Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity is looking to engage a curator with an interest in health and heritage to curate an innovative and engaging exhibition for The People’s Gallery: A Hundred and 10 years of Healthcare, Hospitals, Heritage and Healing funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project will involve patients, staff, visitors and the community in a multi-faceted heritage programme that will be showcased in a new 88 metre dedicated exhibition space: The People’s Gallery to celebrate the history of the hospital. We are looking for someone to lead the creative interpretation and display of a range of memorabilia, artefacts, historical medical equipment, archives, hospital records and photographs for an exhibition which will build over a two-year period.

Key deliverables

The charity is seeking an experienced curator to:

• Curate an exhibition for The People’s Gallery: A Hundred and 10 years of Healthcare, Hospitals, Heritage and Healing
• Undertake research as well as review the collection of varied artefacts currently held in storage by the Trust.
• Involve patients, staff and the community in the process of interpretation.
• Create an interactive timeline of the history of the hospital.
• Work within the parameters of the space, logistics and health and safety requirements of the trust.
• Work within the assigned budget.
• Collaborate with other artists who are delivering commissions on the heritage programme to find ways to include or align works.
• Advise on the planning and installation of the exhibition.
• Ensure that the exhibition is accessible, inclusive and engaging.
• Work with the Senior Arts and Heritage Manager and Heritage Officer to ensure that key aims and objectives are met.
• Input to the Arts & Heritage Committee.
• Support the evaluation of the programme.

Proposal value

£10,000 fee, (inclusive of VAT). There is a separate budget for materials, fabrication, installation and access costs.

Applications from individuals and organisations are welcome. A minimum of 30 days is required.

Experience

It is expected that applicants have experience in curating heritage exhibitions within an arts and health context. Previous experience of working with the NHS or charity sector is desirable. Knowledge and experience of the local community of Sandwell and West Birmingham is also required.

How to Apply

Please provide:

• A CV outlining your experience, capacity and skill sets in relation to the services outlined in the specification
• A covering letter of no more than two sides of A4 which includes:
  • How you intend to deliver the services outlined in the specification.
  • Your method of working with Your City and Metropolitan Hospitals Charity to ensure that the key deliverables will be achieved.
  • Details of at least two references that can be contacted (if required) for similar services undertaken by your business.

Timescale

The commission: July 2025 to January 2027

Providers will be required to submit their applications by 5 pm on 1 July 2025 via email to trustcharity@nhs.net. Interviews for shortlisted candidates w/c 21 July.

The successful applicant will be required to commence as soon as possible.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Our charity has a clear commitment to its equal opportunities policy, and it is the duty of every employee to comply with the detail and spirit of the policy.

Additional information

Charity Annual Report & Accounts 2023-24 - download here

PDF Application Pack