Seeking Head of Curatorial & Public Practice

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art has exhibited the work of over 400 different international artists, received over 7 million visitors through the door since opening in 2002 and welcomed 262,000 participants in learning activities last year alone.

We have ambitious plans for 2019–22 which will be challenging and rewarding for all our team. We are looking for an exceptional individual to join BALTIC at this exciting time and help broaden and deepen our impact as a world-class organisation.

The role will lead on our curatorial and pedagogical vision through collaboration, and make a major contribution to the strategic development of BALTIC’s mission and curatorial vision, managing the planning and delivery of an artistic programme of high quality and international standing.

As well as extensive knowledge of contemporary art and public practice, the successful candidate will be an experienced leader that leads through empowering and motivating an already high performing team.

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is an incredible place to work. We have a knowledgeable, empowered and dedicated staff team; a diverse and supportive Board of Trustees and an ambitious plan to deliver our civic mission. Our mission is to create greater understanding of the world through outstanding experimental and inspiring contemporary art which has power, relevance and meaning for individuals and communities. 

We run a major commissioning programme of Inter/national exhibitions annually delivering 8-12 exhibitions at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, 5 at BALTIC 39; a performance programme; residency and associate artist programmes including CONTINUOUS, a new 4 year dance partnership initiative with Siobhan Davies Dance. In 2017 we launched the inaugural biennial BALTIC Artists Award, a new model for supporting emerging artists with over GBP 120,000 being awarded for the production of new work. We have a significant new programme in local communities including B. Local—a new model for collaboration within the heart of some of our most disadvantaged communities.

Our strategic partnership with Northumbria University, the BxNU Institute based at BALTIC 39, is led by BALTIC Professor and Director of the Institute Andrea Phillips, who joined our team in 2017.

The post holder will also play a pivotal role in shaping BALTIC’s new Centre for Public Practice (CPP). The CPP is an alliance of Curatorial, Documentation, Library & Archive, Learning, Visitor Experience and Technical teams at the heart of delivering BALTIC’s vision. It will enable the conditions for greater integration and shared practice for all participants. 

Forged as a response to contemporary urgencies, the CPP is born out of the recognition of the equitable value of curatorial and educational practices and designed as a response to the subsequent reconfiguring of institutional hierarchies. The Centre for Public Practice aims to influence sectoral thinking, and create a platform for internationally significant research, inquiry and debate within contemporary art. The CPP is a platform from which to deepen impact in delivering our ambitious civic mission on both a local and global level. 

To apply for this role, please visit BALTIC Submittable to complete an online application.

Will require eligibility to work in the UK.

BALTIC is committed to the goal of building a diverse workforce. We are inviting people with different skills, experiences and backgrounds to apply for this opportunity. We encourage applications from those who consider themselves as having a minority representation in this field.