Public Programmes Curator

Job Summary This is an in-person role based on-site at Gainsborough's House in Sudbury, Suffolk. Flexibility to work some weekends and occasional evenings will be required (with time off in lieu available for any additional hours worked). Job Description As a key member of the project team, assist in the development and delivery of the Gainsborough 300 programme, including exhibition, publication and key events Promote the knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment of the art of Thomas Gainsborough Help to develop new, accessible narratives supporting the broad study…

Job Summary

This is an in-person role based on-site at Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury, Suffolk. Flexibility to work some weekends and occasional evenings will be required (with time off in lieu available for any additional hours worked).

Job Description

As a key member of the project team, assist in the development and delivery of the Gainsborough 300 programme, including exhibition, publication and key events Promote the knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment of the art of Thomas Gainsborough Help to develop new, accessible narratives supporting the broad study of Thomas Gainsborough and his historical context Help to situate the life and work of Thomas Gainsborough within relevant contexts, e.g. local histories, local landscapes and local communities as well as eighteenth century studies, post-colonial theories and contemporary artist-led dialogues Work closely with the Senior Curator in the delivery of the exhibition interpretation, wall text and associated resources Work closely with the Communications team on the development of new digital resources, such as for Bloomberg Connects Undertake practice-based research, focusing on engaging new or hard to reach audiences Lead on digital engagement with curatorial activities, creating online resources for audiences who cannot visit in person Coordinate the Global Gainsborough network, connecting Gainsborough’s House with digital audiences across the world Oversee the production of podcasts and create legacy content to be available in multiple formats As part of the project team, help deliver a symposium in 2027 in association with our academic partner With the support of the Duty Managers, ensure key events are properly resourced and risk assessed Support the Marketing team by providing high quality information and images for key print and online messaging, including invitations, brochures, webpages and social media content Contribute content to Gainsborough’s House newsletters and mail-outs as required Support the Senior Curator to brief the wider staff team and volunteers appropriately Following appropriate training, act as one of several First Aiders and/or Fire Marshalls as necessary Comply with Gainsborough’s House policies and procedures, reporting any issues

Job Requirements

A degree in Art History or closely-related subject Good curatorial experience in a relevant context Good experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders and participants Experience of developing impactful digital outputs Experience of delivering events with a range of different audiences Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Excellent personal timekeeping and the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously Demonstrable experience of working effectively within a team Integrity, diplomacy and professionalism Self-confidence and the ability to use initiative A positive attitude and the ability to work calmly under pressure Solid IT skills (e.g., with MS Office, web-based software)

Job Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Curator and working closely with the Executive Director, this new role will be an important expansion of our current curatorial team at a pivotal moment for our organisation; in 2027 we celebrate Thomas Gainsborough’s 300th birthday with a major programme of activities, including a flagship exhibition and programme of public events designed to reach the largest and broadest audience possible. This will include talks, podcasts, symposia and community projects developed and delivered by the Public Programmes Curator.

Helping to develop new strategies and approaches to Thomas Gainsborough and the art of his times, the Public Engagement Curator will tell the world why he still matters and why we should care to remember. This role includes engaging new and existing audiences, as well as contemporary artists whose practice can make new connections between the eighteenth century and the present day.