Curatorial Assistant — Contemporary Art & Collections

The Big Idea; New Plymouth; Hybrid; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

New Plymouth District Council, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, is seeking an Assistant Curator Contemporary Art and Collections to join a bold, innovative contemporary art centre in Taranaki. The role focuses on researching, developing and delivering exhibitions, collections, events and publications that engage diverse audiences.

You will collaborate with curatorial teams, support collection care, and contribute to public programmes while advancing culturally responsive practice

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in art history, curatorial practice, museum studies or related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary art and contemporary cultural practice.
• Experience in exhibition development, gallery projects, museum practice or related arts organisations.
• Experience undertaking research and producing written content.
• Experience working collaboratively with artists, communities or external stakeholders.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and commitment to culturally responsive practice.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist with researching, developing and delivering contemporary art exhibitions and projects.
• Undertake research on artists, artworks and art practices to support exhibitions, publications and collection projects.
• Contribute to exhibition content, interpretation, publications and visitor resources.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with artists, curators, lenders and key stakeholders.
• Support exhibition planning, installation, deinstallation and logistics to ensure high-quality visitor experiences.
• Assist with artwork handling, documentation, condition reporting and collection care in line with best practice standards.
• Support collection management, digitisation, database maintenance and collection research activities.
• Contribute to the delivery and promotion of public programmes, events, talks and artist engagements.
• Work collaboratively across teams to deliver projects on time and to a high standard.
• Champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi, mātauranga Māori and meaningful partnerships with mana whenua and Māori communities.

Skills

Curatorial practice

Art history

Museum studies

Exhibition development

Research

Written content

Relationships with artists

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Mātauranga Māori

Project management

Team collaboration

Organisational skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in art history, curatorial practice, museum studies or related discipline

Job description

New Plymouth District Council, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, is seeking an Assistant Curator Contemporary Art and Collections to join a bold, innovative contemporary art centre in Taranaki. The role focuses on researching, developing and delivering exhibitions, collections, events and publications that engage diverse audiences.

You will collaborate with curatorial teams, support collection care, and contribute to public programmes while advancing culturally responsive practice