Invitation to Tender: Freelance Project Exhibition Curator
Ocean Plastics Exhibition
Royal Holloway, University of London
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)
Introduction
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.
About Royal Holloway
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.
Project Overview
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
- Deliver a final evaluation report covering outcomes, engagement, and recommendations
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.
Submit to:
Anne-Marie Purcell, Head of Cultural Services (Maternity Cover)
exhibitions@rhul.ac.uk
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
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.