In 2025, the RCN Library and Museum will be launching a new public exhibition in its main display space with the working title ‘The Art of Nursing’. Exploring art by and about nursing staff, the exhibition will draw on the RCN collections and past and new projects with artists, including Peter Liversidge, Rachal Mulligan and Connie Flynn.
We are looking for a freelance curator to join a project team and lead on the curatorial aspects of the exhibition, including research, interpretation, identification of key exhibits and stories, and management of artist commissions. The exhibition will be developed in consultation with RCN members and the curator will be responsible for managing this process. Exhibition design, production and installation will be carried out by another supplier in spring 2025.
PROJECT OUTLINE:
The freelance curator will co-ordinate the research, interpretation and text-writing for the exhibition, delivering project goals to agreed schedules. This will include:
Collections Research
• Research the RCN collection for objects and stories pertaining to the theme.
• Identify potential loans from other historic and contemporary collections
• Engage RCN members in the research process through virtual focus groups
• Develop a final list of exhibits, including all relevant display information
Interpretation and Narrative
• Develop exhibition themes in collaboration with the project team and RCN members
• Draft and edit exhibition text, including exhibit labels
• Liaise with artists on interpretation content for their artwork
• Liaise with external collections to co-ordinate any loans
• Source relevant images for panel design including rights checking
The successful applicant will be responsible for setting their own working schedules and workload to meet key delivery and timelines agreed with the Museum and Events Manager at the outset.
Occasional evening and weekend work is required, for example to support member engagement. The project will also involve some travel and staying away from home for short periods, primarily in Edinburgh (expenses for travel outside London will be reimbursed).
TO APPLY:
Please apply in writing to Sarah Chaney, Museum and Events Manager, including a CV and covering letter, on sarah.chaney@rcn.org.uk.
The consultant will be expected to demonstrate:
· Understanding of the brief and the context
· Proven experience of curating museum exhibition projects
· Experience of leading co-curation or other participatory projects
· Experience of working with artists
· Experience of project management from inception to completion
· Ability to write clear and engaging audience-appropriate copy
· Experience of consulting a public audience
· Excellent liaison and interpersonal skills
The deadline for applications is 12pm on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
If you require any additional information or would like to discuss the project further, please contact Sarah Chaney on sarah.chaney@rcn.org.uk or 020 7647 3602 (Wednesday – Friday only).
