Organizer Information
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW) is a leading Scottish contemporary arts organisation dedicated to sculpture and three-dimensional practices. ESW supports artists at all stages of their careers through studios, residencies, fellowships, bursaries, exhibitions, and public programmes. The organisation promotes experimentation, research, and professional development, while fostering engagement with local, national, and international audiences. ESW is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and environmentally aware practices.
Title & Description
Curator for Research
ESW seeks a Curator for Research to lead and develop its research-focused programmes, including artist residencies, fellowships, awards, exhibitions, and public events. The curator will devise, fundraise for, deliver, and communicate innovative experiences for sharing ideas and supporting artists’ professional growth. This role combines practical programme management with strategic thinking, research dissemination, and sector engagement. The postholder will actively reflect on and articulate ESW’s ongoing work, helping to define the organisation’s role within Scotland and internationally.
The Role Overview
- Salary: £30,254–£32,254 pro rata (dependent on skills and experience)
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Working Days/Hours: 4 days a week (28 hours; typically Tuesday–Friday), flexible arrangements may be considered
- Reporting To: Director
- Key Responsibilities: Lead research programmes, exhibitions, public events, artist development, fundraising, communications, evaluation, and partnership development.
Position & Tasks
- Manage artist development programmes (residencies, bursaries, fellowships, awards)
- Support the annual summer programme and associated exhibitions
- Produce and disseminate research (through talks, publications, interviews, documentation)
- Lead communication and promotion of programmes (web, newsletters, press, social media)
- Maintain positive relationships with partners and stakeholders
- Manage individual programme budgets and financial reporting
- Fundraise for programme activities and ESW initiatives
- Conduct programme evaluation and integrate findings into strategy
- Undertake professional development and sector engagement
- Provide core organisational support, including team collaboration, event hosting, and adherence to organisational policies
Categories
- Curatorial Practice
- Visual Arts
- Sculpture & 3D Practices
- Research & Artist Development
- Public Programmes
Eligibility
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK (ESW cannot sponsor visas)
- Experience in contemporary art, sculpture, or artist development
- Demonstrated ability in project management, fundraising, communications, and evaluation
- Commitment to working with diverse artists and audiences
- Strong organisational, interpersonal, and collaborative skills
- Positive approach to learning, experimentation, and innovation in the arts
Program Benefits
- Permanent position within a leading contemporary arts organisation
- Professional development opportunities (2 weeks per year pro rata)
- Engagement with national and international artists and partners
- Opportunities to shape ESW’s research and public programmes
- Flexible working arrangements and support for work-life balance
- Collaborative, supportive work environment
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV
- Cover Letter (500 words max) addressing essential criteria
- Contact information (address, phone, email)
- Two referees (prior permission required)
- Notes on any access requirements for the application or interview
Applicants are also asked to complete the voluntary Equality Monitoring Form online.
How to Apply
Please email your application as one PDF document to laura@edinburghsculpture.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 January 2026
- Interview Date: 3rd or 4th week of January 2026
Location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- 35 days annual leave pro rata, including bank holidays and two weeks organisational closure in late December/early January
- Evening and weekend work may be required; compensated with Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)
- Reports to the Director; will supervise programme assistants, exhibition hosts, and other supporting staff
- Actively contributes to ESW’s equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as environmentally aware practices
- Opportunity to develop ESW’s national and international presence and impact within the visual arts sector