Collections Manager – Ref EE04026
G9: £42,839 – £46,142 per annum.
The New Art Gallery Walsall (Permanent, 37 hours per week)
Monday – Friday. Weekend working and evenings will also be required.
Overview
The New Art Gallery Walsall is one of the leading visual arts venues in the West Midlands. Situated in the heart of Walsall town centre, the Gallery is a busy and vibrant building with an exciting programme of contemporary art exhibitions and collections displays, lively learning, education and community events, an artist studio, library, café, conference facilities and shop.
The Gallery is home to the prestigious Garman Ryan collection, including works by Jacob Epstein and Lucian Freud, as well as Constable, Degas, Matisse, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh. The New Art Gallery Walsall has also an impressive permanent collection of over 3500 works – as well as Victorian history paintings and works with a resonance to Walsall, the Gallery retains a strong commitment to contemporary collecting. Additional information is available through the Collections page of our website.
The Gallery provides a truly unique place for its visitors to experience, learn from, and participate in the visual arts. As part of Walsall Council and funded as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England, the Gallery is committed to delivering ambitious artistic programmes and meaningful engagement with diverse audiences.
The role
We are seeking an ambitious and experienced collections professional to lead the care, development and interpretation of our collections, archives and art library. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions & Collections, you will play a central role in shaping how our collections are managed, displayed and shared with audiences. You will oversee collections management to accreditation standards, develop policies and procedures, and curate a dynamic programme of exhibitions and displays.
You will also:
* Lead on the accessioning, conservation and long‑term care of the Gallery’s collections and archives
* Develop and manage loans, acquisitions and collections policies
* Curate and deliver exhibitions and displays from the collection
* Increase public access and engagement through innovative interpretation
* Build partnerships with artists, donors, communities and sector peers
* Line‑manage the Collections and Archives Assistant and support wider team development
You
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic individual, with good attention to detail and an excellent team player to join us for the next exciting stage in the Gallery’s future.
As a skilled and motivated professional with a passion for collections and public engagement you will bring:
* Strong experience in collections management within a museum or gallery setting
* Knowledge of historic, modern and contemporary art
* Experience of curating exhibitions and developing engaging displays
* Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage complex projects
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence to work across teams and with partners
* Creative thinking and the ability to develop innovative approaches to interpretation and audience engagement
* Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively
Why join us?
At The New Art Gallery Walsall, you’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team working within a nationally recognised cultural institution. We offer:
* The opportunity to work with an important and diverse art collection
* A leading role in shaping how collections are experienced by audiences
* Professional development and opportunities to grow your career
* The chance to contribute to an ambitious Arts Council England funded programme
Benefits
Whilst working with Walsall Council you can take advantage of a host of employee benefits, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement (increasing after 5 years)
* Access to the LG Pension scheme
* Wide range of training opportunities
* Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health support
* Cycle scheme and car leasing scheme
* 15 % selected membership discount for Walsall Leisure centres and other local discounts
As part of Walsall Council, you will also benefit from a strong organisational commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and flexible working.
Additional Information
* Based at The New Art Gallery Walsall, with some flexibility to work at other locations
* Includes occasional evening and weekend working and public engagement activity
* Opportunity to represent the Gallery at events, previews and sector networks
Equality and diversity
We want our staff to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve in Walsall, and at The New Art Gallery we are committed to promoting equality and anti‑discriminatory practice. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, races, ethnicities and religions, of different genders, ages, sexual orientations and abilities, and recognise unique perspectives and contributions.
Closing Date: Sunday 28th June 2026
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