Open Call: Curator-in-Residence for 2025/2026

The Place
The Fitzrovia Chapel is an enchanting jewel of Byzantine inspired architecture located in the heart of the Fitzrovia community. Grade II* listed the former chapel of the Middlesex Hospital is a place of meaning, memory and sanctuary for many. Today it is a 21st century place for quiet reflection, discovery and celebration.

The chapel has developed a distinctive artistic programme, supporting both emerging and established artists and learning opportunities. It is an enriching cultural space with a focus on creative health and wellbeing. The chapel is open to everyone of all faiths, beliefs, backgrounds and cultures and connects a diversity of communities, visitors and partners.

The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced curator to be the first Curator-in-Residence to collaborate with us on a series of visual art exhibitions running from late 2025 through to spring 2026. This new role is designed to develop and deliver a visual arts programme that builds on the chapel’s cultural programme to date and is in line with the Chapel’s organisational strategic plan.

As curator, you will play a pivotal role in developing the programme building on the chapel’s identity as a place for creative health and well-being, increasing its relevance and connectivity to the local Fitzrovia community and as a space for underserved communities. This requires a keen understanding of the chapel’s heritage as a space of solace and reflection, catering to diverse as well as under-represented audiences and remaining true to our charitable aims. We value exhibitions that incorporate a range of artistic practices, respond to the unique space of the chapel and broaden our audience reach.

The Role
The residency, based remotely and in the chapel, covers three exhibitions beginning in November 2025 and running to March 2026. It is anticipated that the role will begin in January 2025.

Working closely with the chapel’s team, you will be responsible for developing and curating exhibitions with public programming that engage the local and wider community. Through these exhibitions, you will contribute to the mission of the chapel as a place of both historical significance and contemporary relevance.

You will have experience of delivering similar projects, have strong networks and a profile in the UK visual arts ecology.

Deliverables
Curation, development and delivery of an annual programme of three exhibitions for 2025-6 (November 2025; January 2026; March 2026) with associated interpretation and events.

Working alongside the small chapel team, you will agree ideas and concepts, draw up plans and timetable, select artists/artworks, be onsite for installation and de-rig.

For each exhibition, the chapel team will work with you on promotion, marketing and local knowledge.

The programme will contribute to the chapel’s developing cultural profile and mission of being a welcoming and inclusive space that not only reflects its heritage but also actively participates in the cultural life of the surrounding areas.

The exhibition programme has a budget attached to it and so no fundraising is required.

Fee
The Curator in Residence will receive a fee of £21,000 plus a budget of £2,500 for travel and accommodation (including any research trips).
The fee is based on a rate of £350 per day, giving approximately 60 days for work on the various projects, supported by our team.

How to Apply
To apply, please submit a current CV or portfolio (this can be a link to your website or LinkedIn) with a proposal outlining how you would approach the work and why you want this opportunity. The proposal must be no longer than two sides of A4, or if you would like to submit a video or audio file, no longer than 5 minutes.

If you need access support for your application, or have any queries, please email us at madeleine@fitzroviachapel.org or call us on 020 3409 9895.

Timetable
Submission Deadline: Monday October 28, 5pm

Interview Date: Tuesday November 12, 2024

Submission Email: madeleine@fitzroviachapel.org