Arts Curator; Sir Bobby Robson Institute

Arts Curator (Sir Bobby Robson Institute) – Band 6 Equivalent

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust seeks a freelance Arts Curator to develop a public arts programme for The Sir Bobby Robson Institute (SBRI) at the Freeman Hospital. The role will enhance the hospital experience through commissioned art, working closely with staff, patients, families and community partners.

The Arts Curator will lead the delivery of the SBRI Arts Plan, commissioning and managing visual art projects, coordinating with artists, charities, and NHS stakeholders. The role supports the Head of Arts Programmes and focuses on creativity to promote health and wellbeing.

• Manage, deliver and evaluate a significant programme of integrated arts projects for SBRI.
• Support any creative freelancers engaged in the SBRI Public Arts Plan.
• Work with the Head of Arts Programmes to recruit, brief and induct artists.
• Develop consultation and engagement plans for each commission.
• Embed a full creative workshop engagement programme within the SBRI Public Arts Plan.
• Ensure visibility of SBRI heritage and achievements, linking to donated or loaned collection items.
• Implement and monitor policies, processes and guidance for the SBRI Public Arts Programme.
• Oversee design development and approval processes in line with national guidelines.
• Represent the Newcastle Hospitals Charity and Trust in internal and public forums.
• Coordinate with NHS colleagues to raise the profile of the SBRI campaign.
• Contribute to committees such as the SBRI Design Group, Project Board and Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Committee.
• Provide progress reports and presentations to the Charity Committee, Charity Director and key stakeholders.
• Agree on project budgets, artist fees and payment structures.
• Work closely with the Charity Finance, Communications and Events teams to record and report activities.
• Ensure site preparation and installation suitability, liaising with Estates, Fire, H&S and IPC teams.
• Coordinate installation method statements, maintenance and cleaning schedules.
• Validate artwork content and obtain signed approvals upon installation.

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in a similar role (essential).
• Professional qualification (desirable).

• Significant postgraduate experience managing, organising or promoting visual arts commissioning programmes (essential).
• Expert knowledge of visual arts commissioning programmes (essential).
• Previous experience in a healthcare or charity setting (desirable).
• Experience in arts & health or public arts programmes (desirable).

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Diplomacy, negotiating skills and strong social skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related IT tools.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Effective stakeholder management across a variety of audiences.

Newcastle Hospitals is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome all applicants irrespective of race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and particularly those from under‑represented groups.

As a flexible‑working friendly organisation, we encourage applicants to discuss how we can accommodate a working arrangement that meets both the service and your needs.

Applicants must be prepared to provide references covering a minimum of three years of employment. The successful candidate will be required to pay for their DBS certificate via salary deduction from the first month’s pay.