management.
Requirements and Skills
1. Proven experience of curation within a co-production or community context.
2. Excellent people skills.
3. Good communication skills, written and verbal including experience in producing museum interpretation.
4. Strong 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 of object handling, collection management and display.
8. Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues.
9. Willingness to speak to press and public about the project.
10. Ability to work flexibly and to deadlines.
11. Budget management and reporting.
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 Engagement 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 material produced collaboratively.
June Exhibition install 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.
Timetable will require flexibility with more intense working at some periods. 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 on our website. The contract will run for 10-12 months (depending on start date), and may continue subject to further funding.
Budget
A budget of £12,000 is available to deliver this work, to include 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 in the event 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.
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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