Organizer Information
Open Eye Gallery is a leading UK photography organisation based in Liverpool, working to create, share and champion photography as a means of communication, collaboration and learning. The gallery develops exhibitions, social and collaborative projects, publications, courses and university partnerships at local, national and international levels. It welcomes more than 65,000 visitors to its gallery annually and reaches wider audiences through projects in other venues and online.
Its programme places people and communities at its centre, with an emphasis on co-authorship, representation, empathy, inclusion and social change. The organisation works with emerging and established photographers, local communities, academic partners and international cultural organisations. Its current programming includes a strong focus on social cohesion, climate justice, cultural parity, and Eastern and Central European cultures.
Title & Description
Curator Job Opportunity
Open Eye Gallery is seeking a Curator to lead its exhibitions programme and contribute to the organisation’s wider programme of cultural exchange. The role is particularly suited to an experienced curator with a strong understanding of contemporary photography, visual arts programming and collaborative curatorial practice.
The successful candidate will work with artists, academic institutions, community groups and photography-sector partners to develop exhibitions, projects and events locally, nationally and internationally. The role offers opportunities to explore co-curation and shape future approaches to photography, particularly during Open Eye Gallery’s 50th anniversary year in 2027.
The Role Overview
- Position: Curator
- Contract: Permanent, 38.5 hours per week
- Salary: £27,000–£31,000, depending on experience
- Reporting to: Executive Director
- Responsible for: Programme Assistants, volunteers and external contractors
- Holiday: 25 days per year
- Pension: NEST pension scheme after three months
- Working pattern: Occasional evenings, weekends and bank holidays
- Location: Liverpool, UK
Position & Tasks
The Curator will lead the gallery’s exhibitions programme from research and development through delivery and evaluation. Responsibilities include curating and co-curating programmes, projects and events; developing partnerships and supporting fundraising; managing budgets; coordinating artists and partners; preparing contracts; and producing public programmes.
The role also includes overseeing exhibition installation and de-installation, artwork packing, transport, insurance, handling and condition checking. The Curator will contribute to archive access, acquisitions and loans, exhibition and publication texts, programme planning, funding strategies and partnership development. They will line-manage Programme Assistants and work with interns, volunteers and placements.
Categories
- Photography
- Visual Art
- Curating
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Development
- Arts Management
- Public Programmes
Eligibility
The position is open to candidates with relevant professional experience. Applicants should have a degree-level qualification in a relevant subject and at least three years’ experience organising and delivering exhibitions, with demonstrated curatorial excellence.
Essential experience includes contemporary visual arts and photography knowledge, exhibition design and installation, artwork handling and condition checking, curatorial writing, public events, project management, budgeting and evaluation. Collaboration or co-curation experience is desirable.
Open Eye Gallery particularly welcomes applications from people of colour and people living with disabilities. Knowledge or experience of Eastern and Central European cultures is also welcomed.
Program Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a permanent salaried position, pension benefits, 25 days’ annual leave and opportunities to work with emerging and established artists, photography-sector leaders, universities, communities and international partners. The role provides significant professional development through curatorial practice, partnership building, exhibition production and participation in Open Eye Gallery’s 50th anniversary programme in 2027.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applicants should email their applications to jobs@openeye.org.uk
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 October 2026
- Interview: Monday 12 October 2026
- 50th Anniversary Programme: 2027
Location
Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island, Liverpool, L3 1BP, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The role requires excellent writing, project-management, interpersonal and organisational skills, together with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently. Applicants should be committed to inclusive practice, sustainability, professional development and collaborative working.
The full recruitment pack contains detailed role requirements and responsibilities.