Royal Holloway, University of London is seeking a creative and collaborative Freelance Project Curator to lead the planning, coordination and delivery of a unique science-art exhibition on cybersecurity. This project will bring together young adults and cybersecurity researchers from the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Cybersecurity for the Everyday at Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL), to co-create an engaging and thought-provoking public exhibition.

The project will translate cybersecurity research into accessible public content and will explore how digital security affects daily life.

The curator will facilitate workshops, guide participants through the creative process and deliver a coherent exhibition for the University’s Exhibition Space.

Royal Holloway is a research-intensive university with a strong cultural offer delivered through its Cultural Services. This includes the Exhibition Space, Picture Gallery, Archives and Special Collections.

The CDT in Cybersecurity for the Everyday at Royal Holloway is at the forefront of research into the human and social aspects of cybersecurity.

The centre trains a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers to tackle real-world security challenges.

This exhibition is a key part of our public engagement mission to make cybersecurity relevant and understandable to everyone.

Find out more about the CDT here: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/research-and-education/departments-and-schools/information-security/studying-here/centre-for-doctoral-training-in-cyber-security-for-the-everyday/

Find out more about RHUL Exhibition space and previous projects here: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/about-us/the-library/the-exhibition-space-at-the-emily-wilding-davison-building/

Project Overview

The exhibition will be developed with cybersecurity researchers and young people through a structured programme of workshops.

Participants will identify themes, generate ideas and produce creative responses that help visitors understand cybersecurity concepts in clear and relatable ways.

The exhibition will explore areas such as smart devices, data journeys, encryption, online privacy and digital vulnerability.

It is expected to include interactive and multimedia elements shaped by the co-creation process. The curator will bring this material together and lead all stages of production, installation and delivery.  

Additionally, the exhibition will be digitised by the Cultural Services team to enhance accessibility and reach.

Scope of Work

Exhibition Development and Content Creation

• Support participants in developing ideas and creative content
• Produce exhibition narrative, interpretation and content briefs
• Ensure accuracy and clarity of cybersecurity themes in collaboration with researchers
• Prepare content for design, production and installation in collaboration with the Cultural Services Team

Stakeholder Coordination

• Work with CDT project leads
• Collaborate with Cultural Services and internal teams
• Coordinate contributions from researchers and participants
• Maintain clear communication and provide updates

Project Management

• Produce and manage a detailed project plan and timeline
• Organise meetings, milestones and delivery stages
• Oversee design, print, fabrication and installation
• Ensure activity remains within the agreed fee
• Develop installation and maintenance plans

Public Engagement and Education

• Shape an exhibition for a broad public audience
• Support associated workshops and engagement activity, to include working with local sixth form and college students, scout groups and RHUL University students
• Contribute to audience-facing resources if required

Evaluation and Reporting

• Provide progress updates for the CDT and Cultural Services
• Support evaluation framework

Person Specification  (E) Essential (D) Desirable

• Experience curating public exhibitions (E)
• Experience of science and art collaborations (D)
• Experience of participatory or co-creative practice (E)
• Experience with interactive or multimedia exhibition content (D)
• Strong facilitation skills (E)
• Understanding of widening participation and inclusive practice (D)
• Ability to interpret complex ideas (E)
• Strong organisational and project management skills (E)
•  Excellent communication skills (E)
•  Ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders (E)

Budget

A fee of £10,000 to £15,000 is available, inclusive of all costs. Exhibition production costs will be managed separately by Royal Holloway.

Tender Process

Applicants should submit the following, ideally as one PDF document:

• A project proposal (max 2 pages) with approach, milestones and work plan
• Up to 3 examples of relevant previous projects
• CV with two referees
• A fixed-fee proposal (not exceeding £15,000)

Evaluation Criteria

• Understanding of project scope: 40%
• Relevant experience: 40%
• Value for money: 20%

Timetable

• Tender deadline: Monday 16th March 2026
• Interviews: April 2026
• Contract start: March/April 2026 (as soon as possible)
• Co-creation workshops: May 2026 to March 2027
• Installation: April 2027
• Exhibition open: May 2027 to October 2027 (inclusive)
• Deinstallation and final report: October-November 2027

Other Information

Royal Holloway will assess the employment status of the successful bidder for tax purposes. The University’s standard freelance contract will apply. Site visits or informal conversations can be arranged on request.