Exhibitions, Programmes & Special Projects Lead

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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:

- 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