Royal Holloway, University of London, is seeking to appoint a Freelance Project Exhibition Curator to lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of public exhibition on Ocean Plastics & Sustainability, delivered in partnership with SC Johnson (SCJ). The exhibition will adapt and expand SCJ’s established “Pure Ocean / Czysty Ocean” model, integrating Royal Holloway’s environmental science research, community engagement programmes, and STEM education activity.

Royal Holloway is a research-intensive university with a strong cultural offer delivered through its Cultural Services, encompassing the Art Collection, Picture Gallery, and Archives & Special Collections.

The exhibition forms part of the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability, widening participation, and civic engagement.

Key Information

• Fee: £15,000 (inclusive of all costs)
• Contract Length: c. 8-10 months (exact dates to be agreed)
• Location: Hybrid (remote working with onsite delivery at Royal Holloway, Egham Campus)
• Closing Date: 11 January 2026 (midnight)

The exhibition will:

• Open in Spring/Summer 2026
• Adapt core elements from SC Johnson’s Polish “Pure Ocean” exhibition
• Add new content based on Royal Holloway research in plastics, sustainability, and waterways
• Include a schools and community programme delivered with Widening Access/Departmental Outreach

Scope of Work:

Exhibition Development & Content Creation

• Adapt key elements from SCJ’s exhibition model (eco quotes, plastic types display, recycling demonstrators)
• Develop enhanced UK-specific interpretive content including graphics, banners, and video material
• Produce Royal Holloway-specific contributions such as a research showcase and community engagement section
• Deliver the STEM Careers Corner with profiles, videos, and hands-on elements

Stakeholder Coordination

• Work with SC Johnson project leads
• Collaborate with Royal Holloway academics, contributing content
• Coordinate with Cultural Services, Widening Access, Careers Service, and other internal partners
• Ensure clear communication and timely project updates

Project Management

• Create and manage a detailed project plan and timeline
• Oversee design, print, fabrication, and installation workflows
• Coordinate onsite installation and develop a maintenance plan

Public Engagement & Education

• Support planning of school workshops, community sessions, and science engagement activities
• Develop public-facing resources such as worksheets, bookmarks, and take-home materials

Evaluation & Reporting

• Produce interim progress updates for SCJ and Royal Holloway
• Contribute to a visitor evaluation framework

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience curating public exhibitions
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ability to communicate scientific content to non-specialist audiences
• Experience collaborating across multiple teams or stakeholder groups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Experience in STEM engagement or environmental sustainability
• Experience collaborating with schools or community groups
• Understanding of widening participation agendas in HE

Budget

• Fee available: £15,000 (inclusive of all costs). Royal Holloway will separately manage exhibition production costs.

Tender Process: Applicants to Submit

• 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)
  
  

Deadline: 11 January 2026

Evaluation Criteria

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

Timetable

• Tender deadline: 11 January 2026
• Interviews: January 2026
• Contract start: January/February 2026
• Installation: Spring/Summer 2026
• Exhibition open: Spring/Summer – Autumn/Winter 2026
• Deinstallation & final report: Autumn/Winter 2026