Application Deadline: 5 February 2020 at midday
Job Title: Project Curator, China 1800s
Type of Position: Full time, 3 years Fixed Term
This is an exciting opportunity to join the British Museum as a Project Curator: China 1800s. This involves working on a research project that will result in an exhibition, public programme and academic conference. Both the exhibition and its research are underpinned by a joint AHRC-funded British Museum and London University research project. As a Project Curator, you will provide support for the Cultural Creativity in Qing China 1796-1912 exhibition’s curator, project team and research project. You will work closely with the lead Curator and university partner in the development and delivery of the research project, exhibition, public programme and publications.
Key areas of responsibility
- To work as a core member of the Project Team, assisting the Lead Curator, university partner, and Project Manager as well as liaising with other key external and internal stakeholders including Learning and Audience, Loans, Marketing, Communications, Development, Operations, BM Company. This role will support the Lead Curator and exhibitions project team, working closely with other colleagues in the development for the delivery of the exhibition.
- To support the Lead Curator as required in curatorial work including undertaking curatorial work on the British Museum’s Chinese collections.
- The Project Curator will play a major role in the arrangements for the 3-day conference on Cultural Creativity in Qing China 1796 – 1912 to be held in June 2022 at the British Museum and its academic publication. This is partnered with London University (Birkbeck).
- To manage and file project documentation and correspondence. To obtain necessary information on loans (dimensions, special condition requirements, credit lines and copyright) through liaising with lenders and loans officers. The Project Curator will answer public enquiries and requests for information and develop ideas for promotion of the project.
- To carry out original research connected with the project, resulting in at least one peer-reviewed article.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate will be educated to at least degree level in Chinese, Chinese Art History, Chinese History, Chinese Archaeology or Chinese Anthropology and will be able to communicate fluently in Chinese (Mandarin) and English with excellent writing, proofing, editing and communication skills in both languages. The ability to transcribe classical Chinese texts (including calligraphic texts) and translate them into English is essential. A research specialism in Qing China is highly desirable as is the ability to read Manchu and/or Mongolian. You will have Museum or project experience along with some knowledge of China’s material culture (eg.painting, sculpture, ceramics or textiles) and excellent organisational skills with particular attention to details and accuracy.
For more information and a full job description please see the website [here].
