Senior Curator – Global Majority Collections (Fixed Term)
Birmingham Museums are looking for an experienced socially-engaged practitioner to join the Curatorial & Participation team as Senior Curator of Global Majority Collections.
This role will lead on initiatives to engage local and international communities in accessing and researching Birmingham Museums Trust’s significant collections, with a particular focus on the African collections; will work through a participatory and socially-engaged lens to shape the Trust’s strategy around restitution and repatriation; and will contribute to ongoing gallery development, collaboratively telling the stories of the colonial origins of Birmingham Museums Trust (BMT)’s collections, building dialogue around questions of restitution, and creating plans and identifying opportunities for future exhibitions.
While primarily working with BMT’s African collections, this role will be the senior curatorial lead for the wider Global Majority collections. Working in a close partnership with the University of Birmingham, you will develop participatory processes and ways of working which can be used more broadly with other Global Majority collections and to shape our future collections engagement and display plans.
This fixed-term role is initially funded through a grant from the John Ellerman Foundation for two years, during which time they will explore how they might further extend this work.
They are open to applications which highlight academic, heritage sector, voluntary, or lived experience as a route to your approach to this role. Mentoring for the successful candidate will be provided from a highly experienced external Curator throughout.
To succeed in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:
- Experience in working with Global Majority collections and/or relevant lived experience
- Experience and skills in participatory/collaborative working
- Strategic thinking and problem solving
- Experience in delivering and managing projects
- An understanding of the Trust’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
For a brief summary of BMT’s Global Majority Collections, please see the attached document.
Further information can be found on the job description, which they recommend you read fully before applying. To apply you must ensure all parts of the application form are completed in full (including all your previous employment history). You will need to explain in your supporting statement why you believe you are a suitable candidate, what particular qualities and experience you have relevant to this role, and what you can bring if appointed. (CV’s are not accepted). However, if you have any additional access needs, please do get in touch with the recruitment team and they will endeavour to support you with alternative application processes.
Interviews will be taking place on 3rd September 2024 with Rosie Barker (Head of Curatorial & Participation). In advance of the interview, you will receive a copy of the interview questions to prepare, and you will have an opportunity to express any reasonable adjustments you might need.
They are an inclusive employer and recruit on the basis of ability, they are keen to hear from any applicants who feel suitably experienced.
Any offer of employment will be subject to pre-employment checks being carried out.
Close date for applications is 15th August 2024.