Organizer Information
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is a major cultural institution based in Nigeria, dedicated to advancing the study, preservation, and presentation of West African art, history, archaeology, and contemporary cultural practices. Headquartered in Benin City with operations extending to Lagos, MOWAA is developing a world-class museum campus, research center, and exhibition platform that aims to connect African cultural heritage with global artistic and academic discourse.
MOWAA collaborates with artists, curators, researchers, museums, and international partners to support exhibitions, commissions, collections research, public programs, and educational initiatives. As the institution expands its programming and infrastructure, it continues to build a multidisciplinary team capable of delivering ambitious exhibitions and cultural projects across Nigeria and internationally.
The Project Manager / Exhibition Coordinator position represents a key opportunity to contribute to the operational delivery of MOWAA’s growing exhibition program and to support major contemporary art projects within one of Africa’s most significant emerging museum institutions.
Title & Description
Project Manager / Exhibition Coordinator – MOWAA
MOWAA is seeking an experienced Project Manager / Exhibition Coordinator to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of exhibitions, commissions, installations, and public-facing cultural projects across its operations in Lagos and Benin City.
Working closely with the Head of Curatorial and other institutional departments, the successful candidate will serve as the operational lead for exhibition production and project management. The role bridges curatorial vision and practical implementation, ensuring that exhibitions are delivered on schedule, within budget, and according to museum standards.
The position involves coordinating complex exhibition logistics, managing production schedules, overseeing installation processes, supporting international artwork transportation, maintaining budgets, negotiating contracts, and serving as a key liaison between artists, curators, vendors, museum teams, and partner institutions.
This is an excellent opportunity for professionals with experience in museums, foundations, galleries, cultural institutions, or large-scale exhibition projects who wish to contribute to the development of a leading African arts organization.
The Role Overview
- Position: Project Manager / Exhibition Coordinator
- Organisation: Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)
- Contract Type: Full details not specified in the announcement.
- Reporting To: Head of Curatorial
- Working Locations: Lagos and Benin City, Nigeria
- Compensation: Salary not publicly specified.
Position & Tasks
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Project Management & Strategic Planning
- Developing and managing exhibition schedules and project timelines.
- Monitoring project milestones and production workflows.
- Identifying risks and implementing contingency plans.
- Maintaining project management systems and reporting tools.
- Leading regular exhibition production meetings.
Exhibition Production & Installation
- Coordinating exhibition builds and gallery fit-outs.
- Managing installation and de-installation schedules.
- Supervising audiovisual systems, lighting, exhibition graphics, and technical requirements.
- Coordinating catalogue production and exhibition materials.
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
Logistics Support
- Supporting customs clearance and import/export procedures.
- Assisting with artwork transportation and documentation.
- Coordinating condition reporting and conservation-related processes.
Financial & Administrative Management
- Developing and monitoring exhibition budgets.
- Supporting contract negotiation and vendor management.
- Managing procurement processes and requests for proposals.
- Processing invoices and tracking expenditures.
Artist & Stakeholder Liaison
- Coordinating travel, accommodation, visas, and logistics for artists and collaborators.
- Working closely with collections, communications, education, development, and operations teams.
- Managing relationships with partner institutions, museums, and lenders.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Management
- Curatorial Practice
- Museum Studies
- Arts Administration
- Cultural Management
- Project Management
- Public Programming
- Exhibition Production
Eligibility
- Minimum 4–6 years of experience in project management, exhibition coordination, registrar work, or related cultural-sector roles.
- Experience within museums, foundations, galleries, cultural organizations, or arts institutions.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex projects simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly between Lagos and Benin City.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Museum Studies, Art History, Business Management, or a related discipline.
- Project management certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or CAPM.
- Experience managing grant-funded cultural projects.
- Knowledge of African art history, archives, heritage studies, or postcolonial research.
- Understanding of logistics and operational systems within Nigeria.
International applicants may apply if legally eligible to work and travel within the project context, although local experience is highly advantageous.
Program Benefits
- Opportunity to work with one of Africa’s most ambitious museum initiatives.
- Involvement in major exhibitions and cultural projects.
- Collaboration with artists, curators, scholars, and international institutions.
- Professional growth within a rapidly expanding museum environment.
- Experience managing complex, large-scale exhibition programs.
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of contemporary arts infrastructure in West Africa.
- Exposure to international museum and exhibition standards.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Current CV or Resume.
- Short Cover Letter.
How to Apply?
Applications should be submitted by email to: careers@wearemowaa.org
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Location
Lagos, Nigeria
Additional Details
- The position supports both exhibition production and institutional project delivery.
- Candidates should be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment involving multiple simultaneous projects.
- Significant collaboration with artists, curators, museum staff, fabricators, and external partners is expected.
- Flexibility in working hours is essential due to exhibition openings, events, and international coordination requirements.
- Experience with budgeting, contracts, procurement, and stakeholder management is highly valued.
- Knowledge of audiovisual installations, exhibition technologies, and museum production workflows is advantageous.
- The role plays a critical function in translating curatorial concepts into successful public exhibitions and programs.