Organizer Information
Lancaster Arts is a contemporary interdisciplinary arts organisation based at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. Operating across multiple venues—including the Peter Scott Gallery, Nuffield Theatre, and the Great Hall—it functions as a combined arts National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) supported by Arts Council England.
The organisation has an established reputation for commissioning, presenting, and developing innovative contemporary work across visual arts, performance, music, theatre, and live art. Its curatorial and programming philosophy is strongly embedded in collaboration, research-led practice, and civic engagement, reflecting its academic context within a major UK university.
Lancaster Arts plays a dual role: it operates both as a public-facing cultural institution and as a research and engagement platform within higher education. Its visual arts programme, collections work, and interdisciplinary initiatives are designed to connect artists, researchers, students, and local communities across Lancaster and the wider Northwest region.
The institution is also responsible for managing the University Art Collection, including the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust, positioning it as both a contemporary commissioning body and a steward of significant cultural assets.
Title & Description
Lancaster Arts Curator – Visual Arts Programme
This opportunity is for a senior curatorial position responsible for leading the visual arts programme at Lancaster Arts. The role focuses on shaping exhibitions, commissions, and long-term artistic strategies across gallery spaces, campus environments, and public sites in Lancaster and Morecambe, as well as in collaboration with national and international partners.
The Curator will work closely with the Director to deliver a thematic, interdisciplinary programme that integrates visual arts within a broader combined arts context. The role also includes strategic responsibility for developing new partnerships, supporting artist development, and ensuring that programming reflects both institutional values and contemporary artistic practices.
A significant component of the position involves stewardship of the University Art Collection, ensuring its conservation, accessibility, and future development. The Curator contributes to Lancaster Arts’ strategic direction as part of the Senior Leadership Team, helping shape long-term cultural, financial, and organisational priorities.
The Role Overview
- Position Title: Curator
- Department: Lancaster Arts
- Grade: 7
- Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (12 months)
- Salary: £39,906 – £46,049 per annum
- Reporting to: Director, Lancaster Arts
- Line Management: Assistant Curator; Collections Support Coordinator
- Governance Role: Member of Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
- Institutional Context: Lancaster University / Arts Council England NPO
Position & Tasks
- Lead the conception, planning, and delivery of the visual arts programme, including exhibitions, commissions, and public art projects.
- Oversee curatorial strategy across the gallery, campus, and external locations.
- Manage relationships with artists, institutions, funders, and cultural partners.
- Ensure high-quality operations of the Peter Scott Gallery, maintaining museum accreditation standards.
- Contribute to thematic programming across interdisciplinary art forms in collaboration with the Director.
- Manage and mentor curatorial and collections staff.
- Participate in Senior Leadership Team decision-making and institutional strategy.
- Oversee the University Art Collection, including acquisitions, loans, documentation, conservation, and access.
- Support funding applications and budget planning for visual arts programming.
- Administer the Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust.
- Develop and maintain national and international professional networks.
- Contribute to equality, diversity, environmental responsibility, and institutional reporting.
- Represent Lancaster Arts in external forums and cultural networks.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Curatorial Practice
- Contemporary Art
- Museum and Collections Management
- Exhibition Making
- Public Art
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Cultural Leadership
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
- Significant experience in curatorial practice or visual arts programming.
- Strong track record in working with contemporary artists and institutions.
- Experience in collections management, exhibition production, or museum environments.
- Leadership and team management capabilities.
- Ability to work across interdisciplinary and collaborative contexts.
The opportunity is open to:
- UK-based and international applicants (subject to right-to-work regulations).
- Established mid-career and senior curators.
- Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds in the arts sector.
- Disabled candidates (guaranteed interview if essential criteria are met).
Program Benefits
- Competitive salary (£39,906–£46,049 per year).
- Senior leadership role within a nationally recognised arts organisation.
- Opportunity to shape a university-based international visual arts programme.
- Access to institutional resources, collections, and exhibition infrastructure.
- Engagement with Arts Council England-funded programme.
- Professional networking at regional, national, and international levels.
- Influence over long-term curatorial strategy and institutional development.
- Contribution to interdisciplinary research and artistic innovation.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- Cover letter outlining interest and suitability for the role
- CV detailing professional experience
- Evidence of curatorial or artistic practice (portfolio or project documentation may be required, depending on the application system)
- References may be requested during later stages
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 17 May 2026
- Interview Dates: 04–05 June 2026
- Interview Location: Lancaster University campus (UK)
- Contract Start: As agreed following appointment (not specified in source)
- Contract Duration: 12 months (fixed-term)
Location
Lancaster & Morecambe region, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The role includes campus-based accommodation during interview days.
- Candidates must be available for a two-day interview process.
- The position is part of a small but interdisciplinary team working across multiple art forms.
- Strong emphasis is placed on collaboration, civic engagement, and sustainability.
- The organisation is actively seeking to improve diversity representation within its team.
- The Curator plays a strategic role in environmental policy implementation and EDI frameworks.
- The role involves regular national and international travel for research and networking.
- Informal enquiries can be directed to the Director of Lancaster Arts.