The Associate Curator – Programs and Exhibitions plays a key role in delivering Artspace’s artistic and learning programs.
Position Description | Associate Curator – Programs and Exhibitions
Terms & Conditions of Employment
Position Title: Associate Curator – Programs and Exhibitions
Reports to: Senior Curator and Executive Director
Works closely with: Exhibitions & Programs Coordinator, Curatorial Team, Finance Advisor & External Accountant, Operations and Front of House Coordinator, Development Manager, Front of House and casual staff, visiting contractors and suppliers, artists, and external stakeholders
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with additional hours required from time to time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Terms of Employment: Two-year contract, non-ongoing, subject to a six-month probationary review
Base Salary: $67,000 per annum plus superannuation
Start Date: Immediate
Artspace Vision
Ever changing, ever challenging, Artspace is where audiences engage with the artists and the ideas of our times.
Mission
Artspace is one of the leading institutions for the production and presentation of contemporary art in the Asia Pacific. Our expansive, multi-platform approach to programming includes new commissions, exhibitions, performances, studio residencies, publishing, public programs, learning and outreach initiatives, and advocacy. Artspace is where artists of all generations test new ideas and shape public conversation. Embracing risk, experimentation, collaboration and advocacy, our mission is to enhance culture and support community vibrancy through a deeper engagement with contemporary art.
About Artspace
Established in 1983, Artspace is a leading independent, not-for-profit contemporary art space, cultural partner and community resource located in Sydney on Gadigal land. We receive core support from the Federal Government through Creative Australia and the NSW Government through Create NSW. This funding is supplemented by valued contributions from our partners and benefactors.
Position Summary
The Associate Curator – Programs and Exhibitions plays a key role in delivering Artspace’s artistic and learning programs. As a new role within the organisation, this position integrates responsibilities for the Studio Program, learning and outreach, and curatorial delivery across exhibitions, commissions, and public programs. Working closely with the curatorial team and Executive, the role ensures projects are produced to the highest standard—on time, within budget, and with care for artists and audiences.
The Associate Curator contributes to strategic development, artist liaison, audience engagement, and cross-departmental coordination. They also develop interpretive content, learning resources, and educational initiatives aligned to Artspace’s mission and vision.
Key Accountabilities
Curatorial & Exhibitions:
- Assist in the planning and development of exhibitions and future programs—including the Ideas Platform, NSW Visual Arts Fellowship (Emerging), and Banner Series.
- Support the Executive Director and Senior Curator with conceptual development, artist liaison, and delivery of on-site and off-site projects.
- Prepare and maintain exhibition timelines and documentation, including drafting and coordinating agreements and contracts with artists, lenders, and contractors.
- Coordinate logistics for exhibitions and commissions, including schedules, loans, freight, and installation/de-installation.
- Facilitate artist production by liaising with fabricators, suppliers, and partners to realise new commissions to a high standard.
- Prepare interpretive content and assist with writing, editing, and proofreading exhibition texts, labels, and publications.
- Provide internal briefings to Learning & Outreach, Communications, and FOH teams to ensure consistent project communication.
- Lead the completion of condition reports and venue checks in collaboration with the Front of House team, ensuring all relevant data, forms, and reports are accurately maintained on the Artspace server.
- Contribute to funding and reporting by drafting materials for proposals, acquittals, and donor reports related to the artistic program.
- Actively seek, develop, and apply for grants and partnerships to build capacity and secure funding for exhibitions, learning initiatives, and public programs.
- Build and maintain networks with artists, curators, and institutions to support future collaborations and extend Artspace’s reach.
Studio Program
- Manage the Artspace Studio Program, including open-call administration, artist selection, onboarding, and ongoing support.
- Act as the key liaison for resident and visiting artists, curators, and program partners.
- Manage Studio 11, including scheduling, artist MOUs, budgeting, and coordination of short-term residencies and partnerships.
- Work closely with the curatorial team to provide a high level of responsiveness, curatorial support, and advocacy for artists participating in the residency program; facilitate professional development through a range of platforms, including showcasing their work to curatorial peers and other audiences.
- Work with the Exhibitions & Programs Coordinator to oversee Studio Residency bump-in and bump-out schedules, ensuring smooth transitions between artists.
Learning and Outreach
- Contribute to the development and delivery of Artspace’s learning and outreach programs for primary, secondary, and tertiary students, and community groups.
- In consultation with the Executive and Senior Curator, plan and develop learning resources, workshops, and digital content that connect the artistic program with target audiences.
- Actively foster new audiences through initiatives and collaborations with community groups; build and maintain relationships with teachers and schools across NSW and coordinate their visitation.
- Develop and deliver learning and outreach initiatives across schools, universities, and communities, ensuring alignment with NSW curriculum priorities.
- Produce educational and digital content that deepens audience engagement with Artspace’s exhibitions and programs.
- Support public talks, workshops, and professional development programs for artists and emerging practitioners.
- Collaborate with the Development team and colleagues across departments to coordinate donor events, guided tours, and studio visits that foster meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Other Duties
- Liaise with the Operations and Front of House Coordinator and Development teams to ensure smooth delivery of donor and venue-hire events.
- Assist with the preparation of materials for funding applications and acquittals.
- Lead regular cross-departmental check-ins to track progress on organisational priorities and deliverables.
- Produce copy for Artspace’s website and marketing, including targeted newsletters to key stakeholders.
- Champion Artspace’s values of equity, inclusivity, sustainability, and care in all decision-making and daily operations.
- Undertake other duties as directed by the Executive Director.
Selection Criteria
- Relevant tertiary qualifications (such as Contemporary Art, Art History, Curatorial Studies, Arts Management) and strong knowledge of contemporary art and culture.
- Proven experience coordinating exhibitions and new commissions (on-site/off-site), including artist liaison, checklists, registrarial documentation, condition reporting, and best-practice standards across development, installation, and de-installation.
- Robust financial literacy with experience in budget development, tracking, and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain exhibition timelines and coordinate agreements/contracts with artists, lenders, and contractors; competency with loans, freight, packing, and basic risk/WHS considerations.
- Excellent written communication—including drafting/proofing wall texts, extended labels, web copy, and publication content—with high attention to detail and house-style consistency.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments (Learning & Outreach, Communications, FOH, Development), including supporting donor events, guided tours, and studio visits.
Special Requirements
- After-hours and weekend work required during events, exhibition openings, and venue hire bookings.
To Apply
Artspace is an inclusive employer that values diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with a disability, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and people from culturally diverse communities. Applications should include:
- CV (max two pages)
- A separate document addressing the Selection Criteria (max two pages)
- Contact information for two referees
Please send applications to ****@artspace.org.au with the subject line:
Confidential Application: Associate Curator – Programs and Exhibitions
Closing Date: 3 December 2025, 9am
Apply