The Gallery Design Specialist is responsible for design and coordination of fabrication of the 3D aspects of exhibitions and collection displays for the National Portrait Gallery (Gallery) including travelling exhibitions. Reporting to the Head of Exhibitions, the role works closely with members of the Curatorial and Collection section including Curators, Exhibitions and Installations Coordinators. The position requires high-level design skills, and experience in exhibition delivery and contractor coordination.
The key duties of the position include:
Specific Tasks
· Design exhibitions and collection based projects in collaboration with Curators, and working closely with Exhibitions and Registration team members, meeting international museum standards, with the ability to design successful exhibitions, covering all fabrication elements, across the breadth of objects, digital media and installations. This may include collaborating with artists to realise complex installations and displays.
· Coordinate with Exhibitions and Facilities team members and contractors to ensure exhibition design is delivered to schedule and to agreed standards. Engage painters, fabricators, and other contractors as required, and oversee the refurbishment of the galleries.
· Develop effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders including Gallery staff, artists and their representatives, staff from other venues, contractor Exhibitions Designers and other external specialists and contractors regarding aspects of the delivery of the exhibition design.
· Participate in matrix-team delivery of exhibitions, projects and events throughout the Gallery and actively support best practice WHS and inclusive work practices.
Eligibility
Selection Criteria
· Demonstrated knowledge and relevant experience in museum practices and procedures and the design, installation and delivery of exhibitions in a gallery or museum.
· Relevant tertiary design qualifications with a minimum of 8 years design experience in a gallery or museum and a demonstrated ability to use Vectorworks and the Adobe Creative suite for the design of exhibitions.
· Sound knowledge of lighting systems and architectural considerations, applied to inform cohesive design decisions including paint and graphic treatments.
· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team to creatively solve problems and work with a high degree of flexibility.
· Excellent communication (written and oral), presentation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise with others on sensitive issues.
· Highly developed organisational and project management skills, including working with initiative to manage multiple projects, set priorities, meet deadlines and work to a budget.
Notes
In no more than two A4 pages, please tell us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for this job.
Email your application, a current CV and the application coversheet to **********@npg.gov.au by the deadline.
Getting to know the National Portrait Gallery of Australia
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, upon whose lands the National Portrait Gallery stands. The National Portrait Gallery reflects the face of Australia and increases understanding and appreciation of Australian people and their stories through the art of portraiture. Guided by our values of creativity, innovation, inclusivity and integrity, our purpose is to develop a national portrait collection and provide the broadest possible access to all Australians. We do this through presenting engaging exhibitions and live and educational programs onsite in our award-winning building in Canberra, offsite across Australia, and on demand. The Gallery is a dynamic and inclusive workplace and recognises the great contribution of our team. We’re committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our team and our visitors, and to sustaining a safe workplace and inclusive culture. We support flexible working practices, including working from home, and respect family and caring responsibilities. The Gallery is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with a disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.