SENIOR CURATOR AND PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT MANAGER at Black South West Network

SENIOR CURATOR AND PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Do you believe in disrupting the status quo of cultural heritage? Are you passionate about building spaces where historically marginalised communities lead the way in telling their own stories?

Black South West Network (BSWN) is seeking a visionary Senior Curator and Programme Development Manager to lead the delivery of The UnMuseum – Collecting, Preserving and Sharing Stories of Black Identity and Belonging in the South West project.

Backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this ground-breaking three-year initiative is centred on a decolonial approach to cultural heritage, one that shifts power, centres Black communities, and reimagines how stories are gathered, preserved, and shared.

About the Role

As Senior Curator and Programme Development Manager, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of the UnMuseum project. You’ll work collaboratively with artists, communities, and institutions across the region to:

• Curate a digital and physical archive rooted in lived experience
• Deliver a high-impact festival and touring programme
• Support community-led archiving and heritage practice
• Build infrastructure and skills among Black-led cultural heritage groups
• Embed radical community ownership into every stage of collecting and curation

You will also lead a small and committed Cultural Heritage team, oversee governance structures, and ensure the project remains rooted in BSWN’s racial justice mission.

Who We’re Looking For

This role is for someone who brings creativity, leadership, and deep commitment to cultural equity. You’ll have experience curating in collaborative and community settings, strong project and team management skills, and a bold vision for cultural heritage that challenges dominant narratives. We particularly welcome candidates from Black backgrounds and those with lived experience of the communities we work with.

How to Apply

Please see further information at UnMuseum Recruitment 25 — Black South West Network. You will be required to upload your CV and supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. 

Should you successfully reach the interview stage, you will be asked to prepare a short 10-minute presentation outlining your experience and approach to the project.