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Curator of ArtNational Collection Branch

Art Section

Employment Type: Ongoing, full-time

Classification: APS Level 6

Position Number: 60000209

Reports to: Senior Curator of Art – EL1

Direct Reports: BB3 x3

The Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.

The Australian War Memorial seeks an experienced Curator to join its Art Section. The successful candidate will join the Memorial during a period of extensive commissioning for the collection, new online engagement programs and extensive audience growth. Possessing strong curatorial experience and art historical knowledge, the Curator will help shape the Memorial’s collection and artistic program through a range of major commissions, acquisitions, publications and public programming. Reporting to the Senior Curator of Art, the Curator will also contribute to strategic planning and staff development, and possess strong project management skills.

Core Responsibilities

Propose, deliver and advise on exhibitions, displays and digital programming at the Memorial. Advise on and manage contemporary art commissions across a range of programs, including the Official War Art Scheme and

Memorial Sculpture Garden, as well as for general acquisition as required. Develop new public programming initiatives pertaining to the art collection. Identify, source and recommend artwork for acquisition in order to develop a collection of the highest quality and historical

integrity. Undertake research into the art collection and disseminate this knowledge to diverse audiences through talks, lectures,

magazine and journal articles, catalogue essays and books. Participate in the development and implementation of museum policy and strategy. Contribute to the mentoring and professional development of Assistant Curatorial staff. Develop strong networks in the Australian art world while maintaining a high professional profile. Respond to enquiries from, and represent the Memorial to, a wide range of public, private and governmental stakeholders. Liaise and collaborate with other areas of the Memorial in the delivery of museum and commemorative programming. Conduct manual handling tasks including movement of a wide range of objects including but not limited to works on paper,

framed works of art and items from the national collection.

October 2018

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Demonstrated high level of understanding of equal opportunity principles and a commitment to the application of the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct.

Selection Criteria

1. A relevant tertiary degree and curatorial experience in the field of Australian art, including contemporary practices.

2. Demonstrated high level research, written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively interpret art for both general and specialist audiences and experience in public speaking and delivering talks.

3. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Operates as an effective team member.

4. Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to manage and prioritise workload, deliver to deadlines and agreed outcomes. Prior experience managing contemporary art and/or public sculpture commissions would be desirable.

5. Demonstrated ability to manage and develop staff ensuring their contribution to team objectives and actively harness different working styles.

6. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional networks

7. Clear understanding of the Memorial’s mission and the role of an art collection in the realisation of this.

October 2018