Alternate Realities Curator

Salary: £32,000 - £36,000 pro rata

Sheffield DocFest is seeking a curator to lead on the curation of the Alternate Realities exhibition and programme for its 2022 edition.

Alternate Realities is Sheffield DocFest’s showcase exhibition and programme for immersive documentary and non-fiction forms including virtual (VR), augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR), Artists’ moving image, interactive performance and sound installation from around the world. Also in curatorial scope are formats such as 360° video, artificial intelligence, games, motion comic and video or expanded cinema.

Sheffield DocFest is now seeking an experienced curator, knowledgeable in innovation and new forms, and with a passion for documentary and non-fiction work. They will lead on the curation of the Alternate Realities exhibition and programme for the Festival (June), including identifying and securing relevant speakers for the Talks and Sessions programme. They will also influence and contribute to the strategy and implementation of the Alternative Reality Talent Market (for immersive documentary and non-fiction forms) and establish the creative parameters for the year-round touring exhibition and events. They will work collaboratively with the Interim CEO on the positioning of Alternate Realities within the overall structure of the festival, and with internal colleagues on relevant partnerships, audience and community outreach.

Sheffield DocFest is currently reviewing its operating model. At present it is expected that the successful candidate will report to the Interim CEO until the end of the June 2022 Festival until a new, ongoing leadership structure is established. The role will be offered as an 8-month fixed term contract (Jan – Aug 2022) with a view to extending, and is subject to December 2021 funding outcome.

Alternate Realities exhibition and programme

• Develop the artistic vision for Alternate Realities at Sheffield DocFest for the 2022 Festival and for year-round touring activity, in line with the overall Festival programme and in consultation with the Interim CEO; 
• Working collaboratively with the Alternate Realities Programme Producer, lead on the implementation of that vision, within available resources, and in line with the objectives of the Arts Council NPO agreement and other key partners and supporters; 
• Curate an exhibition for gallery space/s that showcases c. 30 immersive documentary and non-fiction works including virtual (VR), augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR), Artists’ moving image, interactive performance and sound installation from around the world. Also in curatorial scope are 360° video, artificial intelligence, games, interactive documentary, motion comic, video or expanded cinema.
• Make provision for a selection of works to be shown online following the conclusion of the festival and/or if pandemic related restrictions require a late change of plans. 
• Support and facilitate the commissioning of one new project, physical and/or online through partnerships, overseeing the promotion, leading on the selection and appointment processes and supporting those selected artists/filmmakers; 
• Ensure all Alternate Realities entries are watched and considered and make the final selection for the exhibition, in collaboration with the programmes team; 
• Curate a programme of talks and sessions – in collaboration with the Talks and Sessions Producer – which give context to, and further explore and deepen artist/filmmaker and audience engagement around the Exhibition programme and related commissions – developing ideas, suggesting topics, moderators and speakers, and overseeing the production and promotion of the programme as a whole; 
• Influence and input into the strategy and implementation for the delivery of the Alternative Reality Talent Market, together with the Head of Industry. Ensuring there is a coherence between the Alternate Realities Talent Market and the Exhibition and Programme. Recommend decision makers to participate in the Alternate Realities Talent Market to help create new opportunities for the artists/filmmakers who attend, and recommend potential artists/filmmakers to apply for / for the selection the Alternate Realities Talent Market (20-25 participating projects); 
• Curate selection of projects and talent from the exhibition for the onward touring activity relating to the Arts Programme in collaboration with touring partners; 
• Represent DocFest and Alternate Realities programme as an ambassador nationally, internationally and virtually, giving talks, on panels, at events and during research activities contributing to the programme.

This role is for eight months, on a fixed-term contract. It is full-time, with flexible/remote working an option. The successful candidate will be in Sheffield for the duration of the Festival.

More details and apply

For full details including how to apply, download Sheffield DocFest’s job pack here (Word and PDF).

The closing date for this position is 06/12/2021 at 23:59