Would you like to take an active role in delivering East Yorkshire’s biggest open art exhibition? The Ferens Art Gallery organises an annual Open exhibition that receives a huge number of entries from artists based locally and across the country. To deliver the 2024 Open exhibition we are seeking a highly organised individual with experience of project management and contemporary art. You will need to be highly organised, a clear communicator and adept at working as part of a busy team. This contract is offered on a freelance basis to start immediately and run until the end of June 2024.

Responsibilities

This role will work to support the Exhibitions and Events Officer in the delivery of the 2024 Open exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Organise 5 workshops during the submission period to support artists submitting online and photographing their artwork.

Book three external selectors for the selection day and coordinate the selection day.

Work with the Marketing team to create initial exhibition copy, select images to promote the exhibition, create social media content and content for e-newsletters.

Work with previous Open artists to create promotional material for the exhibition.

Work with the Exhibitions and Events Officer to update the contract with Hull City Council’s legal team.

Update the Open terms and conditions and easy read document and work with the Marketing team to update the webpages.

Work with council IT to update and test the online form and ensure that a user-friendly PowerPoint is created for use on the selection day.

Ensure the Open online form and supporting information goes live on the website on time.

Monitor the submission process with IT colleagues and support artists who are having difficulties with the application process.

Manage the Open exhibition email account, answering artist enquiries and managing group mailouts. Also work with the HCAL admin team to respond to enquiries.

Collate information for the exhibition catalogue and liaise with an external designer regarding design and print of catalogue and interpretation.

Support the Exhibitions and Events Officer with the selection day.

Ensure the notification process runs smoothly.

Plan the artist hand-in period with the Exhibitions and Events Officer and train up any new front of house staff on how to handle artwork.

Work with the Exhibitions and Events Officer to plan the exhibition preview, including collating the guest list.

Support with the planning and delivery of the install, including creating a catalogue.

Draft a joint press release with colleagues to announce the Open exhibition and Young Artist Open

Organise 3 artist 10 min talks during the exhibition run.

Produce a Risk Assessment for the preview and exhibition.

Any other reasonable duties to support the delivery of the Open exhibition.

This post will also be assisting with the next Artist in Residence. Further details will be discussed at interview stage.

Outputs

Workshops organised, promoted, and delivered.

Terms and conditions, easy read document, contract, and online form all updated and live.

Submission dates and process marketed.

Selection Day planned and delivered.

Artist queries answered.

Submissions received online.

Preview organised and delivered.

Exhibition opened on time and catalogue printed.

3 artist talks programmed.

Key Experience

Art administration/working in an art environment.

Strong written and verbal communicator.

Project management skills.

Excellent team worker able to perform with your own agency within a small team and use sound judgement when issues occur.

Good organisational skills, including a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Strong IT skills - specifically excel, email, mail merge.

Timeline

We would like a candidate who can start as soon as possible. Due to funding restrictions, this role will run until the end of June 2024.

The Open exhibition is managed by a template schedule that is adjusted each year. The Exhibitions and Events Officer manages the schedule and will be able to advise key dates.

The appointed freelancer will be expected to manage their time to deliver the above within the contract period and to meet the deadlines set by the Exhibitions and Events Officer.

Install: 10-14 June, 17-21 June & 24-27 June 2024

Preview: Thursday 27 June 2024, 6-9pm

Exhibition opens: 28 June – 22 September 2024

Fee

The Ferens Art Gallery offers a flat rate of £12,000 for this role (the appointed freelancer will need to manage their time well and will be expected to work more days per week during the busy install period), to include all transport and expenses. A workspace at one of Hull Museums’ sites and a laptop will be provided. A payment schedule will be agreed in discussion with the successful candidate. 

How to apply

Please send a CV and Cover Letter outlining your experience and why you are interested in this role by midnight on Wednesday 17 January 2024. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 24 January 2024.