Assistant Curator, Portraiture and Photography

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity within our enthusiastic and dedicated Collection & Research team. We’re looking for a highly motivated and organised individual to assist colleagues in the Portraiture and Photography curatorial team with all aspects of curatorial work.

Do you have a strong interest in an art historical subject area related to the National Galleries of Scotland portrait and/or photography collections? Are you keen to develop your skills, knowledge and experience across a variety of curatorial activities? Do you have the ability to take the initiative together with proven experience of meeting deadlines? If so, we want to hear from you.

In this role you’ll assist with all aspects of curatorial work relating to the collection and programme associated with the Portraiture and Photography curatorial team. This will include assisting with the research, organisation, administration and delivery of exhibitions and collection displays; researching artworks in the collection and answering public enquiries. You’ll also facilitate access for visitors to view artworks not on display, support the acquisition programme and help to develop and create interpretation about the portrait and photography collections for our audiences. You’ll be guided and supported by the Portraiture and Photography curatorial team in carrying out the responsibilities of the role.

The difference you’ll make

- As the Assistant Curator, Portraiture and Photography, you will assist colleagues in the Portraiture and Photography curatorial team with all aspects of curatorial work.
- Work closely with colleagues in departments across the National Galleries of Scotland in the organisation, administration and delivery of the exhibition programme for the portrait and photography collections.
- Assist with the due diligence, collection audit and review programmes in collaboration with curatorial, collections management and conservation colleagues.
- Support artwork changes for existing collection displays.
- Facilitate access to the collection in our public study spaces, for individual researchers and group visits.
- Share information on the collection with our audiences and partners, including answering research enquiries about the collection.
- Undertake directed research, including on provenance, into the collection and potential acquisitions.
- Develop a research specialism related to the National Galleries of Scotland portrait and/or photography collections.
- Create and update collection acquisition, loan and object records.
- Write in-gallery and online interpretation about the collection for our focus audiences meeting the National Galleries of Scotland tone of voice, interpretation framework and editorial processes.
- Liaise with collections management colleagues to ensure the highest standards of care and protection for the collection.

Who we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you’ll need the following range of knowledge, skills, and experience:

- A degree or equivalent in art history or a related subject.
- A strong interest in a subject area relevant to the National Galleries of Scotland portrait and/or photography collections.
- Experience of working in a gallery or museum environment and/or evidence of working with art or heritage collections.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills, including an ability to prioritise effectively and work accurately without close supervision.
- Ability to work as part of a team and develop and maintain effective working relations with a broad range of people and teams, internally and externally.
- You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to supporting the organisation’s equality, diversity and inclusion commitments.
- Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office 365.
- Ability to take the initiative.

It would also be great if you have:

- A working knowledge of Axiell Collections or another collections management system.

Please apply directly via our careers portal. Applications via email will not be accepted.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday, 10 March 2025.

Museum Website: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/careers