Curator of Southern European Art

Nationalmuseums; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent art museum in Oxford is seeking a curator to manage its Italian and Spanish collections. The role involves developing exhibitions, conducting research, and collaborating with both internal colleagues and international partners. Candidates should possess a relevant postgraduate qualification and substantial experience in planning major exhibitions. This full-time position supports flexible working to enhance work-life balance. Applications must be submitted online by mid-February 2026.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of major exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions.
• Ability to communicate confidently with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Proven leadership in guiding students and early professionals.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage Italian and Spanish art collections.
• Develop exhibitions and contribute to research and teaching.
• Collaborate effectively with museum colleagues and external partners.

Skills

Advanced subject expertise in Southern European art

Experience planning and delivering exhibitions

Building international networks

Education

Relevant postgraduate qualification

Job description

About the role

Ashmolean’s Department of Western Art holds internationally significant collections and is at the heart of the Museum’s ambitious programme of exhibitions, research and capital development. In this role, you will have curatorial responsibility for the care, development and interpretation of the Italian and Spanish collections, and related Southern European schools, from the fourteenth century to 1945.

You will develop and curate ambitious exhibitions, contribute to research, publication and teaching, and play a central role in the major West Wing project, helping to shape new gallery displays and improve access to the collections. You will enhance the collections through acquisitions and long-term loans, cultivate relationships with donors and international partners, and contribute to the documentation, digitisation and online presentation of the collections. The role involves close collaboration with colleagues across the Museum, GLAM (Gardens, Libraries, and Museums), and the wider Oxford University, as well as leadership and supervision of fellows, interns, volunteers and students.

This is a full‑time post, working 37.5 hours per week. Subject to the line manager’s approval, this role supports working from home up to two days per week.

About You

You will bring advanced subject expertise in Southern European art, supported by a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience, and a strong record of research and publication.

You will have demonstrable experience of planning and delivering major exhibitions, loans and acquisitions, and of building and sustaining international networks.

You will work effectively both independently and collaboratively, communicate confidently with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders, and provide leadership and supervision to students and early career professionals.

You will be able to plan and deliver complex projects to time and budget, and contribute positively to the shared goals of the Museum and University.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a 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.

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Wednesday 11 February 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place in person on Thursday 12 March 2026.