Head of Production and Festival Delivery
The Biennale of Sydney acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, in particular the Gadigal people on whose land the Biennale of Sydney is located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respect to Elders, past, present and emerging.
The Biennale of Sydney is one of the leading international contemporary art events. It plays an indispensable role in Australia’s engagement with the world, and a meaningful role in the life of the nation. The Biennale presents the most dynamic contemporary art from around the globe in venues across Sydney with exhibitions that ignite and surprise people, sparking dialogue, cultivating connections and inspiring action through meaningful, shared arts experiences. The Biennale of Sydney amplifies the voices of artists and tell the stories of our global communities, as they drive momentum for lasting cultural change.
Established in 1973, it is the third oldest biennial in the world after Venice and São Paulo and the largest exhibition of its kind in Australia. The Biennale of Sydney has commissioned and presented exceptional works of art by more than 1,900 national and international artists from more than 100 countries.
About the Role
The Head of Production and Festival Delivery leads the Biennale of Sydney’s Production department and is responsible for the planning, production and delivery of the Biennale of Sydney’s artistic program, including its core exhibition and associated events across multiple venues and public sites.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Artistic Director, this senior role is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of exhibition production, installation, logistics, venue delivery and event operations. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of Production and Festival Delivery contributes to organisational strategy and plays a critical role in delivering the Biennale safely, efficiently, on time and on budget.
The role requires significant experience in major event production and fine art exhibition delivery, strong project and budget management capability, excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills, and the ability to lead complex operations with artists, presenting partners, venues, suppliers and internal teams in a dynamic, international environment.
Essential Criteria
Significant senior experience in large-scale productions including major events, fine art exhibition delivery, performances or complex multi-site cultural presentation
Demonstrated success leading, developing and empowering multidisciplinary teams, contractors and suppliers
Proven ability to deliver complex projects safely, on time and on budget across multiple venues and stakeholders
Strong financial management capability, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and relationship-building skills across artists, partners, venues and suppliers
Strong knowledge of WHS, risk management and compliance in public-facing production environments
Highly developed project management, problem-solving and organisational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including reporting to senior leadership and boards
Collaborative, strategic and solutions-focused leadership style
Commitment to contemporary art and the delivery of ambitious artistic outcomes
Excellent computer literacy – including knowledge of Microsoft-based applications, Word,
Excel, Outlook, Customer Relationship Management databases, and Internet applications.
Desirable Criteria
Experience delivering contemporary visual arts exhibitions, biennales, arts festivals or international cultural events
Experience with public art and site-specific commissions
Knowledge of artwork freight, registration, indemnity, customs and quarantine processes
Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent professional experience
Working for The Biennale of Sydney
The Biennale of Sydney is home to a collaborative, respectful and values-driven team, united by a shared belief that contemporary art should be accessible to everyone. Together, we deliver one of the world’s leading contemporary art events while fostering an inclusive workplace where different perspectives, experiences and ideas are welcomed and valued.
We actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disability, and people with diverse lived experiences.
We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace to ensure an accessible and supportive experience. If you have support or access requirements, please let us know in your application or by contacting the nominated person in the advertisement.
Alongside meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth and work-life balance, such as:
End-of-year paid office closure. Take a well-earned break over the festive period without using your annual leave.
Hybrid working. Two company-wide office days (Tuesday & Thursday), one team day agreed with your manager, and the rest of the week you can work from wherever you’re most
productive.
Meaningful work. Help create free, world-class contemporary art experiences that inspire hundreds of thousands of visitors.
An incredible international network. Build relationships with leading artists, curators, cultural organisations and creative partners from around the world.
Professional development. We invest in your growth through learning opportunities, mentoring, industry events and staff development initiatives.
Access to art and culture. Enjoy complimentary tickets to Biennale events and exclusive opportunities through our network of cultural partners.
Salary packaging. Maximise your take-home pay through not-for-profit salary packaging.
A genuinely supportive team. Join a collaborative workplace where your ideas are valued and you’ll be supported to do your best work.
Be part of something extraordinary. Join the team behind one of the world’s leading contemporary art events.
