Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics)

About the Role

Thanks to the generous support of The Headley Trust, we are delighted to establish this new Curatorial Fellowship in Ceramics — the first of two Fellowships for early-career curators that will be delivered over the next three years.

This Fellowship is far more than a fixed-term curatorial post. It has been designed to combine meaningful responsibility with genuine professional development at a time when specialist curatorial roles are increasingly rare. During their time with us, the Fellow will lead our 2027 Ceramics Artist in Residence programme, contribute to the redisplay of our ceramics gallery, co-curate a new display exploring ceramics and transatlantic trade in Bideford, undertake original research and produce a small publication about our ceramics collections.

Responsibilities

• Lead the 2027 Ceramics Artist in Residence programme.
• Contribute to the redisplay of the ceramics gallery.
• Co-curate a new display exploring ceramics and transatlantic trade in Bideford.
• Undertake original research and produce a small publication about the ceramics collections.
• Balance research with practical delivery and take ownership of projects while working collaboratively within a small organisation.

Person Specification

• A demonstrable interest in ceramics, craft or material culture, and a commitment to developing curatorial expertise in this area.
• An understanding of museum, gallery or cultural sector practice, gained through paid, voluntary or freelance experience.
• The ability to undertake independent research and communicate it effectively through writing, exhibitions, talks, digital content or other public outputs.
• Confidence working with museum collections, objects or archival material, or the aptitude to develop this aspect of your practice.
• The ability to lead projects, manage your own workload and work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• An interest in inclusive curatorial practice and broadening public engagement with collections.
• Experience contributing to exhibitions, public programmes, learning activities.
• Curious and motivated by collections, research and contemporary practice; confident taking ownership of projects while working collaboratively; adaptable and happy to balance research with practical delivery; excited to work in a small organisation where everyone gets stuck in; motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to The Burton’s collections.

How to Apply

For more information please visit https://www.burtonartgallery.co.uk/blogs/news-1/were-hiring-curatorial-fellowship-ceramics

Please download the full Recruitment Pack and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. The Burton at Bideford is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer who understands the benefits of diversity so that everyone – irrespective of individual identities, background, or any personal characteristics – receives fair and equal treatment in a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment.

To apply for the position, please email secretary@theburton.org with the following documents:

• An up to date CV
• A cover letter no longer than two A4 pages telling us why you are interested in this role and what you can bring to it (if you would prefer, your cover letter can be delivered in video or audio format – no longer than 5 minutes)
• A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form