Job Description

Job Advert


We are looking for an experienced socially-engaged practitioner to join Birmingham Museums Trust as Senior Curatorial Fellow of Modern and Contemporary Art.



This role will lead on initiatives to connect diverse communities with Birmingham's significant collections of modern and contemporary art, as well as working closely with artists and arts organisations to support the city's and region's ambitions around contemporary art practice.



With a focus on collaboration, the postholder will contribute to collections research, development, acquisitions, and displays. Supporting BMT's ambitions to become a participatory-led organisation, your work will be people-centred, connecting to artists, audiences, researchers and other cultural organisations to better use and develop the collections, including through new commissions and acquisitions. The role will also build and strengthen links into the region's contemporary art networks, working with visual artists and art organisations on raising the profile of contemporary art, and actively supporting the region.



We are looking for innovation in engaging audiences with art, with a particular focus on changing the audiences who engage with modern and contemporary art through digital engagement, new interpretation, and programming. The postholder will balance work on proposals for ambitious contemporary art shows that generate income, with work that brings out contemporary relevance of collections, and responds to calls from BMT's Citizens' Jury to engage with challenging or divisive topics.



To succeed in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:



Experience of working with modern and contemporary art collections and artists to deliver highly creative and engaging cultural experiences Experience and skills in participatory / collaborative working, especially with artists and contemporary visual arts organisations, and a drive to engage new audiences An understanding of the Trust's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and how it is informed by your own lived experience or practice Demonstrable understanding of the experiences of global majority artists and audiences and a track record of addressing inequality A commitment to professional development and a desire to progress into senior curatorial leadership within the cultural sector


We welcome and value all forms of experience including lived experience, academic, professional and voluntary. We are actively working to increase global majority representation within our organisation and strongly encourage applications from global majority candidates who are under-represented in curatorial roles in our organisation, and across the museum sector.



If you are successful, we have a wide range of support available including, subject to application, a potential three-year programme of training, support and networking for global majority curators supported by the Art Fund's Empowering Curators scheme. If eligible, this scheme includes a residential taking place in December, with support available to attend.



While the scheme focuses on addressing underrepresentation, the role is open to applicants from all backgrounds who are committed to contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic cultural sector. The successful candidate will be mentored by a member of the Senior Leadership Team throughout the role.

Important information:

When completing your online application form, please ensure all sections are fully completed. Your supporting statement must clearly demonstrate your relevant skills and experience (as outlined above), and explain why you believe you are a suitable candidate. (CVs are not accepted.)



If you have any access needs, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@birminghammuseums.org.uk, and we will do our best to support you with alternative application processes.



Interviews will take place in

late November 2025

, with a panel that includes Rosie Barker, Head of Curatorial & Participation. You will receive the interview questions in advance to help you prepare, and you will have the opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments.



Any offer of employment will be subject to pre-employment checks.



The closing date for applications is

9th November 2025

. If we receive a high volume of applications, the vacancy may close earlier than advertised. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.