The National Portrait Gallery’s purpose is to increase the understanding and appreciation of Australian people and culture through the art of portraiture. The Gallery operates 364 days a year, offering visitors the opportunity to view the collection and special exhibitions, and participate in a variety of cutting edge public and educational programs. The Gallery also offers venue hire for private and corporate events and houses a popular cafe and bookstore.
It occupies an award-winning, purpose built facility on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, in the company of other prestigious and iconic national cultural and collecting institutions.
The National Portrait Gallery is proud to have been recognised an Aon Best Employer in 2019 as part of Aon Best Employers global certification.
The position
NPG Curators are appointed for their expert knowledge of art, history and visual culture related to portraiture for the core business of developing and presenting innovative and engaging exhibitions; and for developing and interpreting the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Reporting to the Director Collections and Exhibitions, the Curator Exhibitions plays a critical role in engaging and growing audiences through the development and delivery of innovative and insightful exhibitions and by contributing to the Gallery’s collection development goals through acquisitions and commissions. As a senior member of the Collection and Exhibitions team, the Curator Exhibitions works collaboratively across the Gallery and with international and national partners to integrate major exhibitions into NPG programming, contributing to the creation and delivery of exhibitions that attract and inspire audiences and build the Gallery’s support base.
The Curator Exhibitions will possess a deep knowledge of Australian art and history, and demonstrated experience of developing and curating exhibitions of the highest standard, along with a strong and extensive network of contacts in the museum, arts and cultural sectors. Excellent written and spoken communication skills, together with a highly organised and professional attitude are essential to succeed in this role.
Tertiary qualifications in Australian Art and Australian history, curatorial or museum studies is desirable.
Specific tasks
As a senior member of the Collection and Exhibitions team:
1. Actively lead and contribute to the curatorial development and implementation of the National Portrait Gallery’s forward exhibition program by identifying national and international exhibition partners and projects; and by leading the Curatorial team in the timely, on-budget delivery of innovative and high quality exhibitions.
2. Work collaboratively with artists, lenders and curatorial colleagues in partner institutions to develop and realise major exhibition projects; and develop productive relationships with artists, lenders, galleries and other stakeholders to contribute to the realisation of the NPG’s collection building and audience-engagement goals.
3. Contribute to the development and implementation of the Gallery’s onsite and touring exhibition program as required.
4. Contribute to the development of the NPG’s collection by researching and identifying potential works of art for the collection and establishing networks with artists, galleries and other stakeholders; and through the preparation of acquisition proposals for quarterly meetings of the Board as required.
5. Contribute to the enhancement of the NPG’s profile and knowledge of the collection internally and externally through research; and through presentations at conferences, symposia and other events.
6. Draft correspondence, reports, essays, exhibition texts, catalogues, online content and other published material associated with the Gallery, the collection and NPG programs.
7. Develop and maintain professional networks that support the Gallery and its programs.
8. Actively participate in the delivery of Gallery learning and access programs and other events, and provide leadership and mentoring conducive to internship training and staff development.
Selection criteria
1. Demonstrates skills and expertise A demonstrated understanding of Australian art, history and visual culture with specialist knowledge in one of more of its areas and an engagement with portraiture.
2. Supports strategic direction Demonstrated curatorial experience within a gallery or museum working with collections and researching and presenting exhibitions of the highest standard.
3. Achieves results Demonstrated high-level time management skills, and ability to deliver simultaneous projects with competing priorities within deadlines and available resources.
4. Supports productive working relationships Proven capacity to provide sound and effective leadership to Curatorial staff and within multi-disciplinary teams; Proven ability to build effective relationships and work productively within multi-disciplinary teams, and with stakeholders including gallery staff, donors, commercial art gallery dealers and artists.
5. Exemplifies personal drive and integrity Demonstrated capacity to show initiative and display resilience and adhere to the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct.
6. Communicates with influence Proven ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken forms and an established record of published writing.
Applicant Information
If you require further information please contact Joanna Gilmour 02 6102 7037 or by email at joanna.gilmour@npg.gov.au.
Responses to the selection criteria are limited to 250 words per criterion. Applications are to be submitted to npghrservices@npg.gov.au along with current CV and application coversheet which can be found on our website www.portrait.gov.au
APPLICATIONS CLOSE Sunday 17 November 2019
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