- UQ Art Museum
- HEW 8
- Fixed-term position until January 2024
- Applications Close 10th January 2022 (R-01022)
More information: https://uq.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/uqcareers/job/St-Lucia-Campus/Senior-Curator_R-01022-1
More than a senior curator, this role will be involved across the program design, stimulating institutional debate, and contributing to teaching and learning. This newly created role will be an important contributor to our evolution as a cultural institution, and is well-aligned to key priorities from the UQ Reconciliation Action Plan, including:
- embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curriculum and inclusive teaching practices in programs;
- developing UQ’s research systems to ensure ethical and culturally appropriate research and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations and communities; and
- improving and increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within UQ and the higher education sector.
This role will provide a singular opportunity for an experienced curator to become an active contributor to the development of our innovative exhibitions and creative projects, with a critical focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. With the institutional leadership of the Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous Engagement, and network of Indigenous peers across the University, this role will also help to build enduring relationships, generate more pathways for Indigenous students and graduates through internships and mentoring within the Art Museum.
Together with other members of the Art Museum team, the Senior Curator will also actively source and recommend the acquisition of works of art for The University of Queensland Art Collection. The successful candidate will hold a vital and respected voice in the Art Museum and act as a conduit for audiences on behalf of works of art in the Collection. They will help to ensure that curatorial and collection practices value the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Engage exploratively with The University of Queensland community in order to derive important and relevant discourses, around which creative projects and exhibitions will be created.
- Collaboratively research, curate and lead innovative and intellectually provocative projects that may include exhibitions, research ventures, and public art; including associated learning materials, that engage the campus and the broader community in dialogue around contemporary issues of importance.
- Collaborate with academics and co-curators (both internal and external to the University), including those in UQ’s Anthropology Museum, on exhibition and related cross-disciplinary projects.
- Develop and ensure the effective delivery of programs associated with exhibitions, including presenting talks and other programs that build connections with the University and broader community.
- In collaboration with UQ Art Museum colleagues, assess and manage exhibition requirements to ensure timely execution, oversee financial commitments, and assist in producing subsequent exhibition reports.
- Research, audit and present works from the The University of Queensland Art Collection, propose artworks for acquisition ensuring that they support identified priorities, and mentor the curatorial support team in the preparation of acquisition rationales that serve as an educational resource and research tool for students, scholars and the general public.
- Train, mentor and supervise curatorial assistants, interns and scholarship recipients, identifying tasks and devising work programs.
- Develop and implement operational procedures and guidelines relevant to the scope of the position that enhance efficiencies and advance the strategic direction of the UQ Art Museum.
- Assist to manage and track the Curatorial area’s budget, and work closely with other areas of the Art Museum in order to seek new sources of revenue (including grant funding) or cost-savings.
- Establish a network of contacts within the arts community, including artists, curators and art historians, keep abreast of current research, and facilitate the exchange of ideas. With the Advancement Manager, foster relationships with current and prospective donors and, in support of curatorial projects, identify funding opportunities, write grant applications and subsequent acquittals.
- Respond to enquiries from colleagues, artists, researchers and the general public.
This role is subject to The University’s Code of Conduct.
About You
In addition to demonstrated experience and knowledge of curatorial practices in museum or gallery settings, you should demonstrate the following:
- Completion of postgraduate degree with extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
- Proven ability to provide the intellectual, creative and operational direction required to develop, successfully deliver and evaluate innovative and provocative, audience-focused exhibitions.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations.
- Demonstrated wide knowledge of art practices, art history and theory.
- Thorough knowledge of the professional practices and ethical standards pertaining to the management and development of art museum collections.
- Demonstrated interpersonal, organisational and project-management skills, including a proven ability to initiate and oversee multiple concurrent projects and the capacity to lead teams.
- Demonstrated high level writing and editing skills
- An energetic, passionate and enthusiastic approach to the position.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and galvanise colleagues around ideas and projects.
- A capacity to build strong working relationships with colleagues and contribute to a positive working culture.
- Ability to assess, propose and implement updated work practices and procedures within a museum-based environment.
Desirable
- Experience in working in a university environment.