Organizer Information
The Burton at Bideford is an independent cultural organisation and museum in Bideford, North Devon, UK, with collections and programmes spanning art, craft, local history and material culture. The organisation combines collections care and exhibition-making with public engagement, research and community activity. With support from The Headley Trust, The Burton is establishing a new Curatorial Fellowship in Ceramics as the first of two fellowships for early-career curators to be delivered over three years. The programme aims to invest in both the institution’s collections and the next generation of curatorial professionals.
Title & Description
Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics)
The Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics) is a 12-month professional development opportunity for an early-career curator seeking to develop specialist expertise in ceramics, craft and material culture. The Fellowship combines practical curatorial responsibility, collections research, exhibition development and public engagement.
The successful Fellow will lead The Burton’s 2027 Ceramics Artist in Residence programme, contribute to the redisplay of its ceramics gallery, co-curate a new display examining ceramics and transatlantic trade in Bideford, undertake original research and produce a small publication based on the organisation’s ceramics collections.
The Role Overview
- Position: Curatorial Fellow (Ceramics)
- Contract: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week; part-time options may be considered
- Duration: 12-month fixed-term Fellowship, or up to 18 months if part-time
- Probation: Three months
- Salary: £30,000 per annum, pro rata for part-time work
- Reporting to: Exhibitions & Collections Manager
- Working closely with: Director and Curatorial Coordinator
- Working pattern: Seven-day rota; flexible hours depending on operational requirements
- Location: The Burton at Bideford, EX39 2QQ, UK
- Additional support: £1,500 research, travel and mentoring budget and £2,500 for a public-facing Fellowship outcome
Position & Tasks
The Fellow will take responsibility for significant curatorial projects while contributing to the wider work of The Burton. Key responsibilities include leading the 2027 Ceramics Artist in Residence programme, supporting the redisplay of the ceramics gallery, co-curating a display about ceramics and transatlantic trade in Bideford, researching the ceramics collections and developing a small publication. The role also involves communicating research through exhibitions, talks, digital content and other public outputs, working with artists, makers, researchers, volunteers and community partners, and contributing to collections documentation and cataloguing.
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Ceramics
- Craft
- Material Culture
- Museum & Gallery Practice
- Exhibition Development
- Collections Research
- Public Engagement
Eligibility
The Fellowship is intended for early-career curators who want to deepen their curatorial practice and develop expertise in ceramics. Applicants may have experience in museums, galleries, archives or cultural organisations through paid, voluntary or freelance work, or may have developed relevant skills through alternative professional routes.
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in ceramics, craft or material culture, research and interpretation, together with strong organisational, communication and project-management skills. Experience with collections, exhibitions, public programmes or documentation is desirable, but applicants do not need to meet every element of the person specification.
Program Benefits
The Fellow receives a £30,000 annual salary, dedicated mentoring from The Burton’s Director and Exhibitions & Collections Manager, a £1,500 research, travel and mentoring budget, and £2,500 to support a public-facing Fellowship outcome. A small relocation allowance may also be available where required. The Fellowship provides substantial hands-on experience across collections, exhibitions, research, artist programmes and public engagement.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 September 2026
- Interviews: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Location
The Burton at Bideford, Bideford, North Devon, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The Burton is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer committed to providing fair and equal treatment in an inclusive, safe and welcoming working environment. Some evening and weekend work will be required as part of the organisation’s seven-day rota. Applicants who require the information in another format or would like an informal discussion about the Fellowship can contact Jo Jones, Company Secretary, at secretary@theburton.org.