Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art is the world’s largest community of postgraduate art and design students. It is also the oldest art and design university in continuous operation and has been ranked as the world's number one art and design university for a remarkable ten consecutive years, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 – the worldwide survey of academic and industry opinion.
Shape the Future of Curatorial Practice at the Royal College of Art!
Programme Overview:
Curating is a creative, dynamic, and diverse practice, evolving constantly in response to contemporary artists, cultural practitioners, and the expectations of today’s audiences. The Curating Contemporary Art MA (CCA) at the Royal College of Art (RCA) is a highly influential and internationally renowned programme. Our community of students and alumni, spanning over 47 countries, actively contributes to the global understanding and practice of curating. Our programme emphasizes collaborative, peer-to-peer learning, fostering a network of professionals collectively shaping contemporary art curation.
Purpose of the Post:
We are seeking an outstanding practitioner and educator in curatorial practice to join our Curating Contemporary Art programme. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and delivery of the one-year Masters Degree, as detailed in the programme specification.
Key Responsibilities:
- Curriculum Development and Delivery: Engage with the transnational and transcultural context of curatorial practice, contributing to curriculum discussions and developing pedagogical approaches to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
- Teaching and Mentorship: Deliver lectures, workshops, seminars, and critical reviews, teaching from your own established practice and research across CCA and other RCA programmes.
- Collaborative Working: Demonstrate enthusiasm for team-based programme delivery, flexible teaching, and working collectively with colleagues.
- Research and Practice: Pursue high-level research and practice, securing funding opportunities, and involving colleagues in collaborative projects to enhance the programme’s research culture.
- Programme Promotion: Actively promote the programme, staff, and students through public events, conferences, and projects, supporting recruitment and alumni relations.
- Administrative Duties: Undertake necessary administrative tasks related to teaching and programme management.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Relevant Academic Background: A first degree in a relevant specialism, and preferably a postgraduate qualification or PhD in a related discipline.
- Teaching Excellence: Commitment to high-quality teaching and fostering a positive learning environment for a diverse student body.
- Experience and Engagement: Evidence of ability and enthusiasm for working with students across theory and practice, and experience in developing and delivering courses.
- Research and Practice: A recognized international profile in curatorial practice, with a proven record of research and practice operating at a high level.
- Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds, and contribute to team-based programme delivery.
- Public Engagement: Active interest in promoting the programme through public events, and the ability to act as a positive advocate for the RCA.
Please see the information pack for more details.
Interviews are scheduled for 10/3/25.
Apply now and contribute to shaping the future of curatorial practice at the Royal College of Art!
RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/
The Royal College of Art (RCA) aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected.
We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.
Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format. In your message to resourcing@rca.ac.uk include:
- the web address (URL) of the content
- your email address and name