Open Call: Curator + Program Manager

ABOUT US  

Canberra Contemporary is Kamberri/Canberra’s leading contemporary visual art organisation. Working with artists both inside and outside of the ACT, we provide opportunities for artists working across a range of disciplines to create and show new, ambitious and daring work. As a space for collaboration, consultation and conversation, Canberra Contemporary fosters opportunities for emerging, mid-career and established artists to experiment and exhibit.  Our annual program of exhibitions, performances, artists’ talks, public programs and publications provides a responsive environment in which artists can share work within the context of current local, national and international practice. Exhibitions and related public programs run over two spaces at Canberra Contemporary: our curated main gallery space in Parkes and Platform, a satellite project space in Manuka.  Canberra Contemporary was formed in 1987 through the merger of Bitumen River Gallery (established 1981) with the Arts Council Gallery, and today we operate as a not-forprofit registered charity. We receive core operational funding from the ACT Government through artsACT and the Federal Government through Creative Australia. Canberra Contemporary is a member of the national network of Contemporary Arts Organisations Australia (CAOA), which are leading centres of innovation that test new ideas and directions for contemporary visual arts.  Canberra Contemporary has played a significant role in contributing to our city’s cultural landscape for more than four decades. Building on this rich history, we stand poised on the brink of a new era, developing exciting artistic projects that place us in a broader national and international context, together with a far-reaching Strategic Plan and vision into the future.  Canberra Contemporary is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to achieving and maintaining a workplace which promotes the skills and experiences of people from all backgrounds. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; First Peoples; LGBTQI+ people; culturally, linguistically and racially diverse people, people from a migrant or refugee background, and d/Deaf and Disabled people.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Join Canberra Contemporary’s small, dedicated team and help shape the future of contemporary art in Kamberri/Canberra as our new Curator + Program Manager.

This ongoing 0.8 FTE role combines both curatorial and gallery management responsibilities. Working across both Canberra Contemporary and our project space Platform, you will be responsible for curating in-house exhibitions and special projects with partner organisations, as well as supporting artists and external curators to realise ambitious artistic projects and public programs.

The Curator + Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of exhibition management, including program planning and delivery, leading exhibition install and deinstall, drafting of exhibition and loan agreements, freight logistics, project budgets, and technical support. The role may also support the Canberra Contemporary team on other operational duties as required, including supervision of casual staff, mentorship to emerging artists, research & writing, catalogue design and production, building maintenance, WHS & event tech.

We are looking for someone who is a creative and bold thinker, able to work with care and compassion for a diversity of artists and communities and is invested in shaping contemporary discourse in the region and beyond. As a key member of the team, the Curator + Program Manager is an essential role whose contributions to the Artistic Program will ensure Canberra Contemporary remains relevant, timely, and an industry leader in the field.

The ideal candidate will be someone who can thrive in a small team and can contribute positively to a workplace culture where a diversity of views and lived experiences are supported. Relationship-building with artists and curators is at the heart of this work, and you will be confident working independently to numerous project deadlines, but also able to work reflexively and collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious and forward-thinking early-career or mid-career curator, who is ready to step into a position with fresh ideas and put them into practice. We look forward to hearing from you!

Curator + Program Manager

Position type: Ongoing Part-time (0.8 FTE), subject to a 6-month probation.

Salary: $68,000 to $72,000 per annum (calculated pro rata on a full-time basis of $85,000 to $90,000) + 12% superannuation.

Days and Hours: The position is part-time, 30 hours per week. A key requirement for this role is some flexible work hours for evenings or weekends.

Location: The position is based across Canberra Contemporary’s two gallery spaces. Some occasional offsite work is required.

Reporting to: Artistic Director + CEO of Canberra Contemporary

APPLICATION PROCCESS

POSITION DESCRIPTION | CURATOR + PROGRAM MANAGER

Position type: Ongoing Part-time (0.8 FTE), subject to a 6-month probation. 

Salary: $68,000 to $72,000 per annum (calculated pro rata on a full-time basis of $85,000 to $90,000) + 12% superannuation. This employment package includes pro rata annual and personal leave in accordance with the National Employment Standards in the Fair Work Act 2009.  

Days and Hours: The position is part-time, 30 hours per week. A key requirement for this role is some flexible work hours for evenings or weekends (for exhibition openings or public programs). Canberra Contemporary is open to the public 11am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. 

Location: The position is based across Canberra Contemporary’s two gallery spaces: the offices and main gallery at 44 Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes ACT and Platform, our satellite project space located at 19 Furneaux Street, Forrest ACT. The position will be based at Canberra Contemporary for 3 days a week, and Platform for 1 day a week (Fridays). Some occasional offsite work is required. 

Reporting to: Artistic Director + CEO.  Supervises: Exhibition Installation staff, Gallery interns & mentees.  Peer Staff: Communications + Engagement Coordinator, Administration Coordinator.

HOW TO APPLY 

Applications close Tuesday 2 November 2026 at 3pm AEDT. To apply, please submit as one PDF document: 

• A 1-3 page written response to the selection criteria outlining your interest and suitability for the role; and

• A 1-2 page CV, including the names and contact details of two professional referees; and 

• *Optional: A short writing sample or excerpt (1 page max), taking the form of an exhibition review, catalogue essay, or other curatorial text. Send your applications to Communications and Engagement Coordinator, Sophie McDonald, sophie@canberracontemporary.com.au with the subject line “Curator + Program Manager”. 

If you have access needs or would like to apply in another format, please get in touch before the closing date.

INTERVIEW + NEXT STEPS 

Part of the shortlisting process may involve additional tasks or providing supplementary support materials that relate to the selection criteria. All shortlisted applicants will be provided more information before the interview.

ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA 

1. An excellent knowledge of contemporary art and culture, with strong local and national networks within the visual arts sector. 

2. Experience curating exhibitions within a contemporary art context and experience managing all aspects of exhibition planning and delivery. 

3. Highly developed art handling, fabrication and exhibition installation skills, including experience with installing artworks across a range of mediums, and problem-solving technical issues. 

4. Excellent oral and written communications skills, with demonstrated experience communicating for a range of purposes to a range of audiences. 

5. Ability to build strong and collaborative working relationships both internally and externally. 

6. Experience working with First Nations artists, and artists with diverse lived experiences on the delivery of exhibition projects. 

7. Excellent project and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage different work tasks with initiative. 

8. Experience using Adobe Suite (including in-Design and Photoshop) or similar software, or willingness to learn. 

9. Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, and willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.