Curator Australian Art(20th and 21st Century)

NGA Level 6

Position No. 4124

This position oversees the 20th and 21st century Australian Department of Paintings, Sculptures and Design, reporting to the Head of Australian Art and is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of the activities of the section in consultation with Senior Curators in the Australian Art Department.

Duty Statement:

  1. Undertake activities relating to the acquisition and documentation of works of 20th and 21st century Australian art, in consultation with the global contemporary department, entering the national collection, including making recommendations to the Head of Australian Art, preparing submissions and overseeing Cultural Gifts in this collection area.
  1. Provide collection management activities including cataloguing to a high standard, maintaining the data bases, liaising with Conservation and Registration in relation to condition of works and suitability for display, storage, framing and loans from galleries around the country.
  1. Curate exhibitions and make recommendations for collection displays in consultation with the Head of Department and curatorial colleagues. Oversee the movement of works for the purpose of collection changeovers and/or exhibitions taking into account label production and photography.
  1. Liaise with existing and potential donors and sponsors to develop the Gallery’s collection, displays and research activities in consultation with the Head of Australian Art and Foundation.
  1. Liaise with education staff regarding educational activities based on theAustralian Art collection and exhibitions, assist public programs, including with the delivery of lectures to Guides, general public and special interest groups, and other such activities relating to enriching awareness of NGA’s in-depth holdings of paintings, sculpture and design.
  1. Research and write material on the collection to a high standard of publication.
  1. Liaise with people both within and outside the Gallery, answering a range of queries about Australian art and the collection.
  1. Assist with forthcoming exhibitions – both externally and internally curated shows already in development.

Selection Criteria:

  1. A demonstrated broad knowledge of art history as well as an in depth understanding of 20th and 21st century Australian art and Australian art more broadly, ideally represented by relevant art history or fine arts degree and/or equivalent art museum experience.
  1. Expertise in undertaking primary research andan ability to curate and write in a scholarly and accessible wayon art gallery or museum collections, as well as a record of relevant publications.
  1. A record of achievement in the field, demonstrating abilities to prioritise and plan, juggle competing priorities, and to ensure closure on tasks and projects.
  1. Well developed interpersonal and organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to liaise closely with staff, including an ability to negotiate through changein a collaborative manner which engages colleagues, and work as part of a team.
  1. The ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with other key stakeholders and networks within (such as Guides, Members, Foundation) and external to the Gallery.
  1. Ability in oralcommunication and ability to write correspondence and reports in a succinct, fluent and logical manner.

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Work, Health & Safety Obligations

The Curator is required to ensure that they meet duty of care obligations as required under WHS legislation. This is achieved:

  • As an individual, taking ownership of health and safety matters within their sphere of influence to promote a culture of health and safety
  • By working with colleagues to ensure health and safety becomes a part of everyday Gallery business

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Administrative Details:

Position Number: 4124
Position: Curator, 20th – 21st century Australian Art
Classification:NGA 6

Program: Curatorial, Programs, Corporate & Commercial Services

Department: Australian Art

Immediate Supervisor: Head of Australian Art

Status: Ongoing

Hours Per Week: Full-time 37.30hrs

Position Profile Approved: Deborah Hart, Head – Australian Art

Date: 23 March 2018