Senior Curator, First Nations Programs

Carriageworks is the largest and most significant contemporary multi-arts centre of its kind in Australia.

The Carriageworks Artistic and First Nations Programs are ambitious, risk taking and provide significant support to leading Australian and international artists through commissioning and presenting contemporary work. The programs are artist-led and emerge from Carriageworks’ commitment to First Nations arts and culture and to reflecting social and cultural diversity.   Carriageworks multidisciplinary, contemporary arts programs highlight a commitment to producing work in partnership with independent artists and companies always within the context of the organisation’s location on Gadigal country in Redfern, Sydney, a home of First Nations political, social, and artistic movements.

CARRIAGEWORKS VALUES

Respect Each Other: Everyone is welcome. Everyone’s voice is important. We learn from each other by listening with empathy and care.

Share The Journey: Support others to be their best. We act with integrity and trust. We are collectively responsible.

Be Adventurous: Embrace creativity. We search for courageous ideas and new opportunities.

Take A Long View: Respect country, priorities sustainability and nurture new ways of thinking out of old. We lay foundations for generations to come.

This is an identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position. Carriageworks considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under section 14 of the Anti- Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

The Senior Curator, First Nations Programs will work with First Nations team alongside the Artistic Program team to coordinate, plan and deliver the Carriageworks First Nations program. The program will be partnership focused and will move across disciplines, cultures and communities.

The Senior Curator, First Nations will be responsible for working closely with Carriageworks Resident Companies as well as external companies in the planning and realisation of programs and projects.

They will work closely with Carriageworks’ production and technical teams to ensure that all program requirements are met to a high standard and that high level outcomes are achieved for artists and partners, ensuring the ongoing development of Carriageworks reputation nationally and internationally as a leading contemporary arts precinct.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM

In collaboration with Senior Curator Visual Arts, Senior Curator Performance; Director, Programs and CEO; develop an innovative contemporary arts program that is reflective of, and engages with, the culturally diverse communities of Sydney.

Provide support to the delivery of the Solid Ground Program, which offers education, training and employment pathways for Indigenous Australian youth in Alexandria and Western Sydney.

Lead coordination of partnership programs and projects with independent First Nations artists and companies.

Develop program proposals by undertaking in-depth research on artists, performers and art practices to significantly contribute to the development of Carriageworks’ Artistic Program.

Lead the curatorial development, delivery and presentation of selected artistic projects.

Develop and maintain external relationships that benefit Carriageworks and support the successful delivery of the program.

Provide administrative and project delivery support enabling the Carriageworks Artistic Program, including but not limited to writing and issuing artist and company contracts, preparing and managing project budgets, and authoring interpretive material and delivering public talks.

Communicate clearly and efficiently with artists and partners while recognising that different solutions are required to meet the needs and expectations of a diverse range of people.

Work with an awareness of and a commitment to all Workplace Health and Safety policies, procedures and work practices.

FINANCIAL

Support the Development and Finance teams through identification of funding opportunities and preparation of copy and budgets for applications and reports.

Develop annual project budgets for approval.

Monitor and report program delivery against approved budgets.

Work in partnership with the Production Managers and Finance teams to ensure that projects are delivered on budget.

Relevant to and engage appropriately with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

PROGRAM

In collaboration with Senior Curator Visual Arts, Senior Curator Performance; Director, Programs and CEO; develop an innovative contemporary arts program that is reflective of, and engages with, the culturally diverse communities of Sydney.

Provide support to the delivery of the Solid Ground Program, which offers education, training and employment pathways for Indigenous Australian youth in Alexandria and Western Sydney.

Lead coordination of partnership programs and projects with independent First Nations artists and companies.

Develop program proposals by undertaking in-depth research on artists, performers and art practices to significantly contribute to the development of Carriageworks’ Artistic Program.

Lead the curatorial development, delivery and presentation of selected artistic projects.

Develop and maintain external relationships that benefit Carriageworks and support the successful delivery of the program.

Provide administrative and project delivery support enabling the Carriageworks Artistic Program, including but not limited to writing and issuing artist and company contracts, preparing and managing project budgets, and authoring interpretive material and delivering public talks.

Communicate clearly and efficiently with artists and partners while recognising that different solutions are required to meet the needs and expectations of a diverse range of people.

Work with an awareness of and a commitment to all Workplace Health and Safety policies, procedures and work practices.

FINANCIAL

Support the Development and Finance teams through identification of funding opportunities and preparation of copy and budgets for applications and reports.

Develop annual project budgets for approval.

Monitor and report program delivery against approved budgets.

Work in partnership with the Production Managers and Finance teams to ensure that projects are delivered on budget.

Relevant to and engage appropriately with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

A broad working knowledge of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts practices

Excellent interpersonal skills, time management skills, written and verbal communication including influencing, advocacy and negotiation.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.

Proactive attitude with a high level of attention to detail

Knowledge and understanding of Human Resource processes including equal employment opportunity (EEO), ethical practice, and a working knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety (WH&S (WORK HEALTH & SAFETY)).

Flexible approach to working hours, including the capacity to work evenings and weekends.

APPLY: Please address the Essential Criteria for Senior Curator, First Nations Programs and submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@carriageworks.com.au