Assistant curator (visual art)

Closing date for applications: 23 October 2025 at 5.00 pm

Salary: £27,248 (pro rata) – £16,348.80 actual salary

Location: Candidates will be based in the office at Chapter in Cardiff but will be expected to spend time working outside of the venue. We offer a hybrid model which means that, when possible, you can also work from home

Contract: Fixed-term three-year contract, with the possibility of extension (subject to a three-month probationary period)

Hours: 24 hours per week (TOIL), some weekend and evening work will be necessary

Interviews: Monday 17 November

Work with visionary artists to help shape a bold, diverse visual arts programme that sparks conversation and engages communities across Cardiff and beyond.

Chapter is an international centre for contemporary arts and culture, rooted in the heart of Cardiff, Wales. Established by artists in 1971 to celebrate experimentation and radical thought, we’ve been a catalyst for creativity and critical thinking ever since. We commission and present thought-provoking exhibitions, films, performances and multi-disciplinary events by established and emerging contemporary artists who expand our worldview and challenge the status quo. Embracing multiple and diverse perspectives, risk-taking and experimentation, our programme encourages conversations that cross boundaries and disciplines. Our role as a community hub is as important to us as our world-class programme. We believe in equitable access to culture and that art has the power to connect us all in dialogue around diverse experiences and shared aspirations – supporting health and wellbeing and contributing to a more curious and cohesive society.

The assistant curator (visual art) will work with the senior curator to realise an ambitious programme of visual arts activity in our venue, as well as those produced and presented elsewhere. They’ll be a key staff member, supporting the senior curator in all aspects of the research, preparation, delivery and production of exhibitions and our year-round programme of talks, events and public engagement programmes. They’ll work closely with other members of the curatorial, engagement and marketing teams to ensure that the visual arts programme is embedded in the wider multi-artform programme and communicated cohesively to audiences.


Responsibilities

Curatorial and exhibition organisation

• Working with the senior curator and in dialogue with the head of engagement, lead on the curation and delivery of a rich programme of public engagement events in response to our visual arts programme, aimed at deepening and enhancing visitor experience and reaching new audiences
• Closely support artists to realise all aspects of their production – from commissions and exhibitions to professional development, ensuring that all are delivered to the highest standards, with care, on time and to budget
• Build long-term relationships with communities in Cardiff to co-create meaningful engagement projects, ensuring their work is effectively integrated into the programme

Management and delivery of the visual arts programme

• Work closely with the senior curator to deliver exhibitions, residencies, public events and associated material to the highest possible standard
• Support the professional operation and delivery of all aspects of exhibition organisation including, but not exclusively, loan requests, transportation, insurance and condition-checking of works
• Meticulously monitor and maintain budgets for exhibitions and events
• Embed practices of inclusion in all your work including programming and content development to ensure safer and more equitable experiences for colleagues, audiences, artists and programme contributors.

Marketing, communications and audience development

• Create engaging and accessible copy for exhibitions and public engagement events, including visitor guides, wall texts, learning resources and press releases.
• Work closely with the communications team to maintain the relevant sections of the website, and to create dynamic social media content that tells compelling stories about our visual arts programme
• Build relations with specialist press to ensure appropriate and timely dissemination of the department’s activities.

Fundraising and Development

• Provide timely information, including research and project proposals, to enable the fundraising team to identify funding for the exhibition and public engagement programme.
• Contribute to funding proposals and assist with the development of income streams that feed into our visual arts programme, where required

For a full list of responsibilities, please see the job description via the 'Apply' button.


Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential

• Some proven experience in a curatorial or production role working with artists at an arts centre, gallery or in a freelance capacity
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary art
• Experience of organising public programmes with a strong commitment to engaging and developing relationships with audiences
• Ability to prioritise, meet objectives and work to deadline
• Excellent organisation skills and impeccable attention to detail
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to develop relationships with a range of colleagues, stakeholders and audiences
• Experience in producing dynamic copy and digital content to tell compelling stories in a variety of formats
• Commitment to equitable and inclusive working practices
• Highly motivated, proactive and able to problem solve calmly and effectively
• A supportive team player who thrives through collaboration to generate and realise creative ideas

Desirable

• Welsh communicator
• Knowledge of and/or interest in the wider creative landscape in Wales
• Computer literacy with experience of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word and Sharepoint
• Experience of publishing in print and/or online
• Experience of Photoshop, InDesign or other design packages

We’re actively working to increase diversity and inclusion within our organisation and strongly encourage applications from all candidates who meet the requirements of the job description.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.