Organizer Information
The Royal College of Art (RCA) is a specialist postgraduate university in London, founded in 1837 and focused on art, design, research and creative practice. The institution offers postgraduate education and research across architecture, arts and humanities, design, and communication. The RCA is internationally recognised for its research-intensive environment and has consistently been ranked among the world's leading institutions for art and design.
Title & Description
Biennale Curator Job at Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art's Research & Knowledge Exchange Office is seeking an experienced and creative Biennale Curator to lead the curation and delivery of its Research Biennale. The exhibition will showcase research and creative work by the College's postgraduate research (PGR) students, presenting the breadth and quality of research taking place across the RCA.
The appointed curator will work collaboratively with the PGR Biennale Exhibition Planning Team, Technical Services and other RCA colleagues to develop the exhibition vision, select and review student submissions, and oversee the presentation of the exhibition from planning through installation and de-installation.
The Role Overview
- Position: Biennale Curator
- Organisation: Royal College of Art
- Department: Research & Knowledge Exchange Office
- Contract: Casual, fixed-term
- Working pattern: Part-time, maximum 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE)
- Salary: £25.48 per hour, including holiday pay
- Contract period: Mid-October 2026 to mid-February 2027
- Location: Battersea, London, United Kingdom
- Reporting/working relationships: PGR Biennale Exhibition Planning Team, Technical Services, Communications & Marketing and relevant RCA colleagues
Position & Tasks
The curator will develop and help deliver the exhibition concept and curatorial framework; review and assess student submissions; provide curatorial guidance to participating researchers and artists; and coordinate exhibition planning and presentation.
Responsibilities also include overseeing installation and de-installation, exhibition logistics, art handling, health and safety, presentation standards, budgets, timelines and project delivery. The curator will collaborate with Communications and Marketing colleagues on publicity and public-facing activities, including the exhibition launch, talks and panel discussions.
Working hours may vary according to project requirements and are expected to increase around key installation and exhibition periods.
Categories
- Curating
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Practice
- Visual Art
- Research-Based Art
- Art Administration
- Exhibition Management.
Eligibility
The opportunity is intended for an experienced curator or exhibition professional with a postgraduate qualification in Curating, Art History, Museum Studies or a related discipline, together with demonstrable experience in curating exhibitions and managing exhibition projects.
Applicants should have strong knowledge of contemporary art and exhibition practice, experience with exhibition planning, installation and art handling, and strong organisational, communication and project-management skills. An understanding of relevant health and safety requirements is also required.
The announcement does not specify a nationality restriction or artist-specific age requirement. As this is a UK-based employment opportunity, applicants should ensure they meet any applicable UK employment and work-authorisation requirements.
Program Benefits
The successful candidate will receive paid professional employment at £25.48 per hour, including holiday pay, and will have the opportunity to lead a significant research-focused exhibition within one of the world's prominent postgraduate art and design institutions. The position also provides professional engagement with RCA postgraduate researchers, artists, academics, technical specialists and communications teams.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 18 September 2026
- Expected interviews: Week commencing 28 September 2026
- Expected start: Mid-October 2026
- Contract end: Mid-February 2027
Location
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The RCA states that it is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to maintaining an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates requiring reasonable adjustments or assistance with the application process can contact the RCA's Resourcing team.
The role is particularly suited to curators with experience combining contemporary exhibition-making, research-led practice, project management and collaboration with artists or academic communities.