IOU50 Project Archivist

We are seeking an experienced Project Archivist to lead the cataloguing and development of IOU's significant archive as part of the Archives Revealed-funded project.

At the heart of IOU50 – a two-year programme celebrating IOU’s pioneering legacy in experimental art and alternative performance, is the creation of the IOU Archive: a new physical and digital resource bringing together materials, props, films and images that document the origins and evolution of IOU and its founding artists.

Following a successful Archive Revealed Cataloguing Grant from National Archives we are looking to appoint a Project Archivist.

This is a key role ‘to unlock one of the UK’s ‘most important archives of experimental performance’ by cataloguing 1,880 records spanning five decades- and in doing so moving IOU’s archive from storage into public life and creating a sustainable approach to its future development.

The role will focus on cataloguing a priority selection of 20 productions and approximately 1,880 records, transforming a priority section of a largely inaccessible collection into a structured, searchable and publicly accessible archive.

Working closely with the IOU Creation Centre team, archive specialists, the University of Huddersfield and other project partners, the Project Archivist will build on existing cataloguing work to establish a sustainable approach to the care, cataloguing and public use of the collection.

Alongside the core cataloguing work, the role will contribute to public engagement activity, including open archive days and practical archive workshops, helping audiences to discover and engage with IOU’s history.

This is a key role in moving IOU Creation Centre’s archive from storage into public life and creating a sustainable approach to its future development.

Contract Type: Fixed-term contract
Time Commitment: 0.6 FTE (3 days / 22.8 hours per  week)
Contract Duration: 15 months
Contract Dates: 4 January 2027 – 31 March 2028
Location: IOU Creation Centre, Halifax (in person)
Responsible To: IOU Creative Director / IOU50 Producer
Salary: c.£38,000 FTE (ARA benchmarked)

 

For more information and to apply: Download the Recruitment Pack here,

Closing date for applications: 5/11/2026

Interviews- 17 & 18/ 11/2026

Access Support
We are committed to ensuring our opportunities are open for people who experience barriers to inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require any support or adjustments, please contact Mike@ioucreationcentre.org