Curator of Art

Australian War Memorial

Campbell, Canberra ACT

Art Direction (Advertising, Arts and Media)

Full time

Ongoing to Full Time to APS6

99,734 to 111,701

Campbell, ACT The Role The Memorial seeks an experienced and highly motivated Curator to join the Art Section. The Art Collection provides diverse artistic perspectives on Australia's military history, reflecting the causes, experiences and consequences of conflict, as well as military operations themselves. Through its creative and interpretive nature, the collection offers unique insights into the human experience of war.

As one of Australia's largest and most significant art collections, it comprises more than 36,000 works, including paintings, drawings, prints, posters, sculpture, installation and video art. The collection spans representations of colonial military forces through to contemporary artistic responses to recent and ongoing conflicts.

Reporting to the Senior Curator of Art, the Curator plays a key role in shaping the Memorial's collection and artistic program through research, acquisitions, commissions, exhibitions, publications and public engagement activities. The successful applicant will bring strong curatorial expertise, sound art historical knowledge, project management capability, and a collaborative approach to leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Core Responsibilities

Contribute to the development and delivery of exhibitions, displays, digital initiatives and interpretive programs.

Lead or support the management of contemporary art commissions across a range of programs, including the Official War Art Scheme, the Memorial's Sculpture Garden, and strategic acquisition projects.

Identify,



assess and recommend acquisitions that strengthen the collection's quality, relevance, diversity and historical significance.

Undertake original research into the collection and communicate findings through publications, lectures, presentations, catalogue essays and other scholarly and public forums.

Contribute to the development and implementation of collection, museum and organisational policies and strategies.

Participate in major institutional initiatives, including the Memorial's Development Project, as required.

Provide guidance, mentoring and qualified support to Assistant Curatorial staff, fostering capability development and a collaborative team culture.

Establish and maintain productive networks across the Australian arts, museum and cultural sectors.

Represent the Memorial and respond to enquiries from a broad range of public, private and government stakeholders.

Collaborate effectively with colleagues across the Memorial to develop and deliver innovative museum, commemorative and public engagement outcomes.

Undertake collection management activities, including safe manual handling, movement and care of artworks and collection items, in accordance with museum standards and workplace health and safety requirements.





Demonstrate and promote the Australian Public Service Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct, including a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunity principles.

Additional Requirements

Working with Distressing Material: This role requires engagement with historical and contemporary material relating to war, conflict, trauma, death, injury and loss, including material concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experiences. Staff may be exposed to distressing images, records and testimonies and are expected to work with such material in a professional manner and utilise available wellbeing and support services as required.

Position Eligibility

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).

All applicants external to AWM that are offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a National Police Check, even if they currently hold a security clearance. The check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.

Mandatory Qualifications

Relevant tertiary qualifications in art history, curatorship, museum studies or a related discipline.

5 years curatorial or relevant experience.

Desirable Qualifications

Experience managing contemporary art commissions and/or public art projects is highly desirable.

Contact Information For specific questions relating to this job vacancy, For questions relating to the online lodgement of your application,

Posted: 21-10-2026

Salary: 99,734 to 111,701

📌 Curator of Art (Canberra)
🏢 Australian War Memorial
📍 Canberra