Curator

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Organisation: National Portrait Gallery
Location: Parkes, Canberra, Australia
Classification: APS 6
Salary: AUD $99,734–$116,758 per annum
Working arrangement: On-site; remote applicants cannot be considered
Application deadline: 8 September 2026 at midnight

About the Position

The National Portrait Gallery is seeking an experienced Curator to contribute to its artistic programme and the development of its permanent collection.

Working with the exhibitions and registration team, the Curator will develop and deliver exhibitions and programmes across the Gallery’s on-site, touring and online platforms. They will also contribute to the development, interpretation and care of the collection and build relationships with stakeholders in Canberra and across Australia.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of Australian art and history, significant experience in exhibition-making and collection development, and an active engagement with current curatorial and artistic discourse.

The role foregrounds truth-telling, care and polyvocal storytelling, recognising portraiture’s potential to challenge established ways of thinking. It reports to the Senior Curator.

Responsibilities

The Curator will:

Research and curate innovative exhibitions and contribute to the Gallery’s on-site, touring and online programmes.
Interpret the collection through research, displays, conferences and other public presentations.
Participate in all stages of the acquisitions process.
Write correspondence, reports, essays, exhibition texts, online content and other published materials.
Develop exhibition layouts and physical installations in collaboration with the exhibition designer.
Undertake public-speaking and media engagements.
Contribute to learning and access programmes and other Gallery events.
Mentor interns and support their professional development.
Participate in philanthropic events and related engagements.
Work independently and collaboratively within the Curatorial and Collection Section and multidisciplinary project teams.
Develop and maintain professional networks supporting the Gallery and its programmes.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

Strong knowledge of Australian art, history and visual culture.
An active engagement with portraiture.
Significant curatorial experience within a gallery or museum.
Experience developing exhibitions and building collections.
Highly developed research skills.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
A record of published writing.
Strong spatial awareness and an aptitude for developing exhibition layouts.
The ability to connect organisational goals with operational work.
Lateral thinking and an ability to identify and implement improved working practices.
Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
The ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
Initiative, professional responsibility and commitment to the Australian Public Service Values and Code of Conduct.
The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Applicants should hold a tertiary qualification in Australian art history or a related field, or possess equivalent professional experience. Previous experience in an art gallery, museum or wider cultural organisation is required.

Working Environment

The role is based on-site at the National Portrait Gallery in Parkes, Canberra. Remote applicants cannot be considered.

The position involves frequent collaboration with colleagues, visitors and members of the public, alongside periods of independent work. Occasional after-hours work and interstate travel may be required.

The role also involves regularly handling collection objects and occasionally lifting objects weighing more than 10 kilograms. Required workplace health and safety training will be provided by the Gallery.

Applicant Materials

Applicants must provide:

A statement of no more than two A4 pages explaining how their skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make them the strongest candidate for the role.
A current curriculum vitae.
A completed application coversheet.

About the National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery reflects the face of Australia and promotes understanding of Australian people and their stories through portraiture.

It develops a national portrait collection and provides access through exhibitions, learning programmes and events presented at its Canberra building, at venues across Australia and online.

The Gallery is guided by the values of creativity, innovation, inclusivity and integrity.