4A Curatorial Assistant Program 2020/21
Applications close 5 September 2020
The 4A Curatorial Assistant Program is a hands-on curatorial training program that enables emerging curators to be mentored by a member of the 4A Curatorial Team. Each Curatorial Assistant works with the wider 4A team from the inception of the development of an exhibition to its delivery. While this program was initiated in 2017 it expands in 2021 and, for the first time, is taking applications.
Each Curatorial Assistant works alongside their mentor to develop and expand their skills. Each mentorship is bespoke with Curatorial Assistants supported to expand their skills, develop their industry networks and play a significant role in the presentation of a 4A exhibition. Previous Curatorial Assistants have focused their mentorship on developing archival research skills, developing their SketchUp capabilities to refining their curatorial writing.
The time commitment for this role is 125 hours and each Curatorial Assistant is remunerated at least $3,500+superannuation.
The 4A Curatorial Assistant Program is supported by the Sally Breen Family Foundation.
In 2020-21, the Drawn by stones Curatorial Assistant Program opportunity is supported by the Cultural Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney.
There are two Curatorial Assistant roles available:
Drawn by stones (2020/21)
Curatorial Mentor: Bridie Moran
From September 2020 – December 2020 and continuing into 2021, work with the 4A team to develop and deliver Drawn by stones, a research-led curatorial project that connects artists from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia. In this Curatorial Assistant role, supported by the Cultural Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney, and the Breen Family Foundation, focus will be on researching, connecting with and developing exhibition and programming outcomes for Taiwanese artists and creatives.
Drawn by stones brings together artists who utilise the ceramic medium to interrogate contested histories, stolen land, Indigenous sovereignty, and concepts of national identity. In 2021, exhibiting artists from Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan will further investigate the creation of a sense of ‘nationhood’ through ceramics, demonstrating how the medium can both memorialise and tell alternative histories. The exhibition is grounded by the 2020 installation of Monuments, Dean Cross’ site-responsive work – an ongoing project since 2016, intended for exhibition every two years. Taking its title from Marvin Bell’s 1984 poem Drawn by Stones, by Earth, by Things That Have Been in the Fire, this exhibition recognises that the foundations of ceramic practice lie in the earth – and through the work of exhibiting artists, aims to expand the relevance of ceramic histories, dialogues and interrogations of land, place, sovereignty and ownership across Asia and Australia.
This role will be remunerated at the higher level of $4,000+ superannuation as the Curatorial Assistant will contribute an article for the 4A Papers as part of this opportunity.
Applicants with a strong connection to Taiwan are encouraged to apply for this special role.
This position is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents Australia-wide as well as those based in Taiwan.
Digital Curatorship (2021)
Curatorial Mentors: Mikala Tai and Con Gerakaris
Work with the team to develop new digital projects. 4A’s new platform 4A Digital emerged in midst of COVID-19 and supports artists to develop work specifically for digital consumption. This ongoing curatorial project supports artists to create new work and, for many, the first time in the digital space. The Curatorial Assistant will work closely with the 4A team to devise and deliver at least two 4A Digital commissions.
This position is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents Australia-wide.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
To apply to submit a single PDF document including:
● A cover letter that addresses which Curatorial Assistant role you are applying for and includes an introduction to your practice and your curatorial or research focuses and interests.
● A CV illustrating relevant curatorial projects or work experience. Maximum one page.
Applications should be submitted via email, to Con Gerakaris: con.gerakaris@4a.com.au
Applications close 6.00PM Sunday 5 September 2020.
Applications will be assessed and applicants notified of the outcome approximately two weeks following the submission deadline.
If you have any questions, or want to chat before you submit your application, please touch base with Con Gerakaris: con.gerakaris@4a.com.au or call on (02) 9212 0380
