CAS Curator

Part-time, 24 hours per week

£25,500 - 27,500 p.a. pro rata

Applications Accepted By:

e-mail to: hr@chapelartsstudios.co.uk

Subject Line: ARTIST/27

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12th August 2023.

Interviews week commencing 14th August 2023

About us

Chapel Arts Studios (CAS) is a dynamic, growing community arts charity resident in St Mary’s Chapel, Andover. 

Originally a project under Test Valley Arts Foundation in 2009, it has since established itself as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, supporting communities through its programmes for young people, social prescribing and neurodivergent creatives; bringing high quality exhibitions and art to Andover and by developing the careers of emerging and established artists.

Recently CAS has received funding for the development of an intensive annual residential sculptor programme

The role

The Curator will work within a small and friendly team to oversee and deliver CAS’ innovative exhibition programme, showcasing a wide range of high quality contemporary art all year round. He/ she will also lead our new sculptor residential development programme which takes place over one week in September and with others in the team will provide leadership for our Associate Artist development programme.

This is an opportunity for the right individual to make their mark, utilising their curatorial and professional experience to help CAS reach new audiences, raising our profile and reinforcing Andover’s place on the cultural map. 

Key Responsibilities 

Exhibitions 

• Lead on the planning, coordination, curation and delivery of all exhibitions (min 5 main exhibitions and 2 community exhibitions per year). 
• Host events/ talks in line with exhibitions and be responsible for developing, planning and executing these.
• Select and approach relevant artists for exhibitions, including writing specs for commissions, running selection panels and managing artist contracts and event budgets. 
• Manage ongoing relationships with showing artists, including organising transport where appropriate.
• Manage invigilation timetable and staffing. 
• Oversee the installation of exhibitions, including managing the preparation and construction of elements for the space as well as the hanging of artworks (with technical support where necessary). 
• Work with artists and CAS staff to help design all marketing and print material related to exhibitions, including posters, flyers, handouts and catalogues, as well as website and social media.
• Contribute to the delivery of engaging and exciting events and workshops on the exhibition theme, bringing together all the different aspects of CAS and its programmes.

Sculptor Programme

• Be the Programme Lead for the CAS Emerging Sculptors Development Award, taking on responsibility for developing, planning, organising and delivering the associated one week residential programme.
• Leading the selection of participants on the programme.
• Utilise knowledge and professional contacts within the industry to secure professionals to deliver content. 
• Organise residential accommodation/travel where appropriate. 
• Oversee the daily programme, taking on responsibility for the delivery of elements of the programme where appropriate.
• Contribute to fundraising initiatives to ensure longevity of the programme. 

Associates Programme

• Work with other CAS staff to help design a creative professional development programme for CAS Associate Artists.
• Lead on the planning and execution of CAS’ annual Associates exhibition.
• Support CAS staff in planning for our Associate away days and outings and play a leadership role on the day.
• Lead on or participate in our Associate development events.
• Support the Associates Programme through mentoring for Associate Artists, e.g. supporting them in writing funding applications, proposals, etc.

Other responsibilities 

• Manage ad-hoc volunteers, contractors and interns.
• Manage CAS’ Chapters Collection.
• Support the fundraising efforts of the charity.
• Engage with external stakeholders to actively seek out opportunities for collaboration. 

The key responsibilities set out here are a guide to the main activities expected to be delivered during working time.  As with all organisations, duties may vary and priorities change to fulfil the needs and ambitions of the organisation.

Person Specification 

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in the arts/curatorial sector
• Minimum of 3 years curatorial experience
• Aware and engaged with the world of contemporary art and the various current movements, trends and themes artists are addressing in their work.
• Project management and events experience
• Excellent communication skills
• IT literate
• Ability to work independently and part of a team
• Budget management
• Understanding and operating/planning basic digital technology (screens, projection, sound)

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Digital creative skills
• Own transport

Conditions of Work

This is a salaried position on a one year contract, with relevant benefits including holiday and sick pay.  A degree of flexibility will be required at times, such as providing holiday coverage for other staff and working on Saturdays during exhibition weeks. 

How to Apply

To apply please send a PDF with to hr@chapelartsstudios.co.uk

• A brief CV highlighting relevant experience
• A statement outlining your approach to programme development plus examples of organising, delivering and budgeting experience in regards to curating - one side of A4 max
• Details of two referees

We want to provide an equal and inclusive application process. If you are having difficulty applying in this format we are happy to accept other formats of application. Please contact info@chapelartsstudios.co.uk to discuss.