Curator and Program Manager

Canberra Contemporary is Kamberri/Canberra’s leading contemporary visual art organisation. Working with artists both inside and outside of the ACT, we provide opportunities for artists working across a range of disciplines to create and show new, ambitious and daring work. As a space for collaboration, consultation and conversation, Canberra Contemporary fosters opportunities for emerging, mid-career and established artists to experiment and exhibit.

Our annual program of exhibitions, performances, artists’ talks, public programs and publications provides a responsive environment in which artists can share work within the context of current local, national and international practice. Exhibitions and related public programs run over two spaces at Canberra Contemporary: our curated main gallery space in Parkes and Platform, a satellite project space in Manuka.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Join Canberra Contemporary’s small, dedicated team and help shape the future of contemporary art in Kamberri/Canberra as our new Curator + Program Manager.

This ongoing 0.8 FTE role combines both curatorial and gallery management responsibilities. Working across both Canberra Contemporary and our project space Platform, you will be responsible for curating in-house exhibitions and special projects with partner organisations, as well as supporting artists and external curators to realise ambitious artistic projects and public programs.

The Curator + Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of exhibition management, including program planning and delivery, leading exhibition install and deinstall, drafting of exhibition and loan agreements, freight logistics, project budgets, and technical support. The role may also support the Canberra Contemporary team on other operational duties as required, including supervision of casual staff, mentorship to emerging artists, research & writing, catalogue design and production, building maintenance, WHS & event tech.

We are looking for someone who is a creative and bold thinker, able to work with care and compassion for a diversity of artists and communities and is invested in shaping contemporary discourse in the region and beyond. As a key member of the team, the Curator + Program Manager is an essential role whose contributions to the Artistic Program will ensure Canberra Contemporary remains relevant, timely, and an industry leader in the field.
The ideal candidate will be someone who can thrive in a small team and can contribute positively to a workplace culture where a diversity of views and lived experiences are supported. Relationship-building with artists and curators is at the heart of this work, and you will be confident working independently to numerous project deadlines, but also able to work reflexively and collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders.
This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious and forward-thinking early-career or mid-career curator, who is ready to step into a position with fresh ideas and put them into practice.

Applications close 3 November 2026, 3PM AEST