4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art is seeking an Artistic Director/Chief Executive Officer
ABOUT 4A CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ASIAN ART
4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art (4A) is an independent not-for-profit organisation based in Sydney, Australia. 4A fosters excellence and innovation in contemporary culture through the commissioning, presentation, documentation and research of contemporary art. Our program is presented throughout Australia and Asia, where we ensure that contemporary art plays a central role in understanding and developing the dynamic relationship between Australia and the wider Asian region.
4A’s activities facilitate cultural dialogue between Australia and Asia in the belief that Asian cultural thinking significantly shapes the world today and will have an important impact on the future. In Australia we showcase stories, present a multiplicity of perspectives, and explore contemporary concerns and ideas that influence how we, as a nation, engage with Asia. We have a particular focus on art that addresses Asian-Australian experiences and the contributions that diverse Asian migration has made ⎯ and continues to make ⎯ in shaping Australia. 4A’s focus in Asia is to promote the breadth of Australian artistic talent, seeking to build an image of Australia that is open, progressive and fundamentally connected with our Asian neighbours.
4A has been a leader in Asian contemporary art in Australia since 1996. In the decades since, we have established a highly respected reputation among artists, funders, patrons and audiences, and within an expanding network of international art institution peers. Our long history and ongoing work across Asia is recognised as having raised awareness of Asian-Australian art and culture and we continue to celebrate Australia’s diverse cultural heritage and growing links throughout the wider Asian region.
ABOUT THE ROLE
4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art is seeking an Artistic Director/CEO to lead this dynamic and vital organisation. This role plays an active and influential role within Australia’s contemporary art sector and leads Australia’s engagement with Asia through visual art. The Artistic Director/CEO of 4A will have a passion for and deep knowledge of contemporary Asian and Australian arts and culture. They will be an inspiring leader and an entrepreneurial thinker, with the ability to collaborate and to work independently. In this role they will provide the creative vision, strategic leadership, management expertise, and financial oversight and accountability for the organisation.
The Artistic Director/CEO, together with the Executive Director, comprise 4A’s Executive Leadership team and report directly to the Board of the Asian Australian Artists Association (4A). Together, these two roles work in close collaboration, ensuring and protecting artistic integrity as well as developing long-term strategies to secure the organisation’s sustainable future.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The ideal candidate will illustrate ability and/or expertise in the following areas:
1. Understanding and passion for contemporary Asian art – The candidate will have demonstrated knowledge of the key national and global conversations and debates surrounding contemporary art from the Asian region. They will have established networks with its artists, organisations and leaders, and the ability to continue 4A’s existing relationships in the region.
2. Independence and vision – The candidate will have the ability to use their initiative and drive to lead the organisation. They will be an entrepreneurial and creative thinker capable of steering 4A’s expansive and multifaceted artistic programming.
3. Advocacy – The candidate will be a strong communicator with an ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including artists, funding bodies, foreign agencies, and corporate and private donors. They will be able to articulate and advocate publicly for 4A and the communities it represents through presentations and publications and they will have the confidence to work with media outlets.
4. Curatorial expertise and leadership – They will be a recognised leader in the field of contemporary art curatorship and will have the aspiration to develop and deliver an artistic program which will continue to lead the discussion of Asian art and culture in Australia. It is expected that they will have held a leadership position in a contemporary art organisation, have ideally 5 years’ experience in devising, producing and delivering contemporary art projects, and possess tertiary qualifications in a relevant field, and/or publication record.
5. Collaborative partnership development – The candidate will have the capacity to develop partnerships and relationships that fulfill the organisation’s mission and further develop 4A’s influence nationally and internationally.
6. Management – They will have experience in strategic planning, financial and project management and will be confident with the management of human and physical resources that support the sustainability of a small business in tandem with the realisation of an artistic program. They will actively develop a collaborative, collegiate and egalitarian workplace culture.
