Organizer Information
Primary is a contemporary visual arts organisation and registered charity based in Nottingham, UK. Housed in a Grade II listed former school building, Primary operates as both an artist development hub and a public-facing cultural institution. It is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) and has recently secured long-term ownership of its building, enabling sustained development of its mission.
The organisation supports around 60 resident artists alongside a wider programme of commissions, residencies, exhibitions, and socially engaged projects. Its structure includes studios, galleries, outdoor spaces, a public programme, and embedded creative facilities such as clay, weave, and design studios. Primary is widely recognised for its commitment to collaborative practice, community engagement, and socially responsive arts programming, particularly within its local context in Radford—one of the UK’s most culturally diverse neighbourhoods.
Primary’s strategic direction emphasises co-production, accessibility, and long-term community relationships, working with local residents, educational institutions, and civic organisations. Its governance is overseen by a board of trustees, with an executive team responsible for operational and artistic leadership.
Title & Description
Collaborative Programme Curator (Permanent, Part-Time)
This opportunity is for a Collaborative Programme Curator responsible for shaping and delivering Primary’s socially engaged and community-led artistic programme. The role sits at the core of the organisation’s curatorial structure and focuses on developing participatory, co-created, and socially responsive projects in collaboration with artists, local communities, and partner organisations.
The programme includes commissions, residencies, events, and collaborative projects that prioritise process-based practice and community involvement. The curator will help expand Primary’s networks, strengthen its local and national partnerships, and contribute to its evolving artistic vision during a key phase of organisational development.
The Role Overview
- Job Title: Collaborative Programme Curator
- Contract Type: Permanent (subject to successful 6-month probation period)
- Working Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week / 24 hours
- Salary: £31,000 pro rata
- Annual Leave: 20 days + 8 statutory holidays (pro rata)
- Reporting To: Director
- Line Management: Freelance programme staff
- Location: Primary, 33 Seely Road, Nottingham NG7 1NU (with hybrid working flexibility)
- Working Pattern: Includes occasional evenings and weekends (TOIL provided)
Position & Tasks
- Develop and deliver socially engaged and collaborative artistic programmes
- Manage relationships with community groups, civic bodies, and educational institutions
- Commission artists working in participatory and socially engaged practices
- Contribute to Primary’s strategic programming and curatorial direction
- Oversee budgets, contracts, and funding-related reporting
- Support fundraising and grant applications for programme delivery
- Develop audience engagement strategies and evaluation frameworks
- Ensure documentation, archiving, and dissemination of programme outcomes
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, including public programme curators and leadership
- Support access to Primary’s spaces, including outdoor and community areas
- Participate in organisational decision-making and team planning processes
Categories
- Socially Engaged Art
- Contemporary Visual Art
- Community Arts Practice
- Participatory Art
- Public Programming
- Cultural Production
- Curatorial Practice
- Education & Engagement
- Collaborative / Interdisciplinary Art Projects
Eligibility
Applications are open to experienced practitioners in curatorial, socially engaged, or community-based arts practice. The role is suitable for candidates with:
- Professional experience in collaborative or participatory arts programming
- Experience working with artists, communities, and cultural organisations
- Strong knowledge of socially engaged contemporary art practices
Primary particularly encourages applications from:
- Global Majority candidates
- Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent applicants
- Individuals underrepresented in the UK arts sector
Applicants must meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description to be guaranteed an interview under the inclusive recruitment policy (for eligible candidates).
Program Benefits
- Permanent salaried employment (pro rata)
- Opportunity to lead a major socially engaged curatorial programme
- Work within an established national portfolio arts organisation
- Access to extensive artistic networks and collaborative platforms
- Professional development through cross-disciplinary programming
- Contribution to nationally and internationally recognised community arts practice
- Paid leave and structured employment conditions
- TOIL system for flexible working hours
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Expression of Interest (max. 2 A4 pages) addressing motivation and relevant experience
- Optional Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Optional portfolio (up to 8 images documenting relevant work)
- Completed Equal Opportunities form
Alternative formats are accepted:
- Video application (3–5 minutes)
- Audio application
Submission via file-sharing platforms (WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) is permitted.
How to Apply?
Applications should be sent via email: admin@weareprimary.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Invitation to Interview: 4 June 2026
- Interview Date: 11 June 2026
- Outcome Notification: 12 June 2026
Travel costs for interview candidates will be reimbursed.
Location
Additional Details
Primary operates under an equity-led and access-centred recruitment framework. The organisation actively supports reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process. Accessibility needs can be discussed directly with the organisation at any stage.
The role is embedded in a long-term programme history, including initiatives such as Making Place, Build Create Play, and Nourishment, all of which prioritise co-production and community participation.
The institution is located in a historic building with partial accessibility limitations (ground floor access improved; upper floors without lift access). Candidates with access needs are encouraged to engage in early discussion to assess workplace suitability.