Organizer Information
The role is offered by Ishara Art Foundation, a contemporary art institution dedicated to fostering critical engagement with South Asian and diaspora artistic practices through exhibitions, public programming, and educational initiatives.
The foundation operates internationally, collaborating with artists, curators, institutions, and cultural organizations across the region and globally. Its programming includes exhibitions, research-driven projects, talks, and long-term institutional initiatives such as Ishara House.
Title & Description
Exhibitions, Programmes & Special Projects Lead
This full-time position at Ishara Art Foundation is a key operational and production role responsible for coordinating exhibitions, public programmes, and special institutional projects.
The role focuses on end-to-end exhibition execution, including logistics, installation, artwork handling, and cross-departmental coordination. The selected candidate will work closely with the Director and Curator to ensure the smooth delivery of exhibitions and cultural programmes while supporting international collaboration with artists, galleries, and partner institutions.
The position also includes oversight of special projects such as Ishara House, managing timelines, budgets, and multi-stakeholder workflows across different geographic locations.
The Role Overview
- Position Type: Full-time
- Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (occasional evenings and Saturdays)
- Reporting To: Director and Curator
- Contract Type: Permanent (not otherwise specified in source)
- Fee / Salary: Not specified
Position & Tasks
Exhibition Production & Logistics
- Plan and manage exhibition budgets and production schedules
- Coordinate artwork shipping, import/export, customs clearance, and insurance
- Oversee installation and de-installation processes
- Coordinate exhibition design including layouts, AV, lighting, and fabrication
- Ensure compliance with international art handling and safety standards
- Liaise with artists and galleries for installation manuals and technical requirements
- Manage exhibition documentation including SketchUp plans and portfolios
Programming & Public Engagement
- Coordinate talks, workshops, seminars, and symposiums
- Support institutional programming and seasonal public events
- Develop and implement outreach initiatives with schools, universities, and cultural institutions
- Organise exhibition tours (physical and virtual) in collaboration with global partners
Artist & Gallery Coordination
- Manage artwork documentation and shipping paperwork
- Coordinate certificates of authenticity and framing requirements
- Act as liaison between artists, galleries, and internal teams
- Prepare technical manuals for AV and installation components
Special Projects (Ishara House)
- Oversee end-to-end project delivery including budgets and timelines
- Coordinate stakeholders across India and UAE teams
- Manage vendor relationships and financial workflows
- Support international programming and event execution
- Ensure final reporting and documentation compliance
Categories
- Art Management
- Curatorial
- Exhibition
- Installation
- Visual Arts
- Project Management
- Art Production
- Public Programme
Eligibility
- Experienced professionals with at least 2 years in exhibition-making or institutional art production
- Familiar with museum, gallery, biennale, or festival environments
- Knowledgeable in contemporary art, particularly South Asian art contexts
- Skilled in logistics, installation, and production coordination
- Strong communicators capable of working across teams and stakeholders
- Technically proficient in Microsoft Office (Adobe Suite and design tools are a plus)
- Flexible, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines
Additional advantages:
- Experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, Photoshop, or InDesign
- Knowledge of South Asian languages
- Familiarity with AV systems and exhibition technologies
Program Benefits
- Full-time professional position within an international contemporary art foundation
- Direct collaboration with curatorial and artistic leadership
- Exposure to large-scale institutional exhibitions and international projects
- Hands-on experience in exhibition production and cross-border art logistics
- Opportunity to manage high-profile public programmes and institutional initiatives
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV / Resume
- Relevant professional experience documentation (implied)
How to Apply?
Send applications via email to: operations@ishara.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 July 2026
- Start Date: Not specified
- Interview / Notification Date: Not specified
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Additional Details
- The role involves significant on-site exhibition work including installation and de-installation
- Requires coordination across international shipping, customs, and insurance frameworks
- Includes responsibility for multi-stakeholder project management across India and UAE
- High operational intensity with overlapping exhibition and programme schedules
- Strong emphasis on South Asian contemporary art knowledge
- Flexibility required for evenings and weekend work during exhibition cycles