Exhibitions Assistant 2025

We are looking for people to join our fantastic team at Somerset House Trust. As the home of cultural innovators, the Trust connects creativity and the arts with the broader society.

Somerset House pursues a ‘Step Inside, Think Outside’ spirit and is born from the creative community we nurture - the experience and perspectives we host across background, age, race, and stage, and the intersections and crossovers we encourage.

The role

We are seeking an Exhibitions Assistant to support the team with the delivery of our exhibitions programme. Working closely with the Exhibition Managers, Curators and Technical Production team, this role will be responsible for a variety of administrative and organisational aspects of exhibition planning and delivery including scheduling, database entry and some aspects of courier and registrarial duties. As a part of the Exhibitions Team, you will contribute to the staging of our exhibition programme which covers major exhibitions, commissions and smaller projects and exhibitions as well as general departmental support. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy creative problem-solving, and be a team player.

Key responsibilities

Exhibition organisation and delivery

• Accurately inputting, monitoring, and updating information regarding artworks and key stakeholders into the relevant databases, spreadsheets, and bespoke applications
• Liaising with lenders, artists, and others as required for loan paperwork, insurance valuations, display, packing requirements etc, as required by the Exhibitions Manager/Team
• Gathering photographic and digital material, contacting agencies as necessary, and dealing with reproduction rights and copyright for in-gallery, publications and online usages
• Collating worklist information for internal teams and external stakeholders
• Working to schedules and assisting in the planning, installation and take down of exhibitions, organising specific tasks such as framing, condition checking, interpretation installation
• Sourcing materials for installations, researching suppliers and obtaining quotes
• Occasional courier and registrarial duties
• Supporting the Exhibition Managers, Curators or other team members with other duties as required

Administration

• Organising travel requirements including tickets, hotels and per diems and hospitality
• General administrative duties including filing, scanning, photocopying, collating and sending mail, preparing materials for send-outs and other clerical duties
• Organising meetings, booking meeting rooms, writing agendas and taking minutes
• Assisting in the planning and delivery of private views and other events
• Processing order, receipts and invoices and supporting budget monitoring
• Liaise with internal Somerset House teams, acquiring or circulating information
• Undertake administrative and other duties as required.

We are looking for someone who has

• Experience of exhibition organisation and delivery, including the care of and presentation of cultural objects and/or artworks
• Experience of working on large creative projects as a member of the team
• Experience of exhibitions or collections databases and record keeping
• An understanding of picture research, copyright procedures and printing
• Excellent organisation and administrative skills in an office environment
• Helpful and positive solution-based attitude, ability to work within a team and across departments
• Highly organised, ability to prioritise a varied workload and manage time and resources
• Excellent written and verbal written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
• Understanding of project management
• Strong numeracy and IT skills, including working knowledge of MS Office applications and spreadsheets, image manipulation, and ability to learn new systems and software quickly
• Ability to work under pressure, while retaining a rigorous attention to detail
• Flexibility and adaptability to change
• Knowledge and interest in contemporary art or cultural exhibitions
• An understanding of and commitment to Somerset House’s work, vision, and values, including diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.

Benefits to working at somerset house

Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed
• Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time)
• Contribution towards eye tests and glasses
• Trust life insurance scheme

Holiday

• Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Birthday leave - additional day leave
• Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice

Other leave

• Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service)
• Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months service)
• Enhanced maternity pay

Pension

• 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required*
• Option for salary sacrifice
• Interest-free loans
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts offers and free stuff

• The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
• Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
• Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
• Discount to local leisure centres following 3 months employment

About somerset house trust

Somerset House hosts the UK’s largest and most exciting creative community right in the heart of London, and are always looking for new talent to join our team. We welcome 3 million annual visitors to share our unique combination of cultural events, the creative industries and history. This mix informs and powers our programme and organisational culture, making us a singular, compelling and inclusive place to visit and work.

Somerset House is actively anti-racist, you can read about our Anti-Racism Pledge and the action we’re taking here. We are working hard to ensure our people, our onsite community and our sector reflect, represent and include all of society.