• Full-time, permanent position • Curatorial and Collections Division • Reports to the Director, Curatorial and Collections

• Full-time, permanent position
• Curatorial and Collections Division
• Reports to the Director, Curatorial and Collections

Overview of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is Australia’s only public museum dedicated to contemporary art.

The MCA presents, collects and engages with the art of now.

Guided by the principles of belonging, connection and influence, we aim to be the defining platform for contemporary art and ideas in Australia and beyond.

Located on Sydney Harbour at Tallawoladah, a home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, the MCA contributes to the continuity of culture on our site.

We connect the widest possible public to contemporary art through our Collection, exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programs.

Our evolving Collection of over 4,700 artworks is the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the MCA raises over 85% of its revenue each year through donations and commercial activities to deliver its artistic and engagement programs.

Overview of the position

The Senior Curator, Exhibitions, contributes to the development, research and implementation of its curatorial program of temporary exhibitions, artist commissions and collection development and displays. The role is part of the MCA curatorial team reporting to MCA’s Director, Curatorial and Collections.

Sharing responsibility for the delivery of the artistic program led by the MCA Director, the Senior Curator, Exhibitions manages resources for exhibitions and commissions including project budgets in partnership with Exhibition Managers, and identifies funding streams through philanthropic giving and other sources.

Direct reports: Curators x 2, and the Curator, First Nations Art; Assistant Curators x 2.

Person specification

We are seeking an experienced and respected curator working at a senior level who demonstrates a deep knowledge of contemporary art and a strong commitment to curatorial excellence and innovation.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring exhibition maker and a persuasive communicator who will bring to the MCA a forward-looking approach to exhibition development and artistic programming that engages a broad and diverse public.

They will demonstrate a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to build strong relationships working across the MCA team, with artists and with donors.

The ideal candidate will be committed to fostering diverse perspectives, cultural inclusion and meaningful engagement between a broad and diverse public and contemporary artists and their work.

A passionate professional in their field, they will be adaptable and solutions-focused and will thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing strategic priorities with operational delivery.

Tasks and responsibilities of the position

Curatorial leadership and Program Delivery

• Lead on the conception, development and delivery of temporary exhibitions and commissions which are accessible to a broad, non-specialist and specialist public and drives visitation.
• Contribute as a senior leader within the Curatorial and Collections Division, helping to shape the MCA’s artistic direction and contributing to strategic planning and organisational priorities.
• Contribute to MCA’s national and international reputation for curatorial excellence in contemporary art in Australia and internationally.

Collaboration and Public Impact

• Work collaboratively across the MCA to maximise the reach and impact of the artistic program, partnering with colleagues across Public Programs, Creative Learning, Digital, Marketing and Communication and Design to deliver compelling and accessible public engagement and communications outcomes for a broad audience.
• Partner with the MCA Development team to secure support for the curatorial program, cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors, and contribute to fundraising initiatives, grants and partnerships.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, museums and other cultural partners nationally and internationally.

Collection Development

• Contribute to the strategic development of the MCA Collection in collaboration with curatorial colleagues, identifying opportunities to expand the reach of the Collection and its intellectual and cultural value through commissions, acquisitions displays and exhibitions across Australia and internationally.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing curatorial team, including direct reports as well as associate, guest and emerging curators, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence and professional growth.

Project Management and Representation

• Exercise responsibility for exhibition budgets and resources, ensuring sound financial management and the effective delivery of projects aligned with organisational priorities.
• Represent the MCA nationally and internationally through public programs, presentations, media engagements and stakeholder briefings, acting as an advocate for the artistic program and the organisation.

Key selection criteria

Essential criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Art History, Curatorial Practice, Museum Studies, Visual Arts or a related discipline.
• Significant senior-level curatorial experience and successful track record within a contemporary art museum, gallery or comparable cultural institution.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering major exhibitions of national and international significance.
• Proven experience in curatorial strategy, artistic programming and institutional planning.
• Experience contributing to collection development, acquisitions, commissions and collection strategy.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, budgets and multiple priorities.
• Experience contributing to fundraising, sponsorship, grants or donor engagement activities.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, cultural institutions and industry stakeholders.
• Experience representing an organisation publicly through presentations, media, publications or public programs.
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary art practices and trends in Australia and internationally.
• Strong understanding of best practices in museums and galleries, including exhibition development, interpretation, collections management and audience engagement.
• Understanding of governance, policy and ethical considerations relevant to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art.
• Outstanding curatorial and scholarly research skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate ideas into practical outcomes.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor and develop others.
• Excellent project and budget management, resource planning and organisational skills.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including catalogue essays, exhibition texts, report writing, public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritise while leading a diverse curatorial portfolio.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working with First Nations artists, communities and cultural frameworks.
• Language other than English.

General requirements of all MCA employees

We require that all our employees:

• demonstrate support for innovation and for organisational changes required to ensure the MCA accomplishes its strategic aim and objectives
• work cooperatively with others to produce innovative solutions and recognise the merits of diverse perspectives and the ideas of others
• demonstrate commitment to, and knowledge of, the principles and application of equal employment opportunities and anti-discrimination legislation in the workplace
• work in accordance with the principles of equity, access and fairness; respect and follow Safety work practices and procedures; work with due care and consideration to safeguard your own health and safety and the health and safety of others.

Terms and conditions of employment

This is a full-time position reporting to the Director, Curatorial and Collections. Some work out of normal hours (9am–5.30pm) may be required to cover the MCA’s business requirements with TOIL available.

Salary package includes:

• annual leave: 4 weeks pro-rata
• personal leave: 10 days pro-rata
• superannuation: 12% super payments (in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992).

Benefits of working with the MCA include but are not limited to the below. These benefits can vary or be changed as per the MCA’s Policies and Procedures.

• Two additional paid days of leave:
• Birthday Day Off (Additional day of Paid Leave)
• Museum Day (Additional Public Holiday)
• Flexible Working Arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave (Primary and secondary caregivers, adoption, and foster parents)
• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)
• Study Leave
• Additional accruals to Long Service Leave
• Free Entry to the Museum, including Paid Exhibitions
• January 26 (Flexible Public Holiday)
• Free Flu Vaccination Program
• Exhibition Pre-Views (Curatorial Walkthroughs)
• Other (e.g. Access to Employee’s Discount Programs and Salary Sacrifice options)

Applications

Shortlisting for interviews will be based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description.

Please share with us the following documents as part of your application:

• cover letter explaining your interest in the role and work experience in response to the selection criteria
• CV

Please email the application to [email protected].

Closing date

Wednesday 5 August, 9am.

Working for the MCA

The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The MCA promotes a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality, and dignity. Find out more about the MCA.