We are looking for 8 cultural programmers/ curators aged 21 - 32 to take part in Southbank Centre Presents - a bespoke programme designed to equip the next generation of cultural leaders by developing their practical experience.
This bespoke programme is designed to equip the next generation of cultural programmers and curators by developing their curatorial toolkit and practical experience. The work programmed and curated will sit at the heart of our 75th anniversary celebrations during the summer of 2026.
This opportunity has been designed for early-career creatives who can demonstrate some prior experience in programming and curation, whether that's curating a panel discussion at your local arts centre, programming a multi art-form cultural event, or working in a role where programming and curation might be a small part of your job that you would like to focus on more.
For more guidance, please look at our FAQs on our website.
This course combines training and professional opportunities. Participants will be expected to attend all training sessions and will be paid for any programming and curation work here at the Southbank Centre.
Participants will be paid for any programming and curation work at the Southbank Centre. We know that financial circumstances might prevent people from being able to get involved with programmes like Southbank Centre Presents. As such, we are offering grant payments to participants who feel that they would be prevented from taking part due to financial circumstances. This would mainly be to cover the week-long residential. If you would like to apply for a grant then we will ask you to answer these questions:
- Are you currently working? Full time / part time / irregular / Not in employment currently.
- Are you currently employed as PAYE or freelance?
We ask these questions to help inform us how best to allocate our grant payments. How you answer these questions has no bearing on decision making about your application.
Job Requirements
The programme is open to cultural programmers and curators aged 21-32 with up to 3 years prior experience in programming or curation. You could be working in an organisation in a junior role in a producer, programmer or curator capacity and want to use this opportunity to continue to grow your curatorial and programming skills without needing to leave your current role. You could be working in a freelance capacity and need a peer network that empowers you to continue to learn your craft. We want everyone to feel they can take part and we encourage applications from people from the Global Ethnic Majority, or if you are a woman, non-binary or trans*
Job Responsibilities
Over 20 months, from July 2025, the Southbank Centre will build a relationship with the cohort, developing and strengthening their practice via monthly talks, workshops, peer-led discussions and an intensive residential retreat. Putting theory into practice, the cohort will then have a range of opportunities to programme and curate events as part of Festival 75 - our 75th Anniversary celebration during May to September 2026 - as well as wider Southbank Centre programming.
How to Apply
If you’d like to apply for this opportunity please first read the Southbank Centre Presents FAQs, and the eligibility criteria, before then completing the online application form. If you’d like any assistance with, or have any questions in relation to, completing the form, please get in touch with our team.
Application deadline: Sun 18 May, 11.59pm
Interviews: w/c Mon 16 June
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].