Curator: Family Programme. Job description. Background

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1 Curator: Family Programme Background For over a century the Whitechapel Gallery has premiered worldclass artists from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie Calle, Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George and Mark Wallinger. Job description. With beautiful galleries, exhibitions, artist commissions, collection displays, historic archives, education resources, inspiring art courses, dining room and bookshop, the newly expanded Gallery is open all year round, so there is always something free to see. The Gallery is a touchstone for contemporary art internationally, plays a central role in London s cultural landscape and is pivotal to the continued growth of the world s most vibrant contemporary art quarter. The Education department The Education team supports the Whitechapel Gallery s aims and objectives through the exhibitions and education programme, and for commissioning new projects. The Curator: Family Programme has a key role in the development, planning and delivery of the core programming within the Education department that comprises the Director of Education & Public Programmes, Curator: Community Programme, Curator: Youth Programme, Curator: Public Programmes, Curator: Schools & Teachers, Curator: Education Programme and an Adjunct Film Curator. Role The Curator: Family Programme will further develop links with local service providers for family audiences. S/he will develop projects and resources and manage freelance contributors to the family programme and contribute to the development of the education programme as whole. Accountability The Curator: Family Programme will report directly to the Director of Education and Public Programmes..

2 Duties and responsibilities 1. Programming Take primary responsibility for all programmes for families (Family days, off site workshops, crib notes, Children s Commissions), liaising with other members of the Education team where appropriate. Contribute to discussions about contemporary art and, with the Director of Education and Public Programmes and the team, devise a programme of activities and projects that aim to broaden the access of families to the Gallery and explore its exhibition programme as a stimulus for learning. Lead on research projects related to family programming and broader methodologies. Work with the Director of Education and Public Programmes to develop the Children s Commission or other education displays related to the programme. Keep abreast of local, national and international initiatives as they relate to family programming, with special attention paid to issues of cultural diversity and access. Develop, oversee and implement all projects with families, ensuring that all stated objectives and aims are met within the agreed budgets and timeframes. Develop family resources. Work with the Director of Education & Public Programmes, and with Curator: Schools & Teachers to select artists and contributors to all programmes for families, and act as primary contact, agreeing aims and evaluating outcomes. Regularly liaise with Communications and Marketing. Provide copy for all programme marketing and interpretation. Act as an integral part of the Education team, contributing to the development and implementation of all Education programmes and working with the Director of Education and Public Programmes to ensure the smooth running of the department and its programming as a whole. 2. Management Handle all administrative responsibilities attached to programmes for families including maintaining records and filing systems and ensuring adequate documentation of projects. Manage freelance contributors to the Family programme

3 Manage and monitor content for the website, liaising with the Communications department. Manage and monitor all project budgets related to families programming. Establish and monitor suitable evaluation methodology appropriate to each project, ensuring that funders and sponsors are updated with reports and documentation Ensure that proper statistics are kept for all family programmes and that the programme is adequately represented in the archive. Identify potential funders for specific family projects, contributing to applications and final reporting and liaising with project funders. Work with a representative from Visitor Services to ensure the family programme of events and resources is clearly visible throughout the building, that families are welcomed at all times and to undertake research into family audiences. Write content for reports and funding applications. 3. Networking Actively foster positive relationships with local family support organisations in order to encourage involvement in the Gallery s programming. Develop active relationships with key contacts in the local authority family services department and other relevant local organisations. Research ideas, practices and artists relating to future programming. Maintain relationships with current funding bodies and service users, keeping them updated about current Gallery programme and initiating new contacts. 4. Other Carry out any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Director of Education and Public Programmes. Represent Whitechapel Gallery at public events, meetings and networking on behalf of the organisation

4 Person specification Essential An in-depth knowledge of contemporary and modern art, critical discourse and interest in ideas relating to participation and education. A broad knowledge of current education policy and practice relating to education, with a minimum of two years experience working with children in a gallery context. Excellent administrative and project management skills. Familiarity with the school environment, National Curriculum and Key Stage levels. An enjoyment of and ability to speak to and motivate young people. Experience of budget management and some financial acumen. Self-motivated, with the ability to work as part of a busy team supporting colleagues and working to deadlines. Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Keyboard skills and P.C. competence. Empathy for the Whitechapel Gallery s philosophy and diverse audiences, and the ability to work with a broad range of people. Desirable A degree or higher qualification in a related subject (art studio or art historical practice). An up to date knowledge of the arts funding system in England. Experience developing and implementing on-line and new media projects. Curatorial experience.

5 Conditions of work Permanent contract: Part Time Hours of work: 9.30am 5.45pm, Monday to Wednesday, plus some occasional weekend and evening work, which will be compensated by time off in lieu Salary band: 24,000-26,000 The period of notice 2 months in writing on either side In addition, the benefits you are eligible to receive are: 25 days annual holiday (pro rata for part-time staff) You will be eligible to participate in the group personal pension scheme, with the Gallery contributing an amount equal to an additional 4.5% of your gross salary 6 months after your start date, (or when probation has been successfully completed, whichever is later) 200 day annual travel grant (pro rata equivalent for part time staff) Discount from Whitechapel Gallery bookshop Discount from the Whitechapel Gallery Café/Bar and Dining Room Discounts on editions (one per edition) and publications