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We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Vacancies

Collections Development Officer

︎ Closing date for Applications is midday on the 18th July 2025.

“Saving our 'New City Collection' and reframing its future with local communities”

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MKUH) has one of the most significant art collections in a health and social care setting in the country. In recognition of its unique place in the history of Milton Keynes and the collection as a national heritage asset, The National Lottery Heritage Fund have awarded Arts for Health MK a multi-year grant to support the conservation, cleaning, cataloguing and development of the artworks. This is in addition to funding from Milton Keynes City Council as well as Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, who commission the services of Arts for Health Milton Keynes on behalf of the hospital.

We are looking for a Collections Development Officer to join the team on a fixed term, freelance basis to support our existing team to deliver this project. This exciting role will involve undertaking a range of tasks that include:

·       Commissioning conservators and fine art conservation specialists

·       Helping to reinterpret the collection through an intersectional lens

·       Make the collection more accessible for people with special communication needs.

·       Founding and managing an Art Club for hospital staff at MKUH

·       Working with hospital stakeholders to develop a sustainability plan

·       Delivering creative digital resources that tell the story of the Collection from its inception and capturing the voices of those who have been part of that journey.

·       You will also assist in the recruitment of three local artists who will support creative outreach activity and the Art Club.

Working hours
This freelance post will involve working flexibly both on site and at home for 21 hours a week over 48 weeks in the year (totalling 134.5 days per year/269 days over the duration of the contract).

Person specification
We are looking for a creative person with a demonstrable interest and experience in art and heritage collections, with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in a creative health, hospital or other care setting, and a working knowledge of art history, theory, materials and techniques. The postholder will need to be comfortable working in digital environments, including MS Teams, and have a good eye for design and visual imagery. It’s likely that you will also be working as a creative in a related field. A working knowledge of Milton Keynes geography and its locality is desirable (but not essential). Previous experience of working with groups of identity is advantageous, as is experience of project management, and experience of working in a voluntary or community organisation, small charity, NHS or healthcare organisation is essential.

Remuneration
There is a fixed fee offered for this post. In the first year the fee is £15,816 for 134.5 days. In the second year, the fee will rise to £16,607 for 134.5 days.

How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to The Director, Ben Heyworth via email: director@artsforhealthmk.org.uk

︎ Closing date for Applications is midday on the 18th July 2025.

“Saving our 'New City Collection' and reframing its future with local communities” is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to undertake this wide ranging and exciting new conservation and development project at Milton Keynes University Hospital.

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