Somerset House Studios is seeking to appoint a freelance Curator (Arts and Technology) to develop, shape and deliver the n-Space pilot project on an initial 15-month contract, with the potential to extend.
n-Space is a new shared workspace and hub for interdisciplinary experimentation across art and technology, piloting at Somerset House Studios in autumn 2025. Building on previous programmes such as n-Dimensions and the Creative Technologies Fellowship, n-Space will extend the Studio's artist-led, community-driven ethos, bringing together practitioners from different fields to explore how we might generate new insights, interventions and knowledge in emerging sociotechnical systems.
Dedicated to research and development, thinking and collaboration, n-Space will connect artists, academics, technologists and engineers to support new projects and knowledge sharing, aiming to build a network long term, and increase the visibility and impact of artists in wider technological discourse. Key to the initiative will be drawing on our existing network of artists, thinkers and curators already working in this space to shape its potential.
Strategically-minded and collaborative, the ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and expertise in art, technology and innovation, and think beyond Western perspectives in terms of participants and outcomes, supporting digital inclusion and prioritising diverse voices in the sector. Candidates will hold diversity and inclusion as core values in their work and be able to demonstrate an interest and enthusiasm for the type of programmes the Studios produce. This freelance role requires a flexible approach to working, with the ability to respond intuitively to the changing needs of the programme.
We particularly encourage applications from those who identify as people of colour or those of the global majority to build diversity of perspectives within Somerset House Trust. We will consider candidates based outside of London however the project is focused on establishing a physical hub within Somerset House Studios, so the candidate will need to able to travel to Somerset House a minimum of 1 day per month tbd (any associated travel expenses are included within the fee).
Please see the job pack document for full details of this freelance role.
Lead the launch and delivery of the n-Space pilot programme, overseeing all elements from public announcement to evaluation.
Design the structure of the programme, working closely with the partners to ensure the shaping of an exciting and distinctive fellowship opportunity.
Create the conditions within n-Space to incubate ground-breaking new research, where new ideas and projects can emerge, with the support of the wider Somerset House Studios team.
To use n-Space as the basis for a regular programming strand within Somerset House Studios’ public programme, connecting emergent themes from n-Space and representing our experimental cross-disciplinary focus.
To curate a final public event, exhibition or symposium, showcasing projects and outcomes for each fellowship cycle.
Lead the project management of the n-Space pilot, establishing a new network and community hub at Somerset House Studios for experiments across art and technology.
Contribute to the selection of the interdisciplinary Fellowship cohort in collaboration with Somerset House Studios and the programme partners.
Oversee n-Space project phases, working in collaboration with the Somerset House Studios team and programme partners to ensure all stakeholders are involved and informed as necessary.
Oversee the n-Space project timeline and feed into budgeting in dialogue with Somerset House Studios.
Support the n-Space fellows to actively participate in the cohort and work together as a group, encouraging knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Support early-stage development of ideas and the development of the cohort’s individual projects.
Connect discursive outputs from the cohort to cultural audiences in a way that is accessible and engaging to a general audience, providing an accessible entry point for audiences to engage with the initial research and ideas emerging from n-Space, increasing public engagement with innovative research.
Establish the method for evaluation and documentation of n-Space, collating learnings and recommendations to be published at the end of each cycle, recruiting external consultants as needed.
Support the development of a project network, thinking specifically about structures and platforms for sustained engagement of participants and partners longer term
Provide regular project updates to the Director of Somerset House Studios.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Extensive knowledge and expertise in the specific area of art and technology.
An existing network in the field of art and technology.
A proven track record of curating, engaging and accessible programmes focused on art, technology, research and innovation.
Experience of supporting the development of new creative projects and programmes.
Skilled negotiator and diplomat, with an ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with a diverse range of people.
An understanding of and commitment to Somerset House Studios and Trust work, vision, and values, including diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.
Experience of evaluating projects and establishing metrics for measuring their success, ideally in an academic or fundraising context.
Experience of fundraising and sponsorship, ideally of applying for funding in an academic or economic context.
Experience of building community and use of platforms including Discord, Slack and Telegram in support.
Excellent project management and organisation skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritise a busy workload and meet deadlines.
Experience of working directly with a range of artists, creatives, researchers and academics.
A wide-ranging interest and strong knowledge and enthusiasm for arts and contemporary culture across a variety of disciplines.
Thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy creative problem-solving.
Collaborative and an exceptional team player.
Calm under pressure, able to manage relationships and juggle multiple deadlines efficiently.
Ability to manage their own time and to work to, meet and ensure others meet deadlines.
Excellent research skills and ability to write accessible texts for different outputs and audiences.
Maintain high standards of professional delivery for all, including artists, partners & audiences.
Work in accordance with Somerset House Trust policies, including our Anti-Racist Policy, Code of Conduct, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and Health & Safety Policy.
Support Somerset House Studios to embed accessibility in all aspects of its work.
Support Somerset House Studios to reduce its environmental footprint in all aspects of its work.
About Somerset House Trust
Somerset House hosts the UK’s largest and most exciting creative community right in the heart of London, and are always looking for new talent to join our team. We welcome 3 million annual visitors to share our unique combination of cultural events, the creative industries and history. This mix informs and powers our programme and organisational culture, making us a singular, compelling and inclusive place to visit and work.
Somerset House is actively anti-racist, you can read about our Anti-Racism Pledge and the action we’re taking here. We are working hard to ensure our people, our onsite community and our sector reflect, represent and include all of society.
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion:
Somerset House is open to all, and we value everyone's unique skills. Somerset House Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
Where candidates are equally qualified, we will seek to prioritise diversity to help us increase representation across the creative economy and the Trust.
We anonymise all job applications to help avoid discrimination in the initial screening stage of our recruitment process. This reinforces our commitment to focusing on the skills and qualifications of all applications from the start.
We're committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help you perform at your best. We're open to adjusting our process to accommodate your needs.
The Trust reserves the right to close a job before its application deadline.
Please only apply if you have the right to work in the UK; the Trust cannot currently offer sponsorships.