Context and environment: (e.g. dept description, region description, organogram)

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1 Role Profile Job Description Job Title Curator, Visual Arts Directorate or Region Arts Group Department Visual Arts Location of post UK - London Pay Band PB7 Reports to Head of Collection Duration of job indefinite Purpose of job: To promote the innovation, diversity, creativity and excellence of British visual arts in the context of the British Council s cultural relations remit by: Implementing international and UK based touring exhibitions with a special emphasis on the British Council Collection, as well as professional development projects which enhance the reputation of British Modern and Contemporary Art, in collaboration with UK visual arts organisations, providing opportunities for UK artists and curators to work internationally. Contribution to the British Council Collection s acquisitions process Maintaining knowledge of a wide cross-section of visual arts activity and practice in the UK and internationally Developing and sustaining relationships with key practitioners, organisations, networks and opinion formers in the UK and overseas. Finding opportunities for the British Council Collection to be known and accessible to the widest possible audience both in the UK and overseas Context and environment: (e.g. dept description, region description, organogram) The British Council s Arts Group comprises seven specialist departments: Architecture, Design and Fashion; Creative and Cultural Economy; Drama and Dance; Film; Literature; Music; and Visual Arts. Arts Group works closely with the British Council s global arts team and the best of British creative talent to develop international opportunities in four specific priority areas: Bringing inspirational new UK work and ideas to new global audiences Showcasing the UK at events of international importance Developing skills and leadership in the creative sector Harnessing the power of arts in achieving international development goals Arts is one of the three strategic business units of the British Council, along with English and Education. The Group is headed by Director Arts, a member of the British Council s Executive Board. Accountabilities, responsibilities and main duties: (including people management and finance) To work as a member of the Exhibitions team in the development and implementation of a programme of international projects and exhibitions which appropriately contribute to the British Council s strategic and geo-political objectives. Contribution to the programme of touring exhibitions, with a special emphasis on developing projects based upon the British Council s own collection, as well as exhibitions on loan to the British Council from 1 of 6 Emma Dexter/Ana Parra

2 artists, private collections and other museums. Both types of exhibitions will require collaborative or cocuratorial working with both overseas curators and/or UK based curators. To lead on (and in the case of very large projects support) the implementation of an agreed set of exhibition projects and other activities such as research visits. This would include all aspects of exhibition management, including preparation of art works and drawing up lists, loan negotiation, exhibition design and layout, project budgeting and on-going budget management including payments, income, risk and year-end reporting, the negotiation and issuing of contracts (including those relating to intellectual property rights), logistical and practical planning to ensure safe handling of works in transit, during installation and exhibition, the development of related communications strategies and educational programmes and production of all necessary texts and documents including catalogue essays and entries. To conduct research as directed into aspects of the British Council Collection, and to prepare reports and documents in support of acquisitions, and to contribute as required to that process. To be the main point of contact for a specific assigned region or regions, and to support and closely advise regional and country based teams regarding all aspects of visual arts enquiries including exhibition bookings and management of inbound or outbound research visits, in line with cultural and strategic regional objectives. To contribute to the identification, management and development of new relationships, partnerships and opportunities, including fundraising initiatives, which will assist with promoting British modern and contemporary art, and the work of the British Council, to new and larger audiences both in the UK and abroad. To ensure that suitable evaluative tools, documentation and feedback is built into every project as well as ensuring that information about the project and its benefits are communicated effectively via articles, lectures, social media and other outlets to UK stakeholders, audiences and partners as well as to regional BC and international arts partners, collaborators and audiences, to increase audiences for British Art. Key relationships: (include internal and external) External: UK national, UK regional and international museums and galleries, artists, practitioners, curators, opinion formers, dealers, artists agents, copyright agencies, artists estates. Internal: Communications, Digital, other art form departments, British Council overseas and UK network, Fundraising, Finance. Other important features or requirements of the job (e.g. travel, unsocial/evening hours, restrictions on employment etc) The post includes commitments for both national and international travel, in addition to attendance at evening and weekend exhibition, gallery or studio openings, and some unsocial working hours. The post includes the expectation to represent the Council at external events, speaking at press conferences, openings, and leading exhibition tours. Please specify any passport/visa and/or nationality requirement. Please indicate if any security or legal checks are required for this role. UK Passport holder is desirable due to the job holder having to travel frequently for work outside the UK EU zone. 2 of 6 Emma Dexter/Ana Parra

3 Person Specification Essential Desirable Assessment stage British Council Behaviours CREATING A SHARED PURPOSE (More demanding) Creating energy and clarity so that people want to work purposefully together. SHAPING THE FUTURE (More demanding) Exploring ways in which we can add more value. MAKING IT HAPPEN (More demanding) Challenging myself and others to deliver and measure better results. WORKING TOGETHER (More demanding) Ensuring that others benefit as well as me. CONNECTING WITH OTHERS (More demanding) Building trust and understanding with people who have very different views. BEING ACCOUNTABLE (More demanding) Showing real dedication to the long-term mission of the British Council or the team. For performance management only For performance management only 3 of 6 Emma Dexter/Ana Parra

4 British Council Core Skills Communicating and Influencing Level 3 is creative and adaptable in communications. Able to use a range of non standard and creative approaches to inform, and persuade others, extending beyond logical argument to influence decisions and actions in a way which is inclusive and engaging. Managing finance and resources Level 3 supports budget management. Monitors and controls an agreed budget within a defined area, producing reports and analyses and contributing to planning. Managing accounts and partnerships Level 4 plans and leads on accounts and partnerships. Develops and leads on the delivery of account management and development plans across a range of stakeholders/customers/partner to deliver medium term business and/or reputational gains for both parties. Managing Projects Level 4 Leads larger projects. Examines project data and performance, reporting on progress and recommending corrective action as needed for medium-to-large and/or high risk projects, coordinates a diverse team with awareness of equality and diversity impact as part of the project specifications and handles changes in specification or plan to meet unexpected circumstances. 4 of 6 Emma Dexter/Ana Parra

5 Essential Desirable Assessment stage Skills and Knowledge Demonstrable extensive knowledge of modern, contemporary and emerging visual arts practice both in the UK and internationally. Knowledge of foreign languages desirable Persuasive and inspiring writing and communication skills. Ability to critique and discriminate between individual works and between artists. Confidence in public speaking, experience in writing press releases and catalogue texts A broad up-to-date knowledge and network of contacts with Visual Arts UK constituency. Demonstrable project management, budget planning and budget management skills. Excellent Excel skills, as well as competence in Photoshop, Adobe Suite and PowerPoint. Negotiation skills, as well as experience of working with social media to promote arts activity The ability to work harmoniously and productively with other colleagues on collaborative or cocurated exhibitions and events. Essential Desirable Assessment stage Experience Demonstrable recent experience within the professional visual arts/museum sector, organising/curating visual arts exhibitions. Experience of team working At least four year s recent experience within the professional visual arts/museum sector, organising/curating visual arts exhibitions. Experience of international exhibition touring. Shortlisting and/or interview 5 of 6 Emma Dexter/Ana Parra

6 Essential Desirable Assessment stage Qualifications Degree in relevant arts subject. Submitted by Emma Dexter Date of 6 Emma Dexter/Ana Parra