Freewheelers Theatre and Media Company, a diverse company of disabled artists and an Arts Council England NPO, seeks a freelance curator to collaborate on Us and Them, a major new disability history project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Overview
The curator will work with Freewheelers’ disabled members and project partners to create and deliver a high-quality, accessible touring exhibition. The exhibition opens at The Horton, Epsom (Sept–Oct 2026) and tours to King’s College London’s Curiosity Cabinet gallery on The Strand (six months) with an online version hosted by Freewheelers.
What the project includes
The exhibition will bring together film, oral histories, tintype (wet plate collodion) portraits, and historic records from Surrey’s mental health hospitals (1850s–1920s), reframing perceptions of disability past and present. It must be fully accessible intellectually, physically, and sensorially – including BSL, braille, and audio description.
Responsibilities
* Co-create the exhibition narrative with Freewheelers’ members and partners.
* Write exhibition text and shape design/flow.
* Ensure accessibility is embedded throughout (intellectual, physical, and sensory).
* Oversee installation at The Horton (Epsom) and King’s College London, adapting the show for each space.
* Coordinate designers, contractors and suppliers to achieve high quality and value for money.
* Embed co-production, ensuring disabled voices are central throughout.
* Support the creation of interactive and multi-sensory elements to engage diverse audiences.
* Assist with public programme planning and events.
* Manage budgets, schedules and compliance (including copyright).
* Attend project meetings and contribute to evaluation.
Requirements
* Significant experience co-curating with community groups, particularly disabled and/or vulnerable people.
* Strong skills in developing exhibition narratives, interpretation, and accessible design.
* Ability to collaborate with multiple partners and stakeholders.
* Proven project management experience—delivering on time, on budget, to a high standard.
* Knowledge of arts and heritage content (visual arts and history).
* Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and co-production.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Flexibility to adapt exhibitions for different venues and audiences.
* Willingness to attend in-person meetings in Surrey and London as required.
* Knowledge of disability history is desirable but not essential.
This is a consultancy/freelance contract with a fixed fee (to be agreed), inclusive of VAT and expenses. Some in-person work in Surrey and London is required.
Contact for more info: ceo@freewheelerstheatre.co.uk
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