Fresh from the VAI newsletter— sounds like a terrific opportunity:
The British Council in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland is inviting applications to the International Young Curators Programme, a unique opportunity for individuals with an interest in developing a career in the visual arts that centres on the 2009 Venice Biennale.
Selected applicants will receive at least four weeks in Venice during the Biennale (1 June to 30 November 2009) as part of a team that will invigilate and maintain Northern Ireland’s exhibition, which this year will be a solo exhibition of new work by Susan Mac William.
Participants in the programme will also have access to the other exhibitions at the Biennale, be provided with return flights and an apartment in the centre of Venice and a stipend.
On return from Venice participants will undertake a two-week placement shadowing a gallery director/curator in Northern Ireland, and take part in a number of study visits to key cultural institutions in Northern Ireland, London and Dublin in spring 2010.
Successful candidates will have a commitment to and vision for pursuing a career in the visual arts, demonstrate motivation, reliability and responsibility, and have good communication skills. More information on the programme, availability and application requirements are available online.
To apply, send your application marked ‘INTERNATIONAL YOUNG CURATORS PROGRAMME APPLICATION’ to:
Colette Norwood, British Council, Norwich Union House, 7 Fountain Street, Belfast
BT1 5EGwww.artscouncil-ni.org/news/2009/new19032009b.html
Deadline for applications: 5pm, 6 April 2009
Interviews: 9 April 2009
arts management ireland 
Hello, After three years studies At De Mont Ford university Leicester, To become a Curator i now find that there are no jobs. I can not afford to live in London and have to return to Northern Ireland my home town Bangor Co. Down. Truly a beautiful town , the coast and the country side all in one, but what where all them years of study for. It has been hard for both my parent and keeping me etc., Now returning home what can i do to find suitable work.I do all these years of study to go to waste. Any helpful advice out there?
Hi Jenny, unfortunately I suspect you are not alone out there… the job market’s been very slow this year, and with budget cutbacks in both the UK and Ireland prospects aren’t likely to improve soon. Working in the arts & cultural field is always a challenge, and the economic downturn has exacerbated problems faced by those seeking to gain employment.
My only advice would be to stay positive, continue to add arts experience to your CV where you can (volunteering, etc.) and be as flexible as you can in looking for positions. It’s not unusual for folks to take several years to find the right position, so if you’ve just graduated, take heart, and persevere…