Open Call: Exhibition & Production Team

Reality Intelligence Association (RIA) is a London-based, non-profit academic organisation exploring how AI, extended reality and other emerging technologies change the way we see and live. We bring artists, technologists and researchers together to make exhibitions and public programmes that turn these questions into experiences anyone can walk into.

The Manager leads and is accountable for each exhibition; the Coordinator makes the plan happen day to day.

You'll lead RIA's exhibitions from first idea to final deinstall, turning curatorial ideas into shows that are well planned, on budget, safe and memorable. You'll manage the Exhibition Coordinator and the wider production team, and lead our relationships with artists, venues and partners.

What you'll do

• Set the direction: shape RIA's exhibition strategy and plan the programme with the Director and curators, setting timelines, resources and priorities for each show.
• Own the budget: set and manage exhibition budgets, track spending and report to the Director / Board.
• Secure venues and partners: represent RIA with venues, partners and sponsors, and negotiate agreements.
• Lead production: oversee design, build, AV and technical set-up, shipping, installation and deinstallation.
• Work with artists: agree commissions and loans, issue contracts, and make sure artists are supported and paid on time.
• Lead the team: line-manage the Exhibition Coordinator; hire and lead technicians and freelancers, and oversee volunteers.
• Keep everyone safe: own risk assessments, health and safety, insurance and accessibility for every exhibition.
• Build audiences: work with the communications team on launches, press and public events such as talks, tours and workshops.
• Help fund the work: contribute to funding applications and sponsorship proposals, and report to funders.
• Measure and improve: collect visitor numbers and feedback, and write a short evaluation after each exhibition.

Essential requirements

• At least 3 years' experience producing exhibitions, festivals or cultural events.
• A track record of leading at least one exhibition or comparable project from planning to deinstall.
• Proven experience setting and managing budgets and delivering to fixed deadlines.
• Experience managing people: staff, freelancers or volunteers.
• Working knowledge of installation, health and safety, and risk assessment.
• Experience working directly with artists and negotiating with venues, suppliers or partners.
• Experience delivering media or technology-based works — video, projection, sound, interactive, VR/AR or AI — directly or alongside specialist technicians.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, and a calm, practical approach under pressure.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Availability for some evenings and weekends around installs, openings and events.

Desirable

• Experience writing successful funding applications or securing sponsorship.
• Knowledge of artwork contracts, loans, shipping and insurance.
• A network of artists, technologists, venues or partners in London / the UK.
• Experience with project-management tools such as Notion, Asana or Trello, and exhibition layout tools.
• An informed interest in the ethical and social questions raised by AI and immersive technology.
• Additional languages.

You'll keep our exhibitions running smoothly day to day, working closely with the Executive Exhibition Manager on schedules, artists, logistics and paperwork. You'll help install each show and make sure visitors have a great experience while it's open. It's a hands-on role, ideal for someone who wants to learn every part of making an exhibition.

What you'll do

• Keep things on track: maintain schedules, checklists and trackers, and follow up on deadlines.
• Look after artists: be their day-to-day contact; collect artwork details, technical needs, images, bios and captions.
• Arrange logistics: book shipping, couriers and equipment hire, plus artists' travel and accommodation.
• Support the install: help with installation and deinstallation, condition checks, labels and wall texts.
• Run the space: open and close the exhibition, start up and check AV, VR/AR and interactive works, and log any problems.
• Coordinate people: recruit, brief and schedule volunteers and invigilators.
• Support events: help run openings and public events, including guest lists, RSVPs and front of house.
• Handle admin: process invoices and expenses, and keep contracts and records in order.
• Document the work: supply images and text to the communications team, and keep the exhibition archive up to date.

Essential requirements

• At least 1 year's experience helping to deliver exhibitions, events or arts projects, whether paid, voluntary or through study.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to juggle several tasks at once.
• Clear, friendly communication in English, in writing and in person, with artists, colleagues and the public.
• Confidence with everyday digital tools: Google Workspace or Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, email and shared calendars.
• Comfort with technology, and willingness to learn to run and troubleshoot AV, VR/AR and interactive works.
• A genuine interest in contemporary art and emerging technology such as AI and XR.
• A proactive, reliable team player.
• Availability for some evenings and weekends around installs, openings and events.

Desirable

• A background in fine art, curating, arts management, design, creative technology or a related field, through study or work.
• Hands-on experience with AV equipment, projection, VR/AR headsets or interactive installations.
• Photo and video skills, and design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud, for documentation and social media.
• Experience in front of house, visitor services or volunteer coordination.
• Additional languages, for example Mandarin.

• The chance to shape exhibitions where art and technology meet.
• Close work with artists, technologists and researchers, and a growing professional network.
• Credit in exhibition materials and documentation.
• Flexible or hybrid working where the role allows.
• Training and development, for example mentoring, courses or conference tickets.
• Paid holiday, pro rata, and travel expenses covered.

Please email the following:

1. CV: up to 2 pages.
2. Cover letter: up to 1 page on why you want the role and how you meet the essential requirements. You can send a video or audio recording of up to 3 minutes instead.
3. Examples of your work: Manager candidates should include up to 3 exhibitions or projects they led, with their role, the budget and scale, and links or images. For Coordinator candidates, links to exhibitions, events or projects they have helped deliver are optional.
4. Two referees: names and contact details. RIA will only contact them if an offer is made.

Applying for both roles

You may apply for either role or both. If you are applying for both, please state this in your subject line and cover letter.

Interview process

At interview, Manager candidates may be asked to present a short plan and budget for a brief sent in advance. Coordinator candidates may be asked to complete a short practical task, such as drafting an install schedule.

Access and eligibility

RIA is an equal opportunities employer. If you require any access adjustments during the application process, please contact us at info@riauk.org. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.