Accademia Carrara Seeks Head of Educational Services: Call for Applications

In recent years, educational services have become a central pillar for museums and cultural institutions. No longer considered mere accessories, they are now strategic tools for building relationships, broadening audiences, and ensuring inclusive and participatory access to cultural heritage. It is within this evolving context that the Fondazione Accademia Carrara in Bergamo has published a new call for applications for the position of Head of Educational Services. The deadline for submitting applications is set for April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM (CET).

The successful candidate will hold a pivotal role within the museum's organizational structure. The Head will be responsible for conceptualizing and coordinating the institution's educational projects, ensuring alignment with the directives of the Directorate and General Manager, and fostering synergy with various museum departments and external partners. A crucial aspect of the role will be the ability to develop effective cultural mediation strategies tailored for diverse audiences, employing appropriate tools and languages for different recipient groups.

Founded in 1796 through the vision of Count Giacomo Carrara, the Accademia Carrara was conceived as a dual project encompassing both collection and education. From its inception, a school was established alongside the art gallery, with the aim of complementing theoretical study with direct observation of artworks. The initial core of the collections originated from the founder's personal holdings, which were progressively expanded over centuries thanks to a vast network of donations and bequests. This continuous growth has made the museum a prime example of private collecting eventually transitioning into a public institution.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, prominent figures such as Guglielmo Lochis, Giovanni Morelli, and later, Federico Zeri, significantly enriched the collection, thereby defining the art gallery's distinct profile. Today, the Accademia Carrara safeguards a collection that spans five centuries of painting, from the Renaissance to the 19th century. It boasts masterpieces by artists including Pisanello, Mantegna, Bellini, Raphael, Titian, Lotto, and Moroni, complemented by significant assemblages of drawings, prints, and decorative arts.

Designated a civic museum in 1958, the Accademia underwent a significant period of renewal, culminating in its restoration and reopening in 2015, followed by a new exhibition layout in 2023. Since 2016, its management has been entrusted to the Fondazione Accademia Carrara, which guides its activities towards a contemporary dimension, while maintaining a core focus on the dialogue between conservation, research, and cultural mediation.

The primary functions of the Head of Educational Services encompass the planning and programming of educational activities, in-depth audience analysis, the promotion of inclusive and accessible practices, and the strategic reinforcement of audience development initiatives. Furthermore, the Head will be responsible for cultivating relationships with schools, universities, research institutions, and various cultural entities, thereby contributing to the establishment of a robust network of collaborations consistent with the Accademia Carrara's mission.

Particular emphasis is also placed on the organizational and managerial aspects of the role. This includes coordinating the Education department, overseeing didactic activities and collaborators, monitoring the impact of projects, and actively participating in budget definition and the identification of funding opportunities. The position also necessitates continuous dialogue with the scientific department to facilitate the creation of effective mediation tools and educational content directly linked to the museum's collections and temporary exhibitions.

From a qualification standpoint, the selection process is open to candidates possessing a strong academic background in humanities or psycho-pedagogy, coupled with proven multi-year experience within museum contexts. Required competencies include expertise in educational project design, cultural mediation, and audience development, alongside demonstrated capabilities in coordinating and managing work groups. Valuable assessment criteria also include knowledge of the Accademia Carrara's heritage and the historical-artistic context of Bergamo, as well as proficient writing skills and fluency in the English language.

Applications must be submitted exclusively via email to direzione@lacarrara.it. Each application must comprise a detailed curriculum vitae and an accompanying document, not exceeding five pages, in which the candidate outlines their vision for the future development of the museum's educational services.