Curatorial Intern 2027 at Artspace Aotearoa

Organisation: Artspace Aotearoa
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Contract: Fixed-term, part-time (30 hours per week)
Duration: 11 months, January–December 2027
Remuneration: NZ$31.50 per hour
Application deadline: 19 November 2026, 5 pm

About the Internship

Artspace Aotearoa is seeking a Kaiwhakamahiri Pirihi Taiwhenua Curatorial Intern to assist in delivering its 2027 programme and core gallery operations in Auckland.

The internship is designed to provide essential early-career development through practical experience in a small public gallery setting, with opportunities to develop skills in exhibition production, arts management and public engagement.

The Curatorial Intern will contribute to a dynamic programme of contemporary art exhibitions, coordinate the annual volunteer programme and work alongside the Deputy Director on funding and grant initiatives.

During onboarding, the selected intern will identify areas of learning interest, which will help shape their responsibilities and the selection of an external mentor. Working with management, they will develop learning outcomes and receive guidance and a dedicated budget to deliver their programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with exhibition installation schedules and the practical delivery of exhibitions throughout the year.
• Contribute to the development of events, budgets and expenditure tracking.
• Coordinate and manage the annual volunteer programme, including schedules and engagement opportunities.
• Manage the gallery on Saturdays and support daily gallery operations.
• Assist the Deputy Director with funding initiatives and processes.
• Welcome visitors, lead tours and facilitate engagement with artists, learners and other audiences.
• Support artwork care, gallery maintenance and tikanga-led events.
• Develop professional relationships with Artspace Aotearoa staff and an external mentor.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate an emerging knowledge of contemporary art, an interest in exhibition-making and a willingness to develop skills across arts management and gallery operations.

Relevant skills and qualities include:

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience discussing artworks and expressing ideas.
• Basic knowledge of exhibition installation and event production.
• Experience working with artists, technicians or other creative practitioners.
• Organisational skills, initiative and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Confidence engaging with visitors, stakeholders and arts professionals.
• Enthusiasm for learning and developing new professional skills.

The internship requires on-site availability from Wednesday to Saturday, with occasional additional hours for programme activities.

Professional Development

By the end of the internship, the selected candidate will have gained practical experience in exhibition installation, volunteer management, event budgeting, fundraising and public engagement.

The programme also offers external mentorship, opportunities for self-evaluation and reflection, and the development of professional connections within the contemporary art sector.

Image: Courtesy of Artspace Aotearoa.