Organizer Information
The University of Newcastle is a leading Australian university committed to excellence in research, teaching, and cultural engagement. The University Galleries team manages multiple art spaces, including the University Gallery at Callaghan Campus and Watt Space Gallery at the City Campus. The Galleries provide curated exhibitions, touring shows, and tailored public programs to engage students, faculty, and the wider community. The University Galleries also oversee the University Art Collection, which includes one of the largest collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art held by any university in Australia. The Galleries focus on fostering community partnerships, student learning opportunities, and cultural research initiatives, while supporting First Nations leadership and protocols in exhibitions and programming.
Title & Description
Senior Art Curator and Manager, University Galleries (HEW Level 9)
The University of Newcastle invites applications for a full-time Senior Art Curator and Manager to lead its University Galleries. This strategic role will shape and deliver the vision of the University’s art collections, exhibitions, and cultural programming across multiple campuses. The successful candidate will work across visual arts, curatorial practice, and interdisciplinary programming, cultivating high-impact partnerships with local, national, and international institutions. They will oversee acquisitions, conservation, exhibitions, and public engagement, including embedding First Nations cultural perspectives within programming.
Role Overview
- Salary / HEW Level: Level 9
- Contract Type: Ongoing, Full-time
- Reports to: Chief of Staff, Vice-Chancellor’s Division
- Direct Reports: 5 staff members, including Curators, Gallery Administrators, Collection Officers, and casual staff
- Curatorial Scope: University Galleries and Museum Collections
- Program Oversight: Exhibition curation, acquisition, public programs, First Nations engagement, and partnership development
Position & Tasks
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement an annual, research-informed exhibition program aligned with the University’s Arts and Culture Strategy 2025–2030.
- Curate and source exhibitions engaging both the university community and external cultural institutions.
- Lead and manage the University Art Collection, ensuring proper acquisition, conservation, insurance, documentation, and access.
- Create and oversee student and researcher engagement through integrated teaching, internships, and Career-Ready placements.
- Identify, apply for, and secure external funding and revenue to support collections, exhibitions, publications, and research.
- Conceptualize and deliver educational programs such as artist talks, seminars, conferences, and residencies.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with artists, galleries, community organizations, and donors.
- Embed First Nations leadership and protocols in exhibitions, programs, and collection management.
- Lead a multidisciplinary team, setting performance goals, mentoring staff, and ensuring continuous professional development.
- Ensure compliance with workplace health, safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion policies, including cultural safety standards.
Performance Measures:
- Timely delivery of curatorial programs and projects
- Audience engagement and satisfaction metrics
- Successful acquisition and management of art collections
- Staff performance and team development
- Compliance with risk management, WHS, and budgetary guidelines
Categories
Visual Arts, Curatorial, Art Management, Museum Studies, Performance, Indigenous Art, Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
- Professionals with a postgraduate qualification in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or related fields, or equivalent experience with proven management expertise.
- Recognized expertise in visual arts, curatorial writing, exhibitions, and public communication.
- Experience in the Australian and international art sectors.
- Proven leadership skills in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex strategic projects.
- Experience working respectfully with First Nations communities, integrating Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property principles.
- No age limit; open to applicants meeting essential criteria with demonstrated professional track record.
Program Benefits
- Leadership role in a major Australian university, overseeing multiple galleries and collections.
- Opportunity to design and implement exhibitions and public programs, including high-profile First Nations art initiatives.
- Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including cultural institutions, donors, and community partners.
- Full-time employment with ongoing benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Access to university resources, networks, and research opportunities.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover letter addressing the selection criteria
- CV demonstrating relevant experience and qualifications
- Examples of previous curatorial projects, exhibitions, or publications
- Evidence of leadership and management experience
- Statement of vision for the University Galleries and engagement with Indigenous perspectives
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 20 March 2026
- Expected Start Date: Flexible, aligned with recruitment process
Location
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Additional Details
- Travel between University campuses may be required.
- Occasional after-hours and weekend work for exhibitions, openings, and installations.
- The role supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural safety in all curatorial and management practices.
- Applicants may discuss reasonable adjustments for workplace requirements if needed.