Curatorial Director at Javett Art Centre, University of Pretoria
Application deadline: 14 August 2026
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Position type: Not specified
Expected start date: 1 September 2026 or by mutual agreement
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience
Education required: Master’s degree or higher
Experience required: Extensive senior-level curatorial experience
The Role
The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria is seeking a Curatorial Director to provide artistic, intellectual and cultural leadership for its curatorial programme.
The Curatorial Director will play a central role in defining Javett-UP’s artistic vision and intellectual direction, positioning the institution as a leading voice in contemporary African art and curatorial practice.
Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will translate the Art Centre’s strategic priorities into ambitious exhibitions, research, publications and public programmes. They will also advance Javett-UP’s work in teaching, transdisciplinary learning, academic research and community engagement.
As a member of the senior leadership team, the Curatorial Director will lead the Curatorial Department, contribute to organisational planning and decision-making, and support fundraising and partnership development.
Curatorial Leadership
The Curatorial Director will:
- Provide artistic, intellectual and cultural leadership for Javett-UP’s curatorial programme
- Develop a distinctive curatorial vision aligned with the institution’s strategic direction
- Lead the development of an innovative programme of exhibitions, research, publications and public engagement
- Maintain high standards of artistic and curatorial excellence
- Position Javett-UP as a leading voice in contemporary African art and institutional practice
- Represent the organisation nationally and internationally
Collections and Research
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for the stewardship, development, interpretation and research of Javett-UP’s collections.
They will:
- Develop research-led approaches to collection interpretation
- Advance knowledge of historical and contemporary art from Africa and its diasporas
- Connect collections with exhibitions, publications and public programmes
- Support scholarly research and knowledge exchange
- Encourage collaboration between curators, artists, academics and other researchers
Teaching and Transdisciplinary Learning
The Curatorial Director will strengthen Javett-UP’s contribution to the University of Pretoria’s priorities in:
- Teaching and learning
- Academic research
- Transdisciplinary collaboration
- Public and community engagement
- Knowledge production and exchange
The role involves developing relationships across the University and working with researchers, academics and other knowledge partners.
Partnerships and Public Engagement
The Curatorial Director will build and maintain collaborative relationships with:
- Artists
- Curators and scholars
- Academics and researchers
- Collectors and lenders
- Cultural organisations
- Funding partners and donors
- Local and international institutions
- Diverse audiences and communities
They will help expand Javett-UP’s international partnerships and contribute to global conversations concerning art from Africa and its diasporas.
Leadership and Management
As a senior leader within Javett-UP, the Curatorial Director will:
- Lead, mentor and develop the Curatorial Department
- Build a collaborative and high-performing team
- Manage complex curatorial projects and budgets
- Oversee the responsible use of departmental resources
- Ensure programmes are delivered within approved financial, operational and governance frameworks
- Contribute specialist curatorial expertise to organisational planning
- Support fundraising and partnership initiatives
- Advance the Art Centre’s long-term sustainability
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must have:
- A postgraduate qualification at master’s level or higher in art history, curatorial studies, museum studies, fine art or a related discipline
- Extensive senior-level curatorial experience within an art museum, gallery, art centre or comparable cultural institution
- A significant record of developing exhibitions and leading curatorial projects
- Experience creating programmes that encourage public engagement, dialogue and knowledge exchange
- Experience managing professional teams
- Experience overseeing complex projects and budgets
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to build productive relationships with artists, lenders, donors, academics and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience building international institutional partnerships
- The ability to contribute to international discussions concerning art from Africa
Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered.
Desirable Experience
Javett-UP is particularly interested in candidates with:
- A record of scholarly research and publication
- Experience working within or alongside a university museum or higher education institution
- Experience securing funding or developing partnerships
- Experience contributing to organisational sustainability initiatives
- Experience working across disciplines
- A record of collaborating with researchers, academics and other knowledge partners
- Experience presenting at conferences
- Participation in international curatorial networks
- A commitment to collaboration, innovation, transdisciplinary practice and public engagement
About Javett-UP
The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria was established through a partnership between the University of Pretoria and the Arts Centre Foundation.
The institution advances historical and contemporary art from Africa and its diasporas through exhibitions, collections, research, education, transdisciplinary learning and public engagement.
Operating at the intersection of artistic practice, academic inquiry and public programming, Javett-UP creates opportunities for dialogue, creativity, scholarship and new ways of thinking through art.
The Curatorial Director will join the institution during a new phase of development and have an opportunity to shape the artistic direction of one of Africa’s leading art centres.
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants may be asked to complete relevant skills assessments as part of the interview and selection process.
The appointment is subject to verification of qualifications, employment history and professional references. Where appropriate, this may also include criminal record and other relevant background checks conducted in accordance with applicable legislation.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Javett-UP reserves the right not to fill the position.
Equal Opportunities
Javett-UP is committed to equal opportunity, diversity and employment equity.
Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds, particularly candidates from underrepresented designated groups.
Note: This listing has been edited for formatting purposes. To read the complete job description and apply, please visit the link below.
