Senior Curator

Description:

State Library Victoria, Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world, is seeking a Senior Curator to develop and deliver exceptional exhibitions in our permanent and temporary exhibition galleries and spaces.
* Are you an exceptional, experienced Curator with strong leadership qualities?
* Work in one of the landmark institutions of Melbourne's cultural sector
* Employee benefits include a 10% discount at Readings bookstore
Introduction
State Library Victoria is a vibrant hub of activity in the heart of the city, offering year-round programs of stimulating cultural experiences, exhibitions, contemporary debates and events.
As a Senior Curator, you will develop major exhibitions as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team and perform senior curatorial administrative functions.
The role offers the opportunity to bring high quality curatorial expertise and leadership, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in curatorial practice at the Library, one of Victoria's leading cultural institutions.
Join us to help curate and preserve the state's published, material, digital and intangible heritage, and be part of a culture that enables research, fosters creativity, supports start-ups and entrepreneurs, hosts world-class events, inspires young learners, and gives our patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life's greatest joys: the satisfaction of a good book.
About the role
The Senior Curator is the primary curator on selected exhibitions, working collaboratively with colleagues across the Library to manage complex organisational creative projects. As a senior role within the curatorial team, the Senior Curator performs some leadership functions, including leading curatorial meetings, assessing external proposals and potential touring shows, and identifying and leading collaborative opportunities. The role also represents the Exhibitions team in several working groups and forums, and may periodically deputise for the Manager, Exhibitions.
The Senior Curator interprets the Library's Engagement Strategy to nurture and refine ideas, by making recommendations and demonstrating leadership in exhibition creative direction.
The Senior Curator also performs administrative functions pertaining to exhibitions curation, leading important internal and external relationships.
The Senior Curator is accountable for the following measurable outcomes:
* Develops compelling curatorial concepts and narratives to engage Library audiences.
* Develops highly engaging exhibitions for the Library, from concept to realisation, including consulting with Victorian communities, experts and practitioners to identify unique Victorian stories.
* Supports the leadership function in the curatorial team through leading curatorial meetings and external proposal processes and identifying and scoping touring shows and collaborative opportunities.
* Supports the promotion of the exhibitions internally and externally through presentations and tours, which may include to media, Library stakeholders, Library staff, the Board, volunteers and the Library's users.
* Ensures representation with internal and external stakeholders and parties is carried forward in a way that is consistent with current organisational and team strategies and directions.
* Assists the Manager, Exhibitions in planning opportunities in the forward exhibitions slate and planning for future iterations of the Library's principal galleries.
* Ensures that all exhibition spaces reflect international museum standards, industry practices, meet the International Council of Museums (ICOM) code of ethics and comply with Library policies and procedures.
* Advises on curatorial practice within the team as pertains to theoretical and/or praxis specialisation/s.
What you will bring:
The ideal candidate will be able to contribute to a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and engagement in developing exhibitions with a wide range of creative and technical collaborators. You will have high-level applied knowledge of exhibition curation, with the leadership qualities to foster a culture of continued improvement and innovation, combined with specific area/s of curatorial expertise or specialisation. Well-developed specialisation in one or more areas of curatorial practice are essential in this role.
Key qualifications and experience include:
* Tertiary qualification in a related field (e.g. art history, cultural studies, art curatorship, fine arts, arts and cultural management, conservation).
* A strong track record of curating and leading high quality, impactful exhibitions, from concept to realisation, within a collecting institution or similar setting.
* Demonstrated experience working in a curatorial leadership capacity.
* Strong track record of applying deep understanding and knowledge of curatorial and audience-centred practice to the development of exhibitions
* A proven, strong track record of curating inclusive and diverse exhibitions, including implementation of best practice co-curatorial and/or community consultation practices.
* Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders and communities to deliver exhibitions within a complex GLAM sector environment.
Why join State Library Victoria?
Inspiring location: Work from State Library Victoria, home to the State Collection and the iconic Dome reading room, located in the heart of Melbourne.
Impact: Bring your unique skills to a world-renowned cultural institution that works to enrich the cultural, educational, social and economic lives of all Victorians.
Flexibility: Enjoy flexibility in leave entitlements such as leave for personal, family, work and cultural commitments [and the possibility for hybrid work arrangements].
Benefits: Enjoy access to private and public library activities, including talks by global thought-leaders and programs featuring world-class artists and creatives; personal and professional development opportunities; Employee Assistance Program; and discounts at Readings State Library and Mr Tulk and Guild cafes.
State Library Victoria is a child-safe organisation. A valid Working with Children Check will be required before commencing.
State Library Victoria promotes a workplace that actively seeks to welcome and value the unique contributions of all people. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from cultural and linguistical diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+, D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent people and people of all ages and abilities to apply.
This is a rare opportunity to join one of Victoria's leading cultural organisations. If you are looking to make a meaningful impact, please apply below.
How to apply
Please click the Apply button to submit your application via Careers Victoria.
The following documents should be attached to your application:
* Resume
* Cover letter (maximum 3 pages) summarising how you meet the key selection criteria in the Position Description and the About You section of the advertisement
(for more information on format and content of your application, please see Preparing Your Application).
Enquiries
For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Michelle Moo (Manager, Exhibitions) at mmoo@slv.vic.gov.au
For any assistance with the application process, please contact the Employment team at employment@slv.vic.gov.au.
Privacy Collection Notice
Information about how we collect and use your personal information, and how you can contact us, can be found here.
Reasonable Adjustments
We want all applicants to have an equal opportunity to demonstrate that they are the best person for the job. If you require an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, or the provision of a particular access service, please contact our People team on employment@slv.vic.gov.au. If you are unable to make this deadline due to unforeseen personal circumstances, please get in contact to obtain a short extension to the deadline.
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