Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Shahrzad Akbar

Liverpool

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Project worker

Writing on the Wall
Liverpool
11.2024 - Current
  • Develop and deliver innovative, creative programmes and projects that reflect the needs and interests of diverse community groups.
  • Coordinate and facilitate workshops, classes, and events, including exhibitions, performances, and festivals.
  • Collaborate with artists, organisations, and community partners to create, promote, and implement engaging creative initiatives.
  • Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to participants, volunteers, and staff, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programmes, preparing reports for senior leadership and stakeholders to support ongoing development.
  • Maintain accurate records of activities, including attendance, evaluations, and participant feedback, to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Carry out administrative duties and manage both physical and digital office systems to ensure efficiency.
  • Build and sustain strong relationships with clients, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations, including health and safety and safeguarding standards.
  • Engage in continuous professional development and remain up to date with emerging trends and best practices in the arts and cultural sector.

Exhibition Registrar

National Galleries Scotland
Edinburgh
09.2023 - 02.2024
  • Facilitated exhibitions and displays by negotiating and processing loan agreements, liaising with lenders regarding conditions, insurance, scheduling, display, and transport arrangements, and ensuring all loan conditions were met.
  • Managed risks associated with artworks on loan, including accountability, security, environmental conditions, handling, and movement, in accordance with best practice.
  • Obtained cost estimates, monitored budgets, and evaluated expenses related to exhibition and display projects, providing informed recommendations to colleagues.
  • Procured transport services in line with organisational procurement guidelines.
  • Ensured the timely submission of Government Indemnity Scheme applications and provided advice and solutions when issues arose.
  • Initiated and attended project meetings, facilitating decision-making across collections, curatorial, conservation, art movement, and security teams.
  • Liaised with internal and external curatorial teams to manage object lists, display arrangements, and loan documentation, and communicated loan information to relevant teams.
  • Developed and implemented exhibition and display schedules, including preparation of gallery spaces, transport logistics, and installation/deinstallation procedures.
  • Coordinated with art handling and security staff for the delivery, collection, installation, and movement of artworks and accessories.
  • Oversaw the movement and secure storage of empty exhibition loan crates and related materials.
  • Met couriers and supervised the delivery and collection of artworks, ensuring accurate completion of all relevant documentation.
  • Acted as courier for outgoing and incoming institutional loans when required.

Freelance Gallery Assistant

Talbot Rice Gallery ( University of Edinburgh)
Edinburgh
02.2023 - 03.2023
  • Supported installation and de-installation of exhibitions.
  • Conducted condition checks and completed documentation.
  • Handled artworks safely and professionally under curatorial supervision.

Assistant Exhibitions Registrar

Tate
Liverpool
08.2022 - 02.2023
  • Liaised with lenders to review and negotiate loan agreements, with a focus on clauses covering transport, indemnity/insurance, packing, and environmental conditions.
  • Arranged Government Indemnity and, when necessary, commercial insurance in consultation with lenders, Arts Council England, and insurance brokers.
  • Collaborated with the Project Curator and production team to review display plans and ensure compliance with indemnity and lender requirements.
  • Worked closely with the Registrar, Production Manager, Art Handling, Conservation, Curatorial, and Collections teams to schedule the installation and deinstallation of temporary exhibitions and displays.
  • Provided administrative and logistical support to colleagues on major exhibitions and touring projects.
  • Oversaw travel, accommodation, and per diem arrangements for couriers from lending institutions, with assistance from the Exhibitions Assistant.
  • Reviewed and evaluated transport agent estimates for packing and shipping loans; appointed agents and monitored their performance.
  • Checked invoices related to packing, transport, courier costs, and insurance, maintained accurate records, and contributed to budget setting and expenditure monitoring.
  • Acted as a courier when required, accompanying artworks to ensure their safe transport to partner venues.
  • Planned and coordinated the packing and transport of artworks in line with museum standards, considering safety, costs, and lender stipulations.
  • Received and dispatched artworks at the gallery, ensuring accurate documentation and record-keeping using Tate's Museum System (TMS) database.
  • Participated in regular audits of artwork locations and ensured accurate art movement records.
  • Held responsibility as Deputy Civil Aviation Authority Known Consignor Site Representative, covering key duties in the absence of the Registrar and Production Manager.
  • Researched and sourced components for artworks used in exhibitions and performance events, as required.

Gallery Coordinator

Shirin Art Gallery
Tehran
03.2019 - 01.2022
  • Supported the curatorial team in the development and organisation of exhibitions.
  • Supervised the daily operations of the gallery, ensuring a smooth and professional visitor experience.
  • Managed sales and post-sale processes, including loan coordination, invoicing, and budgeting.
  • Organised exhibition openings and events, liaising with artists, partners, and service providers.
  • Conducted condition assessments of artworks and produced detailed reports.
  • Prepared and monitored schedules and budgets for exhibitions and events.
  • Coordinated logistics, including national and international shipping of artworks.
  • Engaged with visitors to provide information and enhance their experience of the gallery and exhibitions.
  • Assisted the marketing team by creating and posting content for the gallery's website and social media platforms to reach new and existing audiences.
  • Maintained and updated the artwork logbook and associated records.
  • Oversaw health and safety procedures within the gallery environment.
  • Supported the recruitment, training, and mentorship of both casual and permanent staff members.

Education

Master of Arts - Cultural Studies

USC
10.2014 - 08.2017

Bachelor of Science -

ATU
08.2008 - 09.2012

Skills

  • Exhibition and loan coordination
  • Condition reporting and documentation
  • Budgeting and logistics management
  • Contract negotiation and insurance handling
  • Collections systems (TMS, Mimsy, Axiell)
  • Stakeholder and lender liaison
  • Event planning and visitor engagement
  • Team support and supervision
  • Health & safety compliance
  • Strong communication skills

Timeline

Project worker

Writing on the Wall
11.2024 - Current

Exhibition Registrar

National Galleries Scotland
09.2023 - 02.2024

Freelance Gallery Assistant

Talbot Rice Gallery ( University of Edinburgh)
02.2023 - 03.2023

Assistant Exhibitions Registrar

Tate
08.2022 - 02.2023

Gallery Coordinator

Shirin Art Gallery
03.2019 - 01.2022

Master of Arts - Cultural Studies

USC
10.2014 - 08.2017

Bachelor of Science -

ATU
08.2008 - 09.2012

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Shahrzad Akbar