Curator + Program Manager at Canberra Contemporary

Organisation: Canberra Contemporary
Location: Kamberri/Canberra, Australia
Salary: AUD $68,000–$72,000 per year for 0.8 FTE, plus 12% superannuation (AUD $85,000–$90,000 full-time equivalent)
Contract: Ongoing, part-time, subject to a six-month probation
Hours: 30 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work
Application deadline: Tuesday 3 November 2026, 3 p.m. AEST, as stated in the listing

Canberra Contemporary is seeking a Curator + Program Manager to help shape its artistic programme across its main gallery and project space, Platform. Reporting to the Artistic Director + CEO, the postholder will combine curatorial work with exhibition and gallery management.

The role offers an opportunity for an early-career or mid-career curator to develop in-house exhibitions and collaborative projects, while supporting artists and external curators to realise ambitious work and public programmes.

Responsibilities

The Curator + Program Manager will oversee exhibition planning and delivery, lead installations and de-installations, prepare exhibition and loan agreements, coordinate freight, manage project budgets and provide technical support.

They may also contribute to research and writing, catalogue design and production, mentoring emerging artists and supervising casual staff. Other responsibilities can include building maintenance, workplace health and safety, and event technology.

Relationship-building with artists, curators and partner organisations is central to the role, alongside contributing to contemporary art discourse in Canberra and beyond.

Candidate profile

Canberra Contemporary seeks a creative, ambitious curator who can work with care and compassion across diverse artists and communities. Applicants should be confident managing multiple project deadlines independently while working collaboratively within a small team and with external partners.

The organisation values fresh ideas, a reflective approach and a commitment to a workplace that supports different perspectives and lived experiences.

The position is based across Canberra Contemporary’s two gallery spaces, with occasional off-site work required.