Liverpool Biennial’s Program Team is recruiting for two Assistant Curator roles. You will support the Program Team in all aspects of the research, preparation, delivery, production, installation, maintenance and de-installation of the Biennial exhibitions and year-round program of projects, talks, events, publishing and research.

Liverpool Biennial, established in 1998, is the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art. Taking place in historic buildings, unexpected spaces and art galleries, the Biennial has been transforming the city through art for over two decades. A dynamic program of free exhibitions, performances, screenings, community and learning activities and fringe events unfolds over 14 weeks, shining a light on the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Contract: Fixed-term, full-time until 31 October 2027
Application deadline: Sunday 19 April, 11:59pm

To apply to this position visit Assistant Curator, Liverpool Biennial

Reports to: Program Manager
Responsible for: Interns and Volunteers

About the Role
The Assistant Curator roles support the Program Team in all aspects of the research, preparation, delivery, production, installation, maintenance and de-installation of Liverpool Biennial exhibitions and the year-round program of projects, talks, events, publishing and research.

The Production role focuses on planning and organising the technical and logistical aspects of exhibitions and projects.

The Public Program role focuses on the planning and delivery of live events and audience participation, and contributes to the delivery of two non-festival projects in the public realm.

Key Responsibilities

Curatorial & Exhibition Organisation (Both Roles)

• Support the Program Team in the research, preparation, delivery, production, installation, maintenance and de-installation of Biennial exhibitions and the year-round program.
• Assist the Program Manager and Co-Curators to ensure festival commissions and Public Program activities are delivered on time and within budget.
• Support the Program Manager and Curator of Learning to ensure artworks and events are accessible, organising additional access provision where appropriate and exploring creative access with artists from early project stages.
• Represent Liverpool Biennial at public events, meetings and networking opportunities, and lead curatorial tours or talks during the festival.
• Liaise with all Liverpool Biennial departments to ensure a smooth flow of information.
• Act as the main point of contact for select artists and their representatives, liaising with arts institutions, funders and other stakeholders.

Administration (Both Roles)

• Arrange accommodation, travel and per diems for visiting artists, participants and contractors.
• Organise meetings, prepare welcome packs for artist visits, and host visiting artists in the city.
• Coordinate, attend and record meetings.
• Organise and attend site visits and research trips.
• Monitor and maintain budgets for exhibitions and events, including:
  • obtaining estimates
  • following procurement procedures
  • raising purchase orders
  • processing invoices
  • maintaining budget files
  • providing updates to the Programme Manager
• Draft and administer service contracts with artists, suppliers and contractors.
• Maintain and update contacts on the Liverpool Biennial database and support the Development team with guest lists for events and openings.
• Prepare and update project checklists and timelines.
• Support copy-editing and approval processes for artist information and interpretation materials.
• Assist the Marketing team by providing up-to-date project information for campaigns.
• Provide research reports and project proposals to support the Development team in securing funding.
• Support the writing of risk assessments and ensure health & safety and safeguarding measures are implemented.
• Ensure sustainability is prioritised throughout planning and delivery of exhibitions and events.

Other Duties (Both Roles)

• Manage trainees, interns and freelance staff and supervise departmental work placements where required.
• Attend relevant training and professional development opportunities.
• Work within Liverpool Biennial policies including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Code of Conduct, Health & Safety, Sustainability and Safeguarding.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends as required, taking Time Off in Lieu (agreed in advance with the Programme Manager).
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the level and responsibilities of the role.

Additional Responsibilities

Assistant Curator (Production)

• Work with the Programme Team and Programme Manager to coordinate with partner venues and contractors delivering exhibition elements.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on production matters, using insights to inform future planning.
• Support the Curator and Programme Manager in planning and designing exhibition layouts.
• Book and oversee technical staff, contractors and equipment hire.
• Oversee exhibition and artwork maintenance during the festival.
• Advocate for sustainable practices, ensuring Liverpool Biennial’s Sustainability Policy is embedded in artwork fabrication, shipping and installation.

Assistant Curator (Public Programme)

• Oversee delivery of in-person and digital public programs, including talks, workshops, screenings and events across multiple venues.
• Oversee select festival commissions, projects and loans, including live works and participatory projects.
• Support liaison with Liverpool Biennial partners and venues, ensuring venue teams are fully briefed on schedules, installation plans and artists’ requirements.
• Assist with installation and de-installation of artworks, and support the Front of House team with maintenance enquiries.
• Contribute to Biennial publications such as the festival catalogue and the online research journal Stages where required.

Photo: Mark McNulty.