Organizer Information
Crawford Art Gallery is a National Cultural Institution in Cork, Ireland, dedicated to historic and contemporary visual arts. Its collection contains more than 3,000 works, ranging from eighteenth-century Irish and European painting and sculpture to contemporary video installations. The Gallery welcomes more than 250,000 visitors annually and operates exhibitions and Learn & Explore programmes focused on Irish and international artistic practice.
Crawford Art Gallery is undergoing a major capital redevelopment under the Ireland 2040 programme. The Gallery has been closed since early 2026 for construction, with staff temporarily based in a city-centre location. Following redevelopment, the institution aims to become an expanded cultural destination with additional exhibition and public circulation areas, new learning facilities, improved collection storage, a new entrance and enhanced public spaces. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the Gallery's artistic identity ahead of its planned reopening in 2028.
Title & Description
Head of Programming & Collection
The Head of Programming & Collection is a new senior leadership position responsible for shaping and delivering Crawford Art Gallery's artistic vision and strategic programme. The role combines artistic leadership, curatorial oversight, collection activation, public engagement, programming, partnership development and team management.
The successful candidate will lead the strategic planning, development, research, delivery and evaluation of the Gallery's exhibitions, commissions, collection-related programming, Learn & Explore initiatives, talks, creative events and digital programmes. They will also ensure that the Gallery's Collection remains central to its artistic vision and public engagement.
The position is particularly focused on developing ambitious, inclusive and audience-centred programming that responds to contemporary cultural, social and environmental issues while strengthening Crawford Art Gallery's national and international reputation.
The Role Overview
- Position: Head of Programming & Collection
- Grade: Assistant Principal – PPC
- Contract: Permanent, full-time
- Reporting to: Gallery Director
- Department: Programming & Collection
- Location: Cork, Ireland
- Salary: €83,113–€103,576 per year
- Working hours: 35 net hours per week; normally at least 41.25 gross hours per week
- Annual leave: 30 days per year, excluding public holidays
- Probation: One year
- First interviews: Indicatively late October 2026
Position & Tasks
- The Head of Programming & Collection will lead the Gallery's programme and Collection strategy and develop multi-year artistic programming for the redeveloped institution. Responsibilities include overseeing exhibitions, commissions, collection programming, learning initiatives, talks, creative events and digital programming.
- The role provides senior curatorial leadership across research, interpretation, publications and public-facing content, while ensuring accessibility, inclusion, sustainability and audience engagement. The post-holder will build relationships with artists, curators, museums, galleries, cultural institutions and other stakeholders nationally and internationally.
- The successful candidate will lead artistic and related teams, manage budgets and resources, oversee programme delivery, contribute to funding and sponsorship proposals, and monitor artistic, audience and financial outcomes. They will also represent Crawford Art Gallery nationally and internationally and contribute to institutional strategy, governance and the Gallery's redevelopment and transition towards its planned 2028 reopening.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Curating
- Museum & Gallery Programming
- Art History
- Fine Art
- Visual Culture
- Collections Management
- Cultural Management
- Public Engagement
- Arts Administration
Eligibility
The opportunity is open to national and international candidates, subject to the stated Irish public-service eligibility and work-authorisation requirements.
Applicants must have:
- A minimum Level 8 qualification under Ireland's National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or an equivalent foreign qualification recognised through NARIC Ireland, in Art History, Fine Art, Visual Culture, Curatorial Studies or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in programming, collections management, curatorial practice and/or visual arts management, including experience leading or managing a team.
- Demonstrated experience delivering complex artistic or cultural programmes.
- Experience in leadership, strategic planning, budgets and stakeholder management.
- Strong knowledge of visual arts practice, museum/gallery programming and audience engagement.
Candidates must also satisfy the applicable Irish public-service eligibility requirements. These include EEA/Swiss citizenship or specified qualifying immigration and family-status categories. UK citizens remain eligible under the Common Travel Area, provided they meet the other requirements.
Program Benefits
This is a paid permanent employment position, rather than an artist grant, residency or competition. The salary scale is €83,113–€103,576 annually.
Benefits may include:
- 30 days annual leave
- Public service pension scheme
- Employee assistance supports
- Professional development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements where applicable
- Leadership of a major national cultural institution
- Opportunity to shape the artistic identity and programme of the redeveloped Crawford Art Gallery
- National and international partnership and networking opportunities
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applications should be emailed to: apply@principalconnections.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 October 2026
- First interviews: Indicatively late October 2026
- Gallery reopening: Planned for 2028 following redevelopment
Location
Cork, Ireland
Additional Details
The position is particularly significant because the successful candidate will help establish the artistic direction of Crawford Art Gallery during its transformation into an expanded National Cultural Institution. The role combines artistic ambition with substantial operational, managerial and public-service responsibilities.
Candidates should note that the position is not an independent curatorial fellowship or artist commission. It is a senior permanent leadership appointment requiring substantial museum, gallery, curatorial and visual-arts management experience.
The recruitment process may include application assessment, shortlisting, online assessment tests, competency-based interviews, a presentation exercise, reference checks, and clearance and verification. Canvassing is prohibited and may result in disqualification.