West Space Curator
West Space is looking for a Curator to join our small and mighty team.
Started by artists in 1993, West Space has evolved as a distinct organisation combining an artist-centric ethos with the supportive infrastructure of a contemporary art institution.
We provide a personalised approach to the experience of contemporary art, presenting rigorous and experimental visual art projects and taking part in conversations around some of the most vital ideas in current practice.
West Space's Curator is instrumental in our support of artists. They work on the research, curation and administration of our robust and inclusive program across our main exhibition space, the West Space Window, off-site and online.
Why work with West Space? You will:
- Play an integral role in the arts sector as part of a nationally recognised organisation.
- Support the development, presentation, communication and contextualisation of contemporary art practice.
- Be a part of a collaborative team who are passionate and self-reflexive about the role of art in society.
- Gain opportunities for professional development and growth, with flexible work arrangements.
Read on in the Position Description.
Read outgoing Curator Sebastian Henry-Jones on the role here.
"The Curator's role is to support artists by engaging deeply with their practices, the ideas that underpin them, and their career aspirations.
The role requires an approachable, patient and non-judgemental sensibility, someone who makes curatorial and programming decisions in a way that isn’t reactive to what's in vogue but rather in line with their values, and who does their best to embody the language that they use to describe their work."
Key details
- Position title: Curator
- Hours: 4 days per week (0.8 FTE)
- Salary: $65,700 annually pro rata (plus Superannuation)
- Location: Collingwood Yards, Naarm/Melbourne
We warmly encourage submissions from First Nations applicants as well as those who identify as being culturally, linguistically, gender diverse, and/or as living with a disability.
West Space is committed to providing a culturally safe space. We recognise that this looks different for everyone, and will work with the successful applicant to determine and adhere to their needs.
For questions about the role, recruitment or access, contact Joanna Kitto on director@westspace.org.au before Friday 7 March.
Apply
To apply, please read the Position Description, and prepare:
- Written response in relation to the role, selection criteria, and your interest in working with West Space (no more than two pages)
- CV with two references (no more than two pages ~ references will not be contacted without your permission)
Submit your application (as two PDF documents) to West Space Director Joanna Kitto on director@westspace.org.au before Monday 10 March, 5pm.
News
West Space extends our deepest gratitude to Curator Sebastian Henry-Jones as he finishes up at West Space in February.
Since early 2021, Seb has brought rigour and heart to his work at West Space. He always considers and our identity and function, with self-reflexivity about what an arts organisation can do for artists.
Seb has been the beating heart of the West Space Commission. He has curated major solo projects by artists including Hoang Tran Nguyen, Grace Culley, HOSSEI, Gabi Briggs, Akil Ahamat, and many more.
Seb’s way of working was exemplified by his curatorial project Unison. Tasked with the enormity of reflecting on West Space at 30 years, Seb underpinned the exhibition with the idea that people are creative before they choose the path of an artist, alongside a distinct series of objectives.
“Seb is an exceptional curator and person. Over four years, Seb has empowered artists to do their best work with the utmost respect for their practices, and has been a joy to work side-by-side and shape the future of the organisation together. While we are terribly sad to see him go, we’ll be following his practice, and look forward to continued ways to work together.” — Director Joanna Kitto
“Thank you Seb, for your practice of care and deep thinking which you brought to all your work with West Space as a curator and valued member of our team.
We have enjoyed the exhibitions, programs and sensitive, insightful, good humoured facilitation of conversation and engagement with artists you've driven or been an instrumental collaborator on.” — Board Member Eugenia Lim
