Ishara is Seeking an Exhibitions, Programmes & Special Projects Lead
Application deadline: 20 July 2026
Position type: Full-time
Working hours: 10 AM ‐ 7 PM, Monday to Friday (Late evenings and Saturdays as required)
How to apply: Send your resume to operations@ishara.org
Job Description
The Exhibitions, Programmes & Special Projects Lead plays a crucial role at the Foundation in carrying out the day-to-day directives pertaining to logistics for Ishara’s exhibitions, programmes and special projects. The individual will plan, coordinate, execute and monitor all exhibition and programme related operations, along with collaborative initiatives of Ishara. This entails coordinating with the Ishara team, the artists and third-parties towards exhibition design, artwork shipping, customs clearance and handling, exhibition installation and de-installation, coordinating programmes and tours, among other responsibilities listed in detail below.
Skills and Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience is essential in exhibition-making at either an art gallery, art foundation, museum, or an art event (biennale, festival, fair)
- Prior knowledge and skill are essential in exhibition design, artwork installation, art handling, Audio-Video equipment, and programme logistics
- Prior knowledge of contemporary art from South Asia is essential. This includes awareness of artists, galleries, museums and art initiatives both regionally and internationally
- Strong organisational skills are important, including coordination with multiple parties simultaneously and multi-tasking
- Strong logistical skills are essential, including the ability to work onsite
- Strong communication skills are important, including written, verbal, and interpersonal
- High attention to detail and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines on an ongoing basis
- Ability to think creatively and strategically
- Excellent judgment dealing with highly confidential information
- Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments and with staff at all levels across the organisation
- An awareness of current issues and events that impact the art industry
- A passion for arts and culture; knowledge of global contemporary art preferred
- Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment and initiative
- Computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite are essential.
- Working knowledge of Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, AutoCAD, SketchUp is a plus
- Reading and speaking knowledge of any South Asian language is a plus
Key Responsibilities
Exhibition design and install:
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- Prepare budgets for Ishara exhibitions and submit it for the Director’s review
- Research for the exhibition to be shared with the Director
- Plan shipping and logistics of the exhibitions
- Plan and execute temporary import-export of the artworks from various institutions/lenders/collectors
- Ensure adherence to international safety standards for artwork shipments
- Coordinating temporary exhibition insurance for the artworks
- Liaising with artist/gallery for installation manual of artworks (SketchUp, layouts, etc.)
- Coordinate and execute exhibition production (wall fabrication, painting, vinyl text, etc.)
- Plan and execute installation and de-installation of the temporary exhibitions
- Plan and execute audio, visual and lighting of the temporary exhibitions
- Precure sponsorship/logistical support for the exhibition
- Exhibition outreach – walkthroughs
- Submit plans, SketchUp for the related exhibition to Admin for Exhibition Portfolio
- Oversee Reception and Private dinner details with Admin
Programming:
- Coordinating with various practitioners for exhibition related programmes/talks/seminars/ symposiums and workshops
- Plan and execute the summer programme for Ishara in consultation with the Director
- Plan and execute the community outreach for Ishara, including coordinating with schools, colleges, universities, social clubs and cultural institutions – e.g.: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Art Dubai, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
- Plan and execute exhibition tours, virtual and physical along with regional and international institutions
Artist/Gallery Coordination:
- Collate details for artworks that are to be shipped. Check necessary paperwork before handing to Admin
- Coordinate with the artist/gallery for the acquired artwork certificates
- Coordinate framing of artworks as per the requirements
- Acting as liaison between various parties for the safety and protection of the artwork (front desk staff and other staff members)
- Create a manual for AV/Tech related installations for the exhibition
Special Projects/Ishara House:
Project Management:
- Manage the overall operations, development and successful delivery of the Ishara House project, adhering strictly to the approved scope, timeline and budgets
- Liaise closely with the Artistic Director, on ground team in India, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and smooth execution of project components
- Monitor and manage budgets for Ishara House Kochi and UAE components, preparing budgets, payment schedules and ensuring financial accountability
- Coordinate with Ishara’s accounts department and project stakeholders to facilitate timely and transparent payments
- Oversee vendor relations, and resource allocation to maximise project efficiency and deliverables
- Manage a systematic workflow between the Ishara team and all project collaborators
- Manage at least one international programme at Ishara House, coordinating logistics, speakers and moderators
- Ensure submission of final project completion report and financial documentation from the Artistic Director to Ishara for Ishara House or project
Image credit: Via Ishara Art Foundation website
