PROJECT CURATOR, FLAGSHIP EXHIBITION 2023

Reports to Head of Collections and Interpretation
Hours 0.6 FTE
Contract term until 28 April 2023
Salary Available upon request 

The Organisation

At the Jewish Museum of Australia, we illuminate Jewish life. At the intersection of art and Jewish culture, our museum is a place for all people to share in the Australian Jewish experience. Through a vibrant calendar of onsite and online activities and events, the Jewish Museum is recognised as one of Australia’s leading community arts/culture organisations. 

Celebrating global Jewish excellence and everydayness through an Australian prism, we inspire curiosity, conversation and play with engagement and connection at our heart. Guided by our strong belief in the power of museums to change lives, we create world-class exhibitions and programs that convey the stories of our diverse community and enhance social cohesion. 

Flagship 2023

Each year, the Jewish Museum’s multidisciplinary team conceives, curates and crafts a flagship exhibition and program that illuminates Jewish life and captivates the young and young-at-heart. Delivering a richly immersive and revelatory journey, our annual major spotlight attracts thousands of visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and inspires contemplation about what it means to be Jewish, historically and today.

Plans for the Museum’s 2023 flagship are underway with the announcement of the feature artist embargoed until end October 2022. The project will launch in March 2023 and will run until end November 2023, featuring significant works from international and national lenders. A series of complimentary learning and engagement programs will run throughout the exhibition and will be primarily developed and delivered by the Museum’s Learning and Engagement team, with input from the Project Curator. 

The Opportunity 

We are inviting expressions of interest from suitably experienced curators to lead the continued development of the Museum’s 2023 flagship exhibition. Key responsibilities include:

Exhibition Development & Administration 

• Curate the 2023 flagship exhibition, including researching, initiating and managing loans from other collecting institutions and private collectors.
• Coordinate and manage collateral for the exhibition, including object lists, exhibition texts, images and image copyright permissions.
• Work closely with the Assistant Curator, Collections in the management of incoming loans and consolidation of agreements for the Museum’s exhibition documentation.
• Oversee and collaborate with the Exhibition & Concept Designer, Production Coordinator, fabricators and other external contractors as required throughout the exhibition development process.
• With the Head of Collections and Interpretation, prepare and monitor the exhibition budget.
• Compile and maintain exhibition documentation and archives to ensure accessibility for the Museum team and researchers in the future.

Exhibition Installation

• Support the object condition reporting process alongside Museum staff and external contractors.
• With the Production Coordinator, support the preparation and installation of the exhibition, including liaison with the Exhibition & Concept Designer and other contractors and the scheduling and supervising of crew.  

Public and Learning Programs  

• Assist and collaborate with the Learning and Engagement team toward the development of learning and public programs associated with the flagship exhibition. 
• Participate in the presentation and delivery of learning and public programs, curator’s talks and other Museum programs and events associated with the exhibition.
• Research and write exhibition-related materials for Museum outputs including catalogues, room sheets, the website, social channels, and for external scholarly and popular publications.

Administration & Organisational Responsibilities

• Provide and contribute to reports according to relevant deadlines.
• Support effective internal communications by sharing information with colleagues in a timely and generous manner.
• Ensure implementation of and adherence to all existing Museum policies, procedures and work practices.
• Actively participate in regular Team meetings and contribute to a culture of creativity, excellence and innovation.

Key Selection Criteria 

• Degree in museum studies, cultural heritage, arts, or a related field. 
• At least five years’ experience in a curatorial or exhibition-making role, with strong knowledge of audience-centric strategies for research, interpretation and storytelling in immersive and participatory ways.
• Sound knowledge of industry standards relating to handling and display requirements of museum collections.
• Proven ability to manage and negotiate relationships with internal and external stakeholders from a range of backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and achieve targets.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV and cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for this role and response to key selection criteria. 

Enquiries

If you have any questions about this Position Description or would like to discuss any aspect of the role before submitting your application, please contact Jessica Bram, CEO & Director, on +61 3 8534 3603 or at j.bram@jewishmuseum.com.au for a confidential conversation.

Applications should be submitted by email to careers@jewishmuseum.com.au

The closing date for applications is 5pm, Thursday 15 September 2022.