Curating with Pan-African Cinema Archives Traineeship

Salary: £784 bursary

Flatpack Projects is teaming up with the June Givanni Pan-African Cinema Archive to deliver an 8-week traineeship in Pan-African Film and Archive Curation.

Trainees will learn about Pan-African cinema, working with archives and curating film events.

The programme is part of the JGPACA project Building Community Audiences for Pan-African Cinema in the Regions. It offers a unique opportunity to explore film curation through the lens of a globally significant Black-led archive.

What you need to know:

• The training is for Birmingham-based early career curators from the global majority
• Trainees must be 18 or over
• Trainees will receive a bursary of £784 pounds, inclusive of VAT
• Training sessions will happen in person in Birmingham, with the exception of the archive visit which will be in London
• There is a short application form, followed by an informal interview online
• Trainees must be able to attend at least 7 of 8 training sessions between February and March

If this sounds like you, read on for more details and how to apply.

For course objectives, what you’ll learn during the traineeship and more information about bursaries and the organisations leading the project, see the further information document below.

Further information (Google Doc)

Who is this opportunity for?

The training is for West Midlands-based early career curators from the global majority who are interested in Pan-African Cinema. You do not need to have work experience in film or archives, or any experience in film. You just need to be aged 18 or over, with a curious mind and an enthusiasm to learn.

This curatorial traineeship aims to increase opportunities in the film and archive sector for people in Birmingham and the West Midlands. JGPACA recognises that the film and archives sector is significantly underrepresented by people from the global majority, even as interest in films and stories from these communities continues to grow.

Dates and locations

Training will take place at the following locations:

• Zellig, Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4AT
• BRIG Café, 54-57 Allison St, Birmingham B5 5TH
• Offsite visits, tbc

Both training venues are wheelchair accessible and accessible via public transport. Full venue information will be provided to successful applicants. If you have any questions in the meantime please contact jobs@flatpackfestival.org.uk.

The training dates are:
Week 1 – Wednesday 4 February 2026, 5-8pm
Week 2 – Wednesday 11 February 2026 (offsite visit – 10am – 5pm)
Week 3 – Wednesday 18 February 2026, 5-8pm
Week 4 – Wednesday 25 February 2026, 5-8pm
Week 5 – Wednesday 4 March 2026 (offsite visit – 10am – 5pm)
Week 6 – Wednesday 11 March 2026 (offsite visit – 10am – 5pm)
Week 7 – Wednesday 18 March 2026, 5-8pm
Week 8 – Wednesday 25 March 2026, 5-8pm

Please note: exact timings for offsite visits are tbc.

You should only apply if you can attend at least 7 of the 8 weekly sessions. This is to ensure you get the most out of the learning experience. Aside from the weekly sessions, there will also be optional sessions to attend, and opportunities to attend other local relevant cultural events.

How do I apply?

The application form has some questions about your contact information, and three questions asking about why you are applying for this opportunity.

Complete the following two forms by 11.59pm, Sunday 4 January 2026

Application form (Google form)
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (Google form)

For additional information, see our further information document:

Further information (Google Doc)

What happens next?

We will shortlist the applicants and invite a selection for an informal interview online. Interviews will take place Wednesday 14 January 2026

We will then select the three trainees and let them, and the unsuccessful trainees know by Thursday 15 January 2026.

The three selected trainees will start on Week 1: Wednesday 4 February 2026

#LI-DNI

The closing date for this position is 04/01/2026 at 23:59