Opportunity: Grand Union Associate Curator
Grand Union is an artist-led initiative that supports the development of artists and curators and aims to establish and nurture dialogue between contemporary visual artists, and local, national and international art organisations.
Established by a group of artists and curators in Birmingham, UK, Grand Union is a unique project that houses eight purpose built studios and a project space. The project space provides a platform for a diverse and exciting programme of events and exhibitions while the studios provide a professional and secure working environment.
Grand Union is a not-for-profit organisation supported by Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council.
Currently Grand Union is made up of:
Curators: Cheryl Jones and Alex Lockett
Studio holders:
Matt Westbrook, Harminder Singh Judge, Stuart Whipps, David Miller, Mark Essen & Jo Spencer, James Langdon, Helen Brown and Juneau Projects.
The Scheme:
Grand Union’s Curatorial Scheme gives emerging curators the opportunity to produce experimental and innovative exhibitions and events in an exciting and supportive environment.
You will become part of the Grand Union curatorial team to develop and execute their public programme. As well as working on the programme as a whole you will have the opportunity to develop and curate your own exhibition with the support of the curatorial team and a small budget.
You will have a desire to develop your own curatorial practice, as well as to work within a new organisation, helping to shape it’s direction.
Responsibilities:
1. To participate in the planning of Grand Union’s exhibition programme with other programme staff
2. To develop, curate, plan, provide technical support for, and produce an exhibition at Grand Union
3. To assist in the preparation of project information, write copy, and liaise with the Gallery and Studios Co-ordinator
4. To assist with applications for funding and development opportunities for Grand Union
5. To attend Grand Union meetings
6. To maintain existing communication with artists and partners and develop new relationships
7. To, if required, provide support and advice for volunteers
8. To, if required, look through event proposals and submissions
Person Specification:
The successful candidate will:
1. Have a strong interest in, and sound knowledge of, contemporary art
2. Be educated to BA and preferably MA level in a relevant subject
3. Have excellent communication skills
4. Have a passion for working with a range of artists, partners and audiences
5. Be a fast learner and demonstrate initiative and motivation
6. Have excellent organisational skills and, preferably, administrative experience
Grand Union is able to cover expenses for the associate curator per exhibition.
Application Procedure:
To apply for this role, please send a CV, two referees’ contact details, details of your website or blog and a covering letter (no more than 500 words) explaining why you think you should be the successful candidate and, if appropriate, any exhibition ideas you may have. Please also send a review of a recent exhibition that you particularly engaged with (unpublished and no more than 500 words).
Send applications to info@grand-union.co.uk or Associate Curator, Grand Union, 19 Minerva Works, Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5RS.
Deadline for applications is Friday 18th June, 4pm.
If you would like any additional information, please contact Cheryl Jones on 07866 589494 or email info@grand-union.co.uk
