Exhibitions, Programmes & Special Projects Lead

This content is exclusive for CfC members.

Please or register to see all our content.

Institution: Ishara Art Foundation
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contract: Full-time
Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–19:00 (late evenings and Saturdays as required)
Deadline: 20 July 2026

Ishara Art Foundation is seeking an Exhibitions, Programmes & Special Projects Lead to support its mission of fostering critical engagement with contemporary art from South Asia and its diasporas through exhibitions, public programmes, and educational initiatives.

The position plays a central role in the planning, coordination, execution, and monitoring of exhibitions, public programmes, and special projects. Working closely with the Director and Curator, the successful candidate will oversee exhibition logistics, artwork shipping and handling, installation processes, programme delivery, and collaborative initiatives across the Foundation.

The role requires a strong understanding of contemporary South Asian art alongside proven experience in exhibition-making, project management, and stakeholder coordination. The successful candidate will collaborate with artists, galleries, institutions, vendors, and internal teams to ensure the successful delivery of exhibitions and special projects.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare and manage exhibition budgets for review and approval.
Conduct exhibition-related research and support curatorial development.
Coordinate artwork shipping, customs clearance, insurance, and logistics.
Plan and oversee artwork installation and de-installation.
Coordinate exhibition production, including wall construction, painting, graphics, and exhibition infrastructure.
Manage audio-visual, lighting, and technical requirements for exhibitions.
Coordinate exhibition tours, walkthroughs, and outreach activities.
Organise talks, workshops, seminars, symposiums, and public programmes.
Develop and deliver community outreach initiatives with schools, universities, and cultural institutions.
Maintain communication with artists, galleries, lenders, and collectors.
Coordinate artwork documentation, certificates, framing, and installation manuals.
Support sponsorship opportunities and logistical partnerships.
Manage workflows across exhibitions, programmes, and special projects.
Lead operational planning and delivery of the Ishara House project and related international programmes.
Monitor project budgets, payment schedules, reporting requirements, and stakeholder communications.

Requirements

Minimum two years of experience in exhibition-making within a gallery, museum, art foundation, biennial, festival, fair, or related institution.
Knowledge of exhibition design, artwork installation, art handling, audio-visual systems, and programme logistics.
Strong understanding of contemporary art from South Asia, including artists, galleries, museums, and cultural initiatives.
Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities.
Strong logistical and project management skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
High level of attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively.
Experience handling confidential information with discretion.
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.
Awareness of current developments affecting the contemporary art sector.
Passion for arts and culture, with knowledge of international contemporary art.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work independently when required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.
Reading and speaking knowledge of one or more South Asian languages.
Experience working with international exhibitions and cross-border cultural projects.