Heritage Curator

Heritage Curator

Streetwise Opera Closing date: Thu, 27 Aug 2026

Role: Curation
Contract: Contract
East Midlands
London
North West

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Streetwise Opera is looking to appoint a self-motivated individual with strong curatorial, archive and project management skills to lead on the curation of a new archive and exhibition, presented in-person and online.

Job Description

Working closely with Streetwise Opera participants with lived experience of homelessness, in heritage, arts and homelessness settings, the role will involve leading the archival research and development of the project, reviewing Streetwise Opera's existing records and materials to identify, assess, select and contextualise items for inclusion in the digital archive and exhibition.

This new project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, in 2027 Streetwise Opera will be undertaking a major heritage project that will see us gather and preserve music, stories and reflections from our history. Recordings, photographs, scores, programmes, designs and oral histories will be made accessible through a new digital archive and public exhibition, as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations.

The Curator will lead site visits, skills development sessions, and oral history work in partnership with the British Library; the creation and management of the Streetwise Opera archive; and co-curation of the digital and in-person exhibition, including interactive and live elements.

This role is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Salary: £40,000 (£24,000 pro rata) per annum.

Contract: 12 months, 0.6 (3 days per week), fixed-term contract.

Hours: 21 hours (3 days) per week. Preferred working days would be Tues, Weds, Thurs to align with our regular weekly sessions. Core hours are 9:30am - 5:30pm.

Watch a pre-recorded conversation about the role on our website, with Martin Constantine, Artistic Director, and Rachael Williams, CEO.

Job Requirements

* Demonstrable experience of curating, developing and managing participatory heritage projects.
* Experience of working with adults at risk and/or people who have experienced homelessness, trauma or social exclusion.
* Experience of planning, recording and interpreting oral histories, with a strong understanding of oral history ethics and best practice.
* A track record of working within or in partnership with heritage, arts or cultural organisations.
* Experience of managing relationships with heritage, arts and community partners.
* Experience of supporting participants to undertake research, develop lines of enquiry and contribute to curatorial decision-making.
* Experience of researching, reviewing and interpreting archival material, including physical and digital records.
* A strong understanding of safeguarding best practice.
* Strong networks across the heritage and/or arts sectors, or the ability to develop these networks across the regions in which we work.
More in job pack.

Job Responsibilities

* Launching the research investigation at the outset of the project, including facilitating groups to engage with lines of enquiry.
* Ensuring consistency and clarity of vision across the different strands of the project: Streetwise Opera Pioneers; co-creation sessions; the exhibition; work in frontline sessions; oral histories.
* Leading the archival research and development of the project, reviewing Streetwise Opera's existing records and materials to identify, assess, select and contextualise items for inclusion in the digital archive and exhibition.
* Engaging heritage experts, Streetwise Opera collaborators and artists from throughout its history, to work with the participants and support their research journey, creating new work for display in the interactive exhibition and films.
More in the job pack.

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Heritage Curator
  • Salary: £30k-£40k (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Thu, 27 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    East Midlands
    London
    North West

How to Apply

To be considered for the role of Heritage Curator, please submit an application form via our website.
We will guarantee first round interviews to candidates who have lived experience of homelessness and meet the essential criteria above. If you regard yourself as someone who has this lived experience, please also indicate this on the application. Please state if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made with regards to an interview, please note this on the application form where indicated.
Closing date for applications: 4:00pm, Thursday 27 August. We do not close applications early.
Interviews: Wednesday 2 September.