At Spike Island Art Centre Julia is responsible for the artistic programme including exhibitions, commissions, public programme, artist development and engagement activities.
She has curated numerous exhibitions including Veronica Ryan: Along a Spectrum (2021) and Howardena Pindell: A New Language (2023), as well as new commissions such as Ayo Akingbade: Show Me The World Mister (2023), Asmaa Jama: Except this time nothing returns from the ashes (2023) and Meriç Algün: Day Craving Night (2019). Previously, Carmen worked at Tate Britain (2008–16) where she was a member of the Contemporary British Art team working across acquisitions, collection displays and commissions. During her time at Tate, Carmen was curator of major commissions including Phyllida Barlow: Dock (2014) and Simon Starling: Phantom Ride (2013), as well as numerous collection displays including Anwar Shemza (2015) with Leyla Fakhr; Art Now: Caroline Achaintre (2014); Alison Wilding (2013); and the group display Gallery One, New Vision Centre, Signals, Indica (2011).