RHA Curator
The Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA)
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
Employment Type: Full-time, Monday–Friday, with some evening and weekend work as required
Salary: €40,000–€45,000 per annum, depending on experience
Term: 3 – year fixed contract with option for extension
The Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA) is seeking an enthusiastic Curator to contribute to the development and delivery of its exhibition programme, with a particular focus on contemporary art in Ireland and internationally. Working closely with the Director and reporting to the Head of Exhibitions, the Curator will support artists, exhibitions and public programming, helping advance the RHA’s role within Ireland’s cultural ecology.
About the role
Working closely with the Director and reporting to the Head of Exhibitions, the Curator will contribute to the development and delivery of the RHA’s exhibition programme, with a particular focus on contemporary art, nationally and internationally. The role involves working with the Exhibition Team, supporting artists, coordinating exhibition needs, and contributing to the RHA’s wider public programming, including digital and other new forms of programming.
We seek an enthusiastic individual who excels at working collectively and has a good set of skills around realising exhibitions, managing events and furthering discourse. The successful candidate will have a good understanding of the RHA’s distinctive role within Ireland’s cultural ecology.
Key responsibilities
- Support the delivery of exhibitions, projects, events and curatorial programmes.
- Work closely with artists, galleries, lenders, patrons and partner organisations.
- Undertake curatorial research, studio visits, writing, labelling, text proofing and interpretation.
- Contribute to the RHA’s public programme and engagement with audiences.
- Responsible for issuing loan agreements, condition checks, transport and logistics.
- Support the development of new partnerships and opportunities for artists.
- Collaborate with the Marketing Team to promote the exhibition programme across social media, the website, press, broadcast and other platforms.
- Manage exhibition sales, specifically the RHA Ashford Gallery and Annual Exhibition.
- Work collaboratively across the RHA to ensure high-quality project delivery.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future development of one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art institutions, while working with artists and colleagues nationally and internationally.
Requirements & qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Curating or a transferable field
- Minimum three years’ related experience
- Deep familiarity with contemporary Irish art and its international context
- Proven ability to work independently and in a team
- Proficiency with internal communications, Google Workspace and MS Office
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to work collaboratively and proactively in a dynamic team, with management support as required.
- Demonstrates effective interpersonal, communication, and project management skills
- Acts with discretion, empathy, autonomy and confidentiality
- Maintains professional conduct that publicly supports the vision, mission, functions, programmes, activities, ambitions and policies of the RHA
Why join the RHA?
This is an opportunity to play a central role in the operation and development of an established arts organisation, working alongside Academicians, colleagues, artists, patrons, sponsors and audiences.
Equity, diversity & inclusion
The RHA is committed to equity and welcomes diversity. We hire based on merit and encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including individuals who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, people with disabilities and others from historically marginalised groups.
How to apply
Interested applicants should email one PDF or Word document containing:
- a one-page cover letter;
- a concise CV; and
- three references.
Please send applications to Kate McBride, Head of Exhibitions, at kate@rhagallery.ie with the subject line: Posting: Curator
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 15th November, 2026. Early applications are encouraged.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Image credits: Donal Murphy
