Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics)

Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics)

The Burton at Bideford Closing date: Wed, 09 Sep 2026

Artform: Charity
Role: Curation
Contract: Contract
South West

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

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.

Job Description

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.

Person Specification

This Fellowship has been designed for an early-career curator who is ready to take the next step in their career, deepen their curatorial practice and develop expertise in ceramics. You may already have experience in a museum, gallery, archive or other cultural organisation, or have developed relevant skills through other routes. We are looking for someone who is excited to lead projects, contribute new ideas and make a meaningful contribution as part of our small, ambitious team.

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

Job Responsibilities

We are looking for someone who is:

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.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics)
  • Salary: £25k-£30k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Charity
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Wed, 09 Sep 2026
  • Location:
    South West
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Job: Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics)

Job: Curatorial Fellowship (Ceramics)

Organisation: The Burton at Bideford

Postcode: Ex39 2QQ

How to Apply

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 [email protected] 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
A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
If you would prefer, your cover letter can be delivered in video or audio format – no longer than 5 minutes.