So you want my arts job: Museum Shipkeeper

The gallery and museum sector is home to some of the most specialised jobs. ArtsHub takes a look at one – Museum Shipkeeper, Mirjam Hilgeman.
So you want my arts job. Museum Shipkeeper.

The Australian National Maritime Museum is home to a collection that centres on all things nautical. Those collected objects may be as small as a shackle from a historic boat, to the very boat itself. The Museum holds 12 vessels within its fleet, making it one of the largest floating historical vessel collections in the world.

Every Friday and Saturday we sail Duyfken on Sydney Harbour with passengers, which requires a different set of skills. Overall it is a very diverse week, which is part practical, part administrative and part visitor engagement.

Unlock Padlock Icon

Unlock this content?

Access this content and more

Gina Fairley is ArtsHub's Senior Contributor, after 12 years in the role as National Visual Arts Editor. She has worked for extended periods in America and Southeast Asia, as gallerist, arts administrator and regional contributing editor for a number of magazines, including Hong Kong based Asian Art News and World Sculpture News. She is an Art Tour leader for the AGNSW Members, and lectures regularly on the state of the arts. She is based in Mittagong, regional NSW. Instagram: fairleygina