2026 Emerging Curator Opportunity
Institution: Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki (CoCA)
Location: Christchurch / Ōtautahi, New Zealand
Contract: Part-time, fixed-term (mid-May – November 2026)
Exhibition Dates: October 3 – November 8, 2026
Deadline: March 26, 2026
Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki (CoCA) is inviting expressions of interest from emerging curators connected to Ōtautahi to develop a group exhibition and public programme for the gallery’s Ō Papa space. This professional development opportunity supports curators interested in gaining experience working within a public contemporary art gallery while engaging local communities and under-represented artistic practices.
CoCA encourages innovative and ambitious curatorial proposals that foster dialogue and experimentation in contemporary visual arts while supporting artists and communities who may be under-represented in institutional contexts.
Role Overview
The selected curator will develop and deliver a group exhibition at CoCA’s Ō Papa Gallery, including concept development, artist selection, research, and exhibition texts. The curator will also collaborate with the gallery team to design public programmes that activate the exhibition and engage audiences.
The exhibition will open on October 3, 2026, and run until November 8, 2026. The position begins mid-May 2026, with the curator required to be based in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) during the project.
Responsibilities
- Develop the curatorial concept and select participating artists
- Liaise with artists involved in the exhibition programme
- Contribute to research and curatorial writing for the exhibition
- Work with CoCA’s team to develop public programming and events
- Assist the Exhibitions Delivery Manager and Operations Manager with exhibition delivery within the agreed budget
- Support exhibition installation and deinstallation
- Assist with public programme delivery, including attending the opening event
- Contribute to communications and media activities when required
Curators are encouraged to propose artists in their submission. If needed, artists may also be selected from proposals submitted to CoCA’s 2025 Open Call for Proposals.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to artists, curators, writers, and other creative practitioners interested in gaining curatorial experience in a public gallery setting. Applicants must have connections to Ōtautahi and be able to work from Christchurch during the project period.
