Curator + Program Manager

Join Canberra Contemporary and help shape the future of contemporary art in Kamberri/Canberra as our new Curator + Program Manager.

ABOUT CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY

Canberra Contemporary is Kamberri/Canberra’s leading contemporary visual art organisation. Working with artists both inside and outside of the ACT, we provide opportunities for artists working across a range of disciplines to create and show new, ambitious and daring work. As a space for collaboration, consultation and conversation, Canberra Contemporary fosters opportunities for emerging, mid-career and established artists to experiment and exhibit.

Our annual program of exhibitions, performances, artists’ talks, public programs and publications provides a responsive environment in which artists can share work within the context of current local, national and international practice. Exhibitions and related public programs run over two spaces at Canberra Contemporary: our curated main gallery space in Parkes and Platform, a satellite project space in Manuka.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Join Canberra Contemporary’s small, dedicated team and help shape the future of contemporary art in Kamberri/Canberra as our new Curator + Program Manager.

This ongoing 0.8 FTE role combines both curatorial and gallery management responsibilities. Working across both Canberra Contemporary and our project space Platform, you will be responsible for curating in-house exhibitions and special projects with partner organisations, as well as supporting artists and external curators to realise ambitious artistic projects and public programs.

The Curator + Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of exhibition management, including program planning and delivery, leading exhibition install and deinstall, drafting of exhibition and loan agreements, freight logistics, project budgets, and technical support. The role may also support the Canberra Contemporary team on other operational duties as required, including supervision of casual staff, mentorship to emerging artists, research & writing, catalogue design and production, building maintenance, WHS & event tech.

We are looking for someone who is a creative and bold thinker, able to work with care and compassion for a diversity of artists and communities and is invested in shaping contemporary discourse in the region and beyond. As a key member of the team, the Curator + Program Manager is an essential role whose contributions to the Artistic Program will ensure Canberra Contemporary remains relevant, timely, and an industry leader in the field.

The ideal candidate will be someone who can thrive in a small team and can contribute positively to a workplace culture where a diversity of views and lived experiences are supported. Relationship-building with artists and curators is at the heart of this work, and you will be confident working independently to numerous project deadlines, but also able to work reflexively and collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious and forward-thinking early-career or mid-career curator, who is ready to step into a position with fresh ideas and put them into practice.

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA

• An excellent knowledge of contemporary art and culture, with strong local and national networks within the visual arts sector.
• Experience curating exhibitions within a contemporary art context and experience managing all aspects of exhibition planning and delivery.
• Highly developed art handling and exhibition installation skills, including experience with installing artworks across a range of mediums.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, with demonstrated experience communicating for a range of purposes to a range of audiences.
• Ability to build strong and collaborative working relationships both internally and externally.
• Experience working with First Nations artists, and artists with diverse lived experiences.
• Excellent project and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage different work tasks with initiative.
• Experience using Adobe Suite (incl. in-Design and Photoshop) or similar software, or willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, and willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of and connection to the Canberra/Kamberri arts ecology.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications (such as in Contemporary Art, Art History, Curatorial Studies, or a related discipline)
• Current drivers’ license.
• AV and tech troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in applying for and acquitting grants.
• Experience in managing and supervising casual staff and/or interns.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information, including the full position description and how to apply, please visit: https://www.canberracontemporary.com.au/work-with-us-canberra-contemporary

Applications close Friday 20 February 2026, 5pm AEDT

Interviews commence week beginning 3 March 2026