Assistant Curator – BALTIC Contemporary Art

Assistant Curator – BALTIC Contemporary Art UK

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is one of Europe’s leading contemporary art organizations, located in Gateshead, UK. Established as a charitable trust, BALTIC is committed to presenting innovative, challenging, and high-quality contemporary art, supporting artists’ development, and engaging diverse audiences. The centre hosts exhibitions, creative projects, residencies, and events, fostering collaboration between artists, curators, and cultural institutions. BALTIC emphasises access, equity, and inclusion, promoting a workforce that reflects society’s diversity while delivering a dynamic public program.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to join the BALTIC Programme team and contribute to the research, curation, and delivery of exhibitions, residencies, and creative projects. The Assistant Curator will work closely with curators, artists, producers, and external institutions to support and realize high-profile contemporary art exhibitions and events. The position combines curatorial practice with project management, offering experience in all aspects of exhibition‑making—from research, planning, and budgeting to installation, documentation, and audience engagement.

Candidates will participate in developing the Artist Development Programme and broader public‑facing initiatives, gaining hands‑on experience in a leading European arts organization.

• Salary: £26,772 per annum (Salary Band E2)
• Contract Type: Full‑time, permanent
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Reports to: Curator Team Leader
• Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension scheme, 30% shop discount, café/bar discounts, discounts at local retailers, Employee Assistance Programme

The Assistant Curator will:

• Support the curation, project management, and delivery of exhibitions, residencies, and creative projects.
• Collaborate with curators, artists, producers, and external partners on the realization of individual and team projects.
• Contribute to all stages of exhibition‑making, including research, planning, artist liaison, loan negotiation, floor planning, and installation.
• Maintain and update exhibition management systems, budgets, and funding documentation.
• Collaborate with Learning, Communications, and Visitor Experience teams to develop press materials, catalogues, and gallery information.
• Organize artist visits, previews, events, and documentation of exhibitions.
• Deliver exhibition talks and tours as required.
• Uphold BALTIC’s sustainability, access, equity, and inclusion goals.
• Provide general administrative support for programme activities and team coordination.

Visual Art, Curatorial Practice, Contemporary Art, Exhibition Management, Project Management

• Applicants must have legal eligibility to work in the UK.
• Open to individuals with diverse skills, backgrounds, and experiences, including underrepresented groups (minority ethnic applicants, people with disabilities, neurodiverse candidates).
• Relevant experience in contemporary art curation, project management, or related fields is required.
• Opportunity to work in one of Europe’s leading contemporary art centres.
• Professional development across curatorial, project management, and exhibition‑making practices.
• Collaboration with internationally recognised artists, curators, and cultural institutions.
• Hands‑on experience with artist residencies, public programming, and audience engagement.
• Access to networking, mentorship, and career growth opportunities within a diverse and inclusive environment.

None

• Completed BALTIC application form (CVs alone are not accepted).
• Detailed responses demonstrating experience, knowledge, and skills relevant to the role.
• Examples of previous curatorial or project management work where applicable.
• Disclosure of eligibility to work in the UK.
• Interview Period: Week commencing 30th March 2026

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA
, United Kingdom

• BALTIC is committed to building a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
• Candidates should review BALTIC’s guidance notes for applicants to maximise their chances of selection.
• Offers of employment are subject to references, probation, and, where appropriate, criminal record checks.
• The role contributes to BALTIC’s sustainability goals and inclusive access policies.