Organizer Information
Athlone Arts & Tourism Ltd. is a public-facing cultural organization responsible for the management and programming of several key arts and heritage sites in Athlone, Ireland, including Luan Gallery, Athlone Castle, and Abbey Road Artists’ Studios. The organization plays a central role in shaping the cultural infrastructure of the Midlands region through visual arts programming, heritage interpretation, and creative engagement initiatives.
Luan Gallery, operated by Athlone Arts & Tourism, is the municipal gallery for County Westmeath. It is recognized as one of Ireland’s active regional contemporary art spaces, presenting an ambitious annual program of exhibitions, public engagement activities, and educational initiatives. The gallery is committed to supporting both Irish and international artists across all career stages and aims to foster meaningful dialogue between contemporary art and diverse audiences.
The institution is publicly funded and works in alignment with national cultural policy frameworks, including those of the Arts Council of Ireland and Creative Ireland. Its mission is grounded in accessibility, artistic excellence, and cultural inclusion, ensuring that contemporary visual art remains socially relevant and widely accessible.
Title & Description
Curator (Permanent Position) – Luan Gallery, Athlone Arts & Tourism
Athlone Arts & Tourism is recruiting a permanent Curator for Luan Gallery, a key role within its contemporary visual arts program. The Curator will be responsible for shaping, delivering, and developing the gallery’s annual exhibition and public engagement program across three exhibition spaces.
The role focuses on curatorial leadership, exhibition development, artist engagement, and program delivery. The Curator will work closely with the Director and management team to research contemporary artistic practices, develop exhibition proposals, and oversee the realization of a high-quality annual program consisting of five major programming cycles.
A strong emphasis is placed on inclusivity, diversity, and access, ensuring that the gallery reflects a broad spectrum of contemporary artistic practices and cultural perspectives. The position also includes responsibilities in education, outreach, studio coordination (Abbey Road Artists’ Studios), and institutional collaboration at local, national, and international levels.
The role is designed for an experienced curatorial professional who can operate strategically within a publicly funded cultural institution while contributing creatively and operationally to all aspects of gallery programming.
The Role Overview
- Position Title: Curator
- Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (minimum 35 hours accepted)
- Salary: €38,500 per annum (pro rata for reduced hours)
- Employer: Athlone Arts & Tourism Ltd.
- Reporting To: Management of Athlone Arts & Tourism Ltd.
- Probation Period: 6 months
- Work Schedule: Includes evenings, weekends (approx. 1 Sunday/month), and flexible working hours
- Start Date: June 2026 (latest expected commencement)
The role is embedded within a small institutional team and requires both strategic curatorial leadership and hands-on operational engagement.
Position & Tasks
The Curator will be responsible for a broad range of curatorial, managerial, and administrative functions, including:
- Developing and implementing Luan Gallery’s annual exhibition program
- Researching and selecting artists and exhibition proposals
- Curating and coordinating exhibitions across multiple gallery spaces
- Managing exhibition logistics, installation, and de-installation processes
- Liaising with artists, curators, lenders, institutions, and stakeholders
- Overseeing exhibition budgets and ensuring financial compliance
- Supporting funding applications (Arts Council, Creative Ireland, etc.)
- Leading public programming, including talks, tours, workshops, and events
- Managing education and outreach initiatives
- Supervising front-of-house and gallery operations staff
- Contributing to marketing, press communications, and audience development
- Preparing written materials (press releases, curatorial texts, speeches)
- Supporting residency coordination at Abbey Road Artists’ Studios
- Conducting studio visits and mentorship sessions with resident artists
- Maintaining institutional reporting, documentation, and evaluation systems
- Supporting strategic development and long-term planning of the gallery
Categories
- Contemporary Visual Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Exhibition Making
- Museum and Gallery Studies
- Arts Administration
- Public Programming
- Art Education and Outreach
- Cultural Management
Eligibility
- Minimum of a third-level qualification in Fine Art, Art History, or a related field
- At least 5 years of professional curatorial/programming experience
- Minimum 3 years within a gallery or institutional context
- Proven track record in exhibition production and curatorial leadership
- Experience managing exhibition budgets within institutional frameworks
- Strong knowledge of contemporary Irish and international art contexts
- Experience working with artists and cultural organizations
- Demonstrated ability in writing, communication, and public presentation
- Proficiency in ICT (Microsoft Office suite and related tools)
- Valid driver’s license required
- Fluency in English
The role is open to experienced national and international applicants who can legally work in Ireland.
Program Benefits
- Annual salary of €38,500
- Stable full-time employment within a publicly funded institution
- Opportunity to shape a nationally recognized contemporary art program
- Access to professional networks in the Irish and international arts sectors
- Engagement with artists, curators, and institutions across multiple platforms
- Institutional support for professional development and curatorial practice
- Pension contributions via Ireland’s automatic enrolment system
- Opportunity to work across exhibitions, residencies, and public programs
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter outlining relevant experience
- Two named professional references
- Evidence of curatorial and exhibition projects
- Documentation demonstrating relevant experience (optional portfolio materials where applicable)
Applications must be submitted in hard copy (3 copies) or via email.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted by post or email:
Email: AatRecruit@westmeathcoco.ie
Subject line: Curator at Luan Gallery
Postal Address:
Human Resources
Athlone Arts & Tourism
c/o Luan Gallery
Elliot Road
Athlone
Co. Westmeath
Ireland
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 May 2026
- Interview Period: Late May 2026
- Expected Start Date: June 2026
- Panel Validity: 12 months (for future appointments)
Location
Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland
Additional Details
- The position includes supervision responsibilities and front-of-house oversight
- Candidates may be required to participate in weekend and evening programming
- First Aid and Fire Safety responsibilities will be trained internally
- Garda vetting (background check) may be required
- The institution operates an equal opportunities employment policy
- The role involves physical tasks including installation support and gallery operations
- Applications that do not meet submission requirements will not be considered
- Canvassing will result in disqualification