The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is Australia's only public museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art.
The museum was established in ****, though its roots trace back to a **** will by expatriate Australian artist JW Power, who bequeathed his fortune to the University of Sydney with the aim of informing and educating Australians about contemporary visual arts.
The MCA opened to the public in November **** on the edge of Sydney Harbour, with founding Director Leon Paroissien and founding Chief Curator Bernice Murphy shaping a program of innovative exhibitions drawn from Australia, the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Following a period under long-serving director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, Suzanne Cotter — previously director of MUDAM Luxembourg and the Serralves Foundation Museum of Contemporary Art in Portugal — became Director in ****.
The museum is located at Tallawoladah on Sydney Harbour, land with over 65,000 years of continuous cultural history.
Its evolving Collection holds over 4,700 artworks, the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with more than a third of it represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
As a State-significant, independent, not-for-profit institution, the MCA raises over 85% of its revenue each year to deliver its artistic and engagement programs.
Title & Description
Senior Curator, Exhibitions
The Senior Curator, Exhibitions is a full-time, permanent position within the MCA's Curatorial and Collections Division, reporting to the Director, Curatorial and Collections.
The role contributes to the development, research and implementation of the museum's curatorial program of temporary exhibitions, artist commissions, and collection development and displays.
Sharing responsibility for delivering the artistic program led by the MCA Director, the Senior Curator, Exhibitions manages resources for exhibitions and commissions — including project budgets, in partnership with Exhibition Managers — and identifies funding streams through philanthropic giving and other sources.
The MCA is seeking an experienced and respected senior-level curator with deep knowledge of contemporary art, a strong record of curatorial excellence and innovation, and a forward-looking approach to exhibition development that engages a broad and diverse public.
The role carries direct leadership responsibility for a team of curators and requires a collaborative, inclusive leadership style capable of building strong relationships across the MCA team, with artists, and with donors.
The Role Overview
Position Type:Full-time
Contract Type:Permanent
Reports To:Director, Curatorial and Collections
Department / Programme:Curatorial and Collections Division
Working Hours:Normal business hours 9 am–5.30 pm; some out-of-hours work may be required, with Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) available
Direct Reports:2 Curators, the Curator, First Nations Art, and 2 Assistant Curators
Position & Tasks
Curatorial Leadership and Program DeliveryLead on the conception, development and delivery of temporary exhibitions and commissions accessible to a broad, non-specialist and specialist public, and that drive visitation
Contribute as a senior leader within the Curatorial and Collections Division,



helping shape the MCA's artistic direction and contributing to strategic planning and organisational priorities
Contribute to the MCA's national and international reputation for curatorial excellence in contemporary art
Collaboration and Public ImpactWork collaboratively across the MCA to maximise the reach and impact of the artistic program, partnering with Public Programs, Creative Learning, Digital, Marketing and Communication, and Design to deliver compelling and accessible public engagement and communications outcomes
Partner with the MCA Development team to secure support for the curatorial program, cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors, and contribute to fundraising initiatives, grants and partnerships
Build and sustain strong relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, museums and other cultural partners nationally and internationally
Collection DevelopmentContribute to the strategic development of the MCA Collection in collaboration with curatorial colleagues, identifying opportunities to expand the reach of the Collection and its intellectual and cultural value through commissions, acquisitions, displays and exhibitions across Australia and internationally
Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing curatorial team, including direct reports as well as associate, guest and emerging curators, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence and professional growth
Project Management and RepresentationExercise responsibility for exhibition budgets and resources, ensuring sound financial management and effective delivery of projects aligned with organisational priorities
Represent the MCA nationally and internationally through public programs, presentations, media engagements and stakeholder briefings, acting as an advocate for the artistic program and the organisation
Categories
Curatorial Practice
Contemporary Art
Exhibition Making
Collection Management
Arts Administration
Art Management
Cultural Programming
Visual Arts
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Art History, Curatorial Practice, Museum Studies, Visual Arts or a related discipline
Significant senior-level curatorial experience and a successful track record within a contemporary art museum, gallery or comparable cultural institution
Demonstrated experience developing and delivering major exhibitions of national and international significance
Proven experience in curatorial strategy, artistic programming and institutional planning
Experience contributing to collection development, acquisitions, commissions and collection strategy
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, budgets and multiple priorities
Experience contributing to fundraising, sponsorship, grants or donor engagement activities
Experience building and maintaining relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, cultural institutions and industry stakeholders




Experience representing an organisation publicly through presentations, media, publications or public programs
Extensive knowledge of contemporary art practices and trends in Australia and internationally
Strong understanding of best practices in museums and galleries, including exhibition development, interpretation, collections management and audience engagement
Understanding of governance, policy and ethical considerations relevant to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art
Outstanding curatorial and scholarly research skills
Strategic thinking and the ability to translate ideas into practical outcomes
Solid leadership and people management skills
Excellent project and budget management, resource planning and organisational skills
Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including catalogue essays, exhibition texts, report writing, public speaking and stakeholder engagement
Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritise while leading a diverse curatorial portfolio
Preferred but not mandatory: experience working with First Nations artists, communities and cultural frameworks
Preferred but not mandatory: a language other than English
No nationality or country-of-residence restriction stated in the source
Annual leave: 4 weeks pro-rata
Personal leave: 10 days pro-rata
Superannuation: 12% super payments (in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act ****)
Birthday Day Off (additional paid day of leave)
Museum Day (additional public holiday)
Flexible Working Arrangements
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Parental Leave (primary and secondary caregivers, adoption, and foster parents)
Additional accruals to Long Service Leave
Free entry to the Museum, including paid exhibitions
January 26 observed as a flexible public holiday
Exhibition Pre-Views (curatorial walkthroughs)
Access to employee discount programs and salary sacrifice options
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Cover letter explaining interest in the role and work experience in response to the selection criteria
CV
Key Dates
Application Deadline:5 August ****
Location
Sydney, Australia
Shortlisting for interviews is based on applicants meeting the essential criteria listed in the position description
The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, and promotes a work environment free from discrimination and harassment
All employees are expected to support innovation and organisational change, work cooperatively with others, demonstrate commitment to equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination principles, and follow safety work practices
The role sits within a division that also includes a dedicated Curator, First Nations Art, reflecting the MCA's institutional emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art within its Collection and program
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