Organizer Information

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London is one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to art, design, and performance, housing an extraordinary permanent collection of more than 2.8 million objects spanning fields such as architecture, fashion, textiles, ceramics, photography, and decorative arts. As a global leader in cultural preservation and research, the V&A is committed to fostering public understanding and appreciation of creativity, craftsmanship, and design heritage across diverse cultures. Through its exhibitions, publications, educational activities, and digital initiatives, the museum supports innovative curatorial work and engages broad audiences with the history and future of design. The V&A continues to build on its long-standing mission to inspire curiosity, promote artistic excellence, and advance scholarly knowledge in the arts.

Title & Description

Exhibition Project Curator
This is a fixed-term, full-time curatorial role for a major upcoming V&A exhibition (planned for 2027) focusing on painted and printed cotton textiles. The curator will work across research, concept development, production, and programming for the show, collaborating with the Lead Exhibition Curator, the Asia curatorial department, and the exhibitions team.
The exhibition aims to explore the cultural, artistic, and design significance of cotton textiles both in India and internationally, and will be accompanied by a publication and associated public events.

Role Overview

  • Salary: £35,561 – £41,488 per annum.
  • Contract Type: Fixed-term contract.
  • Work Pattern: Full-time.
  • Reporting Structure: Will report to / work closely with the Lead Exhibition Curator and colleagues in the Asia Curatorial Department and Exhibitions Team.
  • Team / Program: Part of the V&A’s curatorial and exhibitions program; specifically linked to a major textile-based exhibition in development.

Position & Tasks

  1. Research & Concept Development: Deepening understanding of painted and printed cottons, their histories, cultural contexts (especially in India and abroad), and design significance.
  2. Exhibition Planning & Production: Working on all aspects of the exhibition’s development — working with the Lead Curator on design, content, loans, object selection, interpretation, and exhibition narrative.
  3. Publication Coordination: Assisting in or overseeing a publication tied to the exhibition.
  4. Program & Events: Supporting or curating associated public programmes, talks, or events around the exhibition.
  5. Collaboration: Liaising with internal teams (curatorial, exhibitions, production) and possibly external partners, lenders, or scholars.
  6. Project Management: Managing timelines, budgets (or helping to), logistics of loans or conservation, ensuring the project aligns with V&A institutional strategies.

Categories

  • Curatorial / Exhibition
  • Textiles / Fashion
  • Design History
  • Museum Practice

Eligibility

  • The listing does not explicitly restrict by nationality, but the role is based in the UK — candidates would need to be eligible to work in the UK.
  • Likely requires curatorial experience, particularly related to textiles, design, or fashion, given the subject of the exhibition. (Though the exact person specification is not publicly fully detailed in the vacancy summary.)
  • V&A is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The recruitment process accommodates accessibility needs, and the V&A is a Disability Confident Employer Level 2.

Program Benefits

As part of the V&A staff, the Exhibition Project Curator will receive:

  • Pension scheme: Generous UK employer pension benefits.
  • Annual leave: 29 days plus bank holidays.
  • Flexible working: Options to balance work schedule.
  • V&A perks: Staff tickets to V&A exhibitions, 25% discount in V&A shops, subsidised staff canteen.
  • Employee support: Employee Assistance Programme; staff diversity networks; support for accessibility / reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
  • Professional development: A Wide range of training and development opportunities.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

While the summary vacancy page does not list all required documents, based on standard V&A hiring practices and the listing:

  • CV / Resume: Academic and professional background.
  • Cover Letter / Statement of Interest: Likely needed to explain why you are interested in, and qualified for, this exhibition project curator role.
  • Referees: Usually two professional referees (though not explicitly listed in the summary).
  • Possibly portfolio or project examples: As this is a curatorial role, applicants may be asked to show past curatorial work, writing, or exhibition-related experience (though you’d need to check the full job description for details).

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 3 December 2025

Location

Cromwell Road, London

Additional Details

  • Strategic Importance: This is a high-profile role, because the exhibition is described as “major” and will lead into a wide-ranging public program & a publication.
  • Cross-department Collaboration: You will work closely not only with curators but also with production, exhibitions, possibly conservation, and external partners — offering a chance to deeply engage with the institutional resources of the V&A.
  • EDI Commitment: The V&A explicitly supports inclusive recruitment and provides adjustments in the hiring process for candidates with disabilities.

Website Link: https://vam.current-vacancies.com/Jobs/Advert/4018517?cid=3279&rsid=24732&js=0&LinkType=1&FromSearch=False

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