Curator

The Curator contributes to the artistic program, through exhibitions, new work commissions, studio residencies, national touring and public programs.

Position Description | Curator

Terms & Conditions of Employment

Position Title: Curator, Exhibitions & Programs

Reports to: Executive Director

Works closely with: General Manager; Curatorial Team; Exhibitions & Programs Coordinator; Operations & Front of House Coordinator; Communications Coordinator; studio artists;

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with additional hours required from time to time

Location: Sydney, NSW

Terms of Employment: Two-year contract, non-ongoing, subject to a six-month probationary review

Base Salary: $70,000 per annum plus superannuation

Start Date: Immediate

Artspace Vision

Ever changing, ever challenging, Artspace is where audiences engage with the artists and the ideas of our times.

Mission

Artspace is one of the leading institutions for the production and presentation of contemporary art in the Asia Pacific. Our expansive, multi-platform approach to programming includes new commissions, exhibitions, performances, studio residencies, publishing, public programs, learning and outreach initiatives, and advocacy. Artspace is where artists of all generations test new ideas and shape public conversation. Embracing risk, experimentation, collaboration and advocacy, our mission is to enhance culture and support community vibrancy through a deeper engagement with contemporary art.

About Artspace

Established in 1983, Artspace is a leading independent, not-for-profit contemporary art space, cultural partner and community resource located in Sydney on Gadigal land. We receive core support from the Federal Government through Creative Australia and the NSW Government through Create NSW. This funding is supplemented by valued contributions from our partners andbenefactors.

Position Summary

The Curator works closely with the Executive Director on the development and management of Artspace’s artistic program in line with Artspace’s vision and strategic objectives. This will be achieved through innovative and engaging exhibitions, new work commissions, studio residencies, national touring, public programs, learning and outreach initiatives and publishing.

The Curator will contribute to funding applications, strategic documents, reporting, acquittals, and budget development, as required.

The Curator will represent Artspace in their engagement with the Australian and international contemporary art communities and continue to strengthen Artspace’s global network and programming reach, as well as professional and community engagement.

Key Accountabilities

Artistic Program & Program Planning

•  Contribute to the development and planning of future programming, and oversee and manage the annual exhibition schedule, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, staffing capacity, production timelines, and budget forecasts.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive on high-level project management of onsite and offsite exhibitions.
• Support the commissioning of major projects, including the negotiation and administration of artist agreements and contractual documentation.
• Collaborate with relevant staff to develop, prepare, and submit funding applications and proposals to government agencies, trusts, and foundations to support and expand the artistic program.
• Liaise with guest curators, artists and writers, and other institutional colleagues in the development and delivery of the artistic program.

Exhibition & Commission Delivery

• Conceptual development of projects; overseeing exhibition planning and procedures; liaising with and confirming artists’ contributions in the form of new works and/or loans; overseeing the design and layout of exhibitions; ensuring best-practice approaches and professional standards are maintained throughout project development, delivery, and presentation.
• Supporting the logistics of loans, freight, registration, and preparation of exhibition spaces; ensuring appropriate loan documentation, including condition reporting and insurance coordination; and managing the installation and de-installation of exhibitions in collaboration with relevant staff.

Interpretation, Communication & Internal Alignment

• Contribute to the writing, editing and production of all exhibition texts and publications, manage interpretative and critical material related to the overall artistic program, and contribute to marketing and communications strategies.
• Provide team briefings on curatorial projects to support Learning and Outreach, Communications and Front of House.
• Lead exhibition briefings and training sessions with Front of House staff, and prepare internal mediation materials to ensure confident, informed audience engagement.

Management & Governance

• Act as a mentor and support professional development opportunities across the whole of the Artspace team and with interns.
• Work with the Executive to support Artspace’s strategic initiatives and exhibition-specific administration by contributing to or overseeing project-specific budgets, management and reporting; collating curatorial contributions for Board and annual reports; and archival record-keeping.
• Undertake other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

Management & Governance

• Develop and maintain networks within the arts and cultural sector, academic and education sectors, and the wider community.
• Support access, equity and inclusion initiatives across the whole organisation.
• Represent Artspace through public engagement, such as presentations to professional colleagues, the academic sector and community groups, and through participation in committees, juries and on other professional bodies where relevant.
• Work with the Artspace team to identify and contribute to opportunities to maximise media, audience and stakeholder donor, partner, and industry event engagement, including participating in media interviews as required.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications coupled with a minimum five years’ experience developing and delivering curatorial and exhibition projects for art institutions, and a well-defined curatorial practice
• An excellent knowledge of global contemporary art and culture, and a strong record of public presentations
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with a proven record of successfully managing all aspects of projects through to completion, in accordance with agreed standards, timeframes and budgets
• Demonstrated experience with Grant/Funding applications and grant acquittals.
• A strong professional network within the arts sector
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including experience in developing a range of material and presentations for diverse contexts and audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.

Special Requirements

• After-hours and weekend work required during donor events, exhibition openings, and venue hire bookings.
•  This is a full-time position and during peak exhibition periods and after-hour events it includes work outside of normal business hours and on weekends
•  Representing Artspace at high-level meetings with key stakeholders, and other forums and events, and cultivating good relationships with relevant personnel
• Performing other duties as directed by the Executive

To Apply

Artspace is an inclusive employer that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and people from culturally diverse communities.

Applications should include: 

• CV (max two pages)
• A separate document addressing the Selection Criteria (max two pages)
• Contact information for two referees

Please send applications to [email protected] with the subject line: Confidential Application: Curator

Closing Date: 9:00am AEDT, Monday 16th March 2026