Organizer Information
The National Portrait Gallery of Australia (NPG) is Australia’s national institution dedicated to portraiture. Its collection and exhibition program explore Australian people, history, identity, and visual culture through portraiture. The Gallery presents exhibitions and programs onsite, online, and through touring initiatives, while also developing and interpreting its permanent collection.
Title & Description
APS 6 Curator
The National Portrait Gallery of Australia is seeking an APS 6 Curator to join its Curatorial & Collection Section. The successful candidate will contribute to the Gallery’s artistic program through the research and curation of exhibitions, collection development, interpretation, writing, public engagement, and professional networking.
The position is particularly suited to an experienced museum or gallery curator with strong knowledge of Australian art, history, visual culture, and portraiture. The Gallery is looking for someone engaged with contemporary curatorial and artistic discourse, including approaches centred on truth telling, care, and polyvocal storytelling.
The Role Overview
- Position: APS 6 Curator
- Organisation: National Portrait Gallery of Australia
- Section: Curatorial & Collection
- Reports to: Senior Curator
- Salary: AUD $99,734–$116,758
- Employment: On-site position; remote applicants cannot be considered
- Location: Parkes, Canberra, Australia
- Work areas: Exhibitions, collection development, interpretation, public programs, touring and online programming
- Salary/Fee: Not specified in the supplied call
- Contract duration: Not specified in the supplied call
Position & Tasks
- Research and curate high-quality exhibitions for onsite, touring, and online programs.
- Research and interpret the Gallery’s permanent collection and contribute to collection displays.
- Participate in all stages of the collection acquisitions process.
- Produce correspondence, reports, essays, exhibition texts, online content, and other publications.
- Develop exhibition layouts and installations in collaboration with exhibition designers.
- Participate in public speaking and media engagement.
- Support learning, access, events, and internship mentoring programs.
- Contribute to philanthropic activities and related stakeholder events.
- Work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams.
- Develop professional networks supporting the Gallery and its programs.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Curating
- Art History
- Museum Studies
- Portraiture
- Australian Art
- Visual Culture
- Exhibition Development
Eligibility
This is primarily an Australian/National opportunity, rather than an international open call for artists. Applicants should have demonstrated knowledge of Australian art, history, and visual culture; curatorial experience in a gallery or museum; and experience in collection building. Tertiary qualifications in Australian art history or a related field, or equivalent experience, are expected. Experience in the cultural sector and a record of published writing are required.
Applicants must be able to work onsite at the Gallery in Parkes, Canberra; remote applications are not accepted.
Program Benefits
This is a paid professional curatorial position rather than an artist grant or residency. Benefits include a salary of up to AUD $116,758, participation in national exhibition and collection development, professional networking, public-program engagement and opportunities to contribute to the Gallery’s permanent collection and touring/online programming. The Gallery also supports flexible working practices and family and caring responsibilities, although this particular role is onsite.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applications should be emailed to hrservices@npg.gov.au.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 September 2026
Location
Parkes, Canberra, Australia
Additional Details
The selection process places significant emphasis on curatorial expertise, Australian art and history, communication, research, collaboration, time management, problem-solving, stakeholder relationships, and adherence to Australian Public Service values and the APS Code of Conduct.