Curator (Abu Dhabi Public Art)

Note: No deadline specified. Please refer to posting date.

Organization: Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job Type: Full-time
 

Role Summary

The Curator will support the operations of Abu Dhabi’s public art programme through the organisation of exhibitions, acquisitions, collection management, research, and education initiatives. The role involves collaboration across multiple departments and external stakeholders to ensure the preservation, expansion, and public engagement of the collection.
 

Key Responsibilities

Curatorial Operations:

• Organise exhibitions, oversee restoration of artefacts, and manage loans and acquisitions.
• Coordinate with conservation, education, design, and marketing teams to align ongoing projects.
• Manage and preserve artworks for exhibitions and storage in accordance with established processes.
• Develop and expand collections to enhance educational and research opportunities.
• Conduct research, negotiate acquisitions, and purchase items that add value to the collection.
• Lead public and private tours, educational workshops, and provide curatorial insights to audiences.
• Conduct authenticity tests (e.g., dating, X-rays) and provide findings to the line manager.
• Prepare grant proposals and publicity materials to support funding opportunities.
• Represent curatorial interests in the strategic planning of museum projects.

Reports & Database Management:

• Maintain databases of catalogued acquisitions and reports for management review.
• Prepare written reports on artefacts, exhibitions, and restoration activities.
• Conduct research to guide acquisition and commission proposals; prepare recommendation reports.

Policies, Processes, and Procedures:

• Follow all curatorial policies, processes, and procedures to ensure consistent and controlled practices.

Collaboration:

• Work with internal departments (Culture Sector, Marketing) and external stakeholders (vendors, government, educational institutions, art galleries, artists, and archaeologists).
• Facilitate information flow and promote awareness of curatorial projects.

Day-to-Day Operations:

• Execute daily curatorial tasks as directed by the Line Manager in the Curatorial Research & Publications section.
• Report regularly on activities, challenges, and proposed solutions.

Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS):

• Comply with all EHS policies, report incidents promptly, and minimise resource consumption to support sustainability.

Change Management:

• Support a culture of adaptability and innovation, contributing to new initiatives and high-performance behaviours within DCT.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Culture, or equivalent required.
• Master’s degree in Arts, Culture, or equivalent preferred.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree holders: 2–4 years of relevant experience in Culture/Arts/Heritage.
• Postgraduate degree holders: 0–2 years of relevant experience in Culture/Arts/Heritage.

Key Competencies

• Strong organisational and research skills.
• Knowledge of collection care, preservation, and exhibition preparation.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage diverse audiences.