Head of Exhibitions and Displays, Tate Liverpool
Closing date: 28 June 2010
Salary: up to £38,000 per annum
The aim of Tate is to increase public awareness, understanding and appreciation of British art from the 16th century to the present day, and of international modern and contemporary art.
Located on the Albert Dock since 1988, Tate Liverpool is an international gallery based in a regional centre. It is one of the UK’s largest galleries of modern and contemporary art and played a pivotal role in European Capital of Culture 2008. Our mission is to be open, diverse, international, entrepreneurial and sustainable in the presentation and interpretation of British and international modern and contemporary art, developing new audiences as well as deepening relationships with our current audiences.
The Exhibitions and Displays department is responsible for curating and delivering exhibitions and collection displays. This includes developing and researching ideas for the programme, working with artists, commissioning artworks, co-ordinating and arranging packing, transport, shipping and insurance for loan works, producing interpretative materials, writing and editing catalogues, panels and labels. The department also administers the Government Indemnity Scheme, and plays an important role in contributing to the overall vision of Tate.
You can find further information about Tate on our website: www.tate.org.uk
Purpose of the Job
To work with Tate Liverpool’s Directors and Management team on the conception, management and implementation of a dynamic programme of changing exhibitions and displays to reflect, promote and embody the gallery’s role as a centre for the enjoyment and study of twentieth-century and contemporary art.
To lead and manage the Exhibitions and Displays department in a professional and creative manner.
To be a key member of the Management team and improve the management and performance of Tate Liverpool. This will mean moving beyond matters of immediate professional or departmental concern to play a full role in the consideration of local and regional issues.
Main Activities/Responsibilities
- Developing exhibitions and displays programmes in collaboration with Tate Liverpool’s Director and Programme Group. This will include loan-in exhibitions, regular gallery display changes and special display projects, in-focus displays, new commissions etc; assessing the viability of project proposals; chairing the Tate Liverpool Programme Group; and formulating an on-going programme of exhibitions up to five years ahead in consultation with Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Tate St Ives and Tate Collection.
- Securing national and international tour venues for all Tate Liverpool generated exhibitions and managing related issues.
- Managing the Exhibitions and Displays department and Curatorial Interns and providing collaborative supervision of PhD students to deliver each collection display and exhibition project from conception through to implementation to target, on time and within budget.
- Preparing and continuously monitoring the annual departmental budget and all specific exhibitions and displays at Tate Liverpool.
- Attending meetings, preparing and presenting papers and providing professional input to the development of practical ways of facilitating collaboration, minimising costs and improving the gallery’s operations.
- Representing Tate Liverpool at Tate Loans Group meetings in London and various other cross-site meetings and providing feedback to Tate Liverpool’s Management team.
- Developing, contributing to, editing and overseeing the delivery of Tate Liverpool publications to accompany exhibitions and collection displays.
- Working closely with the Head of Learning and colleagues in the Learning department on the planning and realisation of exhibitions and displays and the development of learning initiatives, research, interpretation and public programmes.
- Liaising with colleagues in the Exhibitions and Displays, Learning and Communication and Publishing departments in the drafting and production of interpretative material.
- Supporting the Development department in fundraising initiatives and sponsor maintenance.
- Working with Tate Research, Tate Liverpool’s Management team and the academic sector to establish a site-based Research Centre on ‘Re-thinking Modernism’ and contribute to the development of Tate Liverpool’s relationship with local, regional and national universities.
- As required, representing Tate Liverpool’s Director at high-level meetings eg Tate Programme Group and others at a local and regional level.
Person Specification
Essential
This is a high-profile post in a major modern art gallery that has an international programme and presence. Performance will be judged by results so, whilst a knowledge of modern and contemporary art is essential, it must be complemented with equally sound management expertise.
- A relevant degree and post-graduate degree in the History of Art or other related field.
- Sound and demonstrable knowledge of twentieth-century and contemporary art.
- Extensive experience of managing and staging exhibitions and displays.
- Proven curatorial excellence, together with sensitivity to meeting the needs of a wide range of visitors.
- Extensive experience of managing budgets and staff, including the ability to deal effectively with change.
- Excellent organisation, planning and project management skills, with ability to prioritise and co-ordinate activities to meet deadlines.
- Practical experience of administering and co-ordinating several exhibitions at varying stages and of different types, including major loan exhibitions.
- Ability to assess the viability and staging applications of exhibition proposals.
- A sound understanding of all aspects of a gallery’s functional operations and interdepartmental relationships, including health and safety and work planning.
- An understanding of conservation issues in relation to programme development and display.
- Act as coach and mentor to an enthusiastic and committed group of staff.
- Have team spirit with well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
- Negotiation skills with an aptitude for managing different types of relationships.
- Ability to command the respect of, and secure co-operation from, a wide range of disparate professional bodies, other public organisations and special interest groups, whilst achieving the gallery’s aims and objectives.
- Experience of having written work published and a record of having successfully produced publications and catalogues.
- An awareness of issues of equality and cultural diversity as they inform the programme and affect the work of a major gallery.
- Ability to work at the senior level this post demands, demonstrating strategic thinking and a willingness to accept responsibility whilst providing leadership to skilled staff during a period of continuing development.
- An understanding of the creative opportunities for income development open to museums and galleries as their dependency on public subsidy is reduced, together with some experience of fundraising within the sector.
- Ability and willingness to travel and to attend out of hours functions as required.
Desirable
- Fluent in speaking and writing at least one foreign language.
- Knowledge of Tate’s Collection.
Pay and Benefits
Type of Contract
This appointment is offered on a permanent contract.
Working Hours
This post is offered on a full-time contract working 36 hours per week - Monday to Friday.
Salary
This post is graded in the Senior Advisory Band of Tate’s Pay Bands.
An appointment to this post will be made up to £38,000 per annum dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful applicant.
A review of pay is undertaken annually at Tate through negotiation with the recognised trade unions. Any increases to individual salaries, will be subject to the terms of Tate’s annual pay settlement and will be applied from 1 April.
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 working days per annum rising to 27 working days per annum after three years’ service.
Pension Benefits
An important part of the pay and reward package Tate offers employees is the option to join the Civil Service Pension arrangements. These arrangements offer a choice of two types of pension:
- nuvos. This is a high quality, index-linked defined benefit occupational pension scheme that currently has a 3.5% member contribution rate. As your employer we meet the rest of the cost of the scheme.
- partnership pension account. This is a stakeholder pension with a contribution from ourselves. How much we pay is based on your age. We pay this regardless of whether you choose to contribute anything. You do not have to contribute but, if you do, we will also match your contributions up to 3% of your pensionable earnings. The contributions are in addition to the age-related contribution mentioned above.
If you have previously worked for an employer who participated in the Civil Service Pension scheme different conditions may apply.
Other Discretionary Benefits
- Interest-free Season Ticket Loan.
- Free entry to paying exhibitions at Tate Galleries. Opportunities for family and friends to visit the major exhibitions out-of-hours.
- Discounts in the Tate Restaurants and Cafes and on items purchased in the Tate Bookshops.
- Free access to a number of other galleries and museums throughout the UK on production of a valid staff pass.
Selection
Completed application forms should be returned to:
Recruitment Manager
Reference: 10013
Tate Liverpool
Albert Dock
Liverpool
L3 4BB
In view of the increasing postal costs and our constant need to make the best possible use of our resources it is our policy to write only to those people who are invited for interview. I am sure that you will appreciate the need for this. If you would like confirmation of receipt of your application please enclose a stamped addressed postcard. If you do not receive an invitation to interview within one month of the closing date, regrettably, you should assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.
The closing date for the return of completed application forms is Monday 28 June 2010 by 5.00 pm.
Interviews will be held mid July 2010.
Our jobs are like our galleries, open to all.
Application form
http://www.tate.org.uk/about/workingattate/application-for-employment.rtf
Guidance notes
http://www.tate.org.uk/about/workingattate/guidance.pdf.
