Collections Curator

Collections Curator

Bethlem Gallery Closing date: Mon, 12 Oct 2026

Artform: Museums
Role: Curation
Contract: Temporary
London

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

We are seeking a skillful, organised and inclusive curator or collections manager with knowledge and experience of collections management and co-curation. This is a fixed-term contract to co-curate displays of Bethlem Gallery’s collection out across hospital and community spaces over 15 months.

Job Description

Working closely with the Gallery Director and the wider team, the Collections Curator will be key to managing and delivering coproduced exhibitions of the Bethlem Gallery Collection across the hospital and community sites.

The role of this Collections Curator will be three-fold. First, it will entail project management to ensure the collection gets out on display across south east London. We have confirmed partners. Second, collections management: to ensure all works in the collection are well cared for and also documented on eHive to spectrum standards, and that plans and policies are working well. Third and arguably most importantly, co-curation: to work with working groups to plan, design, and interpret collections displays across a range of sites.

Job Requirements

Experience
At least 3 years' experience working as a Curator and/or Collections Officer
Experience of curating exhibitions, exhibition installation and artwork handling
Experience of collections documentation and using collections management databases such as eHive, Modes, Adlib or similar
Experience of working with a range of people in co-curating/participatory projects
Experience managing budgets
Experience of working in a mental health setting or similar and with people with a wide range of access needs

Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent IT skills
Ability to advocate well for artists and artistic practice
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team

Knowledge
Knowledge of Spectrum standards and collections management procedures
Understanding of preventive conservation principles
An understanding of museums, the visual arts and health sectors.

Job Responsibilities

1. Collections management: Ensure the best practice management of the collection works.
2. Collections strategy: Facilitate and support collections advisory board sessions if needed, alongside an art group to lead on the art strategy across South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
3. Collections display, installation and interpretation.
4. Project management and reporting.
Please see full job description on the Bethlem Gallery website
https://bethlemgallery.com/about/work-with-us-2/

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Collections Curator
  • Salary: £30k-£40k (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Museums
  • Role: Curation
  • Contract: Temporary
  • Closing date: Mon, 12 Oct 2026
  • Location:
    London
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Collections Curator

Job: Collections Curator

Organisation: Bethlem Gallery

Postcode: BR3 3BX

How to Apply

If you are a skillful and kind collections professional who is excited by the work we do and meet the essential criteria then we would love to hear from you.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from candidates from the global majority, who are currently underrepresented within our team.

If you’re worried you do not fit all the criteria but do have relevant experience that could make you a great candidate, we encourage you to apply.

To apply please send a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the job to [email protected]

We welcome applications in written, audio or video formats. To submit applications in an alternative format, to request information in an alternative format or to discuss any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process please email [email protected].