Curator for Inclusive History

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.

Curators
Hampton Court Palace, HM Tower of London, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Hillsborough Castle, Kew Palace
Established/Permanent
£38,978
Pro Rata
4 days a week

At Historic Royal Palaces, we are committed to inclusivity in all aspects of our work. The six palaces in our care have borne witness to significant moments in our national history – moments that continue to shape the world around us today – but were also the backdrop for everyday lives, in all their richness and complexity. We want everyone to be able to find meaning and relevance in their stories.

As the custodians of nationally significant sites, we cannot ignore the fact that for hundreds of years colonialism and empire, enslavement and exploitation were part of our national story but have allowed much of this story, and the stories of people of different race and ethnicity to go untold.

Our aim is to give the palaces a future as bright as their past and to create unique and memorable experiences for everyone. In order to undertake this work, we need help and so are seeking a new Curator for Inclusive Histories, directly focused on introducing inclusive perspectives into all our research. The new curator will lead this, but it will be the responsibility of our entire research team to deliver it. This research will inform the experiences that we create at our sites. In future, it will provide the content for our exhibitions, programming, publications and digital activity.

Beyond HRP, we will engage external researchers in the field as funds allow and expect to engage communities to discover perspectives on the histories that we research, building this participatory practice into our work at every opportunity. This role will be expected to lead on this work but will work closely with our Public Engagement Directorate to broaden our audience both online and onsite, as well as other curatorial colleagues who will be expected to embrace inclusivity in every aspect of their work.

Closing date Sunday 1st November 2020

This position presents an exciting opportunity for a talented, experienced and creative individual to influence and steer the future of the charity in reaching and engaging new audiences and making the organisation relevant for the future through researching and understanding the palaces and their collections. You will help champion an understanding of history in the presentation of the palaces today, preparing and delivering exhibition and display content, and writing material for our wider audiences. You will be expected to engage in public speaking events and be comfortable in using all channels of social media to communicate HRP’s stories to the wider world.

You will be creative and innovative with post-graduate qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (art, design history or history) and proven experience working within the cultural sector. Having experience of working in a heritage environment would be an advantage but not essential.

Equally importantly, you will love history, storytelling and communicating your enthusiasm for the subject to a wide range of audiences in different ways, creating personalised experiences that inspire and provoke change. You will demonstrate a proven ability to work flexibly within a team, sometimes under pressure, and be confident in persuading and negotiating to reach your objectives.

Closing date Sunday 1st November 2020

Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce.  Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.

This vacancy is closed to applications.