Organizer Information
Centrala is a multifunctional art space in Digbeth, Birmingham, run by Polish Expats Association CIC, a non-profit organisation set up in October 2009 to support the adaptation and integration of Eastern European migrants in the UK and registered as a Community Interest Company since April 2012. Centrala Space was launched in 2015 and has established itself as a nationally and internationally recognised centre for Central and Eastern European art and artists. It describes itself as the only publicly funded gallery dedicated to Central and Eastern European art in the UK, the only such space outside London with national and international reach, the only organisation of its kind in Arts Council England's National Portfolio, and the only gallery focused on socially engaged art and artists from the region.
The venue occupies a converted industrial unit at Minerva Works on Fazeley Street, laid out as a gallery, café, bookshop, seminar room, artist studios and office space. Its programme combines socially engaged contemporary art with music, seminars, screenings, discussions and workshops, and its stated values centre on equality and diversity, inclusion, collaboration, communication, and the integration of Central and Eastern European culture within British society. The organisation also runs community-facing strands including the CEEus! Network, a CEE creatives network, a youth music programme and a repair café. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 12–6 pm, with late opening for events.
Title & Description
Gallery Assistant — Centrala, Birmingham
Centrala is recruiting a Gallery Assistant to support its exhibitions, events, public programmes and daily operations. The position currently contributes to Hybrid Futures, Centrala's Arts Council England-funded programme exploring contemporary art, culture and community through hybrid, participatory and interdisciplinary approaches.
The role is a central, public-facing position within a small and collaborative team, combining arts programme support, visitor experience, event delivery and commercial activity. The postholder helps maintain a welcoming, inclusive and well-run gallery and café environment, working closely with artists, curators, colleagues and visiting partners, and supporting exhibitions from preparation and installation through to documentation and evaluation.
The remit spans four distinct areas: the art programme and exhibitions, events and commercial hires, communications and evaluation, and visitor experience and café service. The role therefore combines curatorial and production support with hospitality duties, including preparing and serving drinks and maintaining food hygiene standards. Regular weekend work and occasional evening work form part of the working pattern.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-time
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Salary: £26,227.50 per annum
- Working Pattern: Regular weekend work and occasional evening work
- Department / Programme: Gallery and café operations, with current contribution to the Hybrid Futures programme
- Programme Funder Context: Hybrid Futures is funded by Arts Council England
- Institutional Context: Small, collaborative team at an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation
Position & Tasks
- Art Programme and Exhibitions
- Support the planning and delivery of exhibitions, events, workshops and public-engagement activities
- Work with artists, curators and the Centrala team to deliver the arts programme
- Research artists and artworks for interpretive materials, reports, press and digital content
- Help produce, install and maintain wall texts, labels and other exhibition interpretation
- Assist with exhibition installation and deinstallation, including basic artwork handling and condition checking
- Support exhibition preparation, documentation and archiving
- Help maintain gallery spaces and exhibitions to a high standard
- Contribute ideas and information to funding applications
- Monitor project expenditure
- Contribute to project and funder reports
- Events
- Support Centrala's events, venue bookings and commercial hires
- Assist with room set-ups, basic technical preparation and front-of-house delivery
- Reset and maintain spaces before and after events
- Liaise with colleagues, artists, hirers and visiting partners
- Communications and Evaluation
- Prepare and distribute promotional materials
- Support website and social media updates
- Contribute content to newsletters and mailing lists
- Collect visitor data and feedback
- Maintain accurate attendance and visitor records
- Visitor Experience and Café
- Welcome visitors and create an inclusive and accessible environment
- Answer questions about exhibitions, artists, events and Centrala's activities
- Support the daily operation of the gallery and café
- Prepare and serve coffee, other drinks and light refreshments
- Follow health and safety and food hygiene standards
- Keep the gallery, café and public areas clean and well maintained
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Exhibition Production
- Gallery Operations
- Arts Administration
- Public Engagement
- Cultural Programming
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Arts Communications
- Central and Eastern European Art
- Front of House / Visitor Experience
Eligibility
- Applicants must have an existing legal right to work in the UK
- The position is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route
- Experience working in a gallery, arts organisation, cultural venue or another public-facing environment
- Strong customer-service and communication skills
- Café or hospitality experience
- An interest in contemporary art, culture and social issues
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- The ability to manage different responsibilities in a busy environment
- Availability to work regular weekends and occasional evenings
- Advantageous, not mandatory: experience supporting exhibitions, installations or artwork handling
- Advantageous, not mandatory: experience supporting cultural or community events
- Advantageous, not mandatory: experience with digital communications, mailing lists or audience evaluation
Program Benefits
- Annual salary of £26,227.50
- Permanent, full-time contract
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 25 September 2026
Location
Centrala, Birmingham B5 5RT, England, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The role is currently tied to Hybrid Futures, an Arts Council England-funded programme, but the contract itself is permanent rather than project-limited.
- The post combines curatorial and production support with hospitality service; café or hospitality experience is listed among the requirements, not as an optional extra.
- Centrala is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and the only publicly funded UK gallery dedicated to Central and Eastern European art outside London, which shapes the programme's curatorial focus.
- The organisation's programming is socially engaged and community-oriented, spanning exhibitions, music, screenings, seminars and workshops alongside community networks for CEE artists and creatives.
- Centrala is separately recruiting a part-time, permanent Marketing Officer with the same 25 September 2026 deadline.