Curator

State Library Victoria, Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world, is seeking Curator.

• Are you an exceptional Curator, passionate about exhibitions?
• 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 Curator, you will develop and deliver exhibitions as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, across the Library’s galleries and spaces.

The role offers the opportunity to bring high quality curatorial expertise, while working in 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 Curator, Exhibitions is a key position within the Exhibitions Team at State Library Victoria, responsible for curating an exciting range of exhibitions that draw on the State Collection.

State Library Victoria has developed an ambitious forward exhibition program, annually comprising three major exhibitions and other audience-focused exhibits, commissions and displays.

The Curator is part of a high performing curatorial team that is passionate about developing curatorial practices that are audience-focused, story-driven, innovative, particular to Libraries, draw on multiple disciplines, and are meaningfully inclusive and welcoming. Several curators use community consultation and co-curation at the heart of their work, and audience and community impact is a strong focus of the exhibition program. 

State Library Victoria is a member of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria.

The Curator plays a key role in developing and delivering exceptional exhibitions in our permanent and temporary exhibition galleries and spaces. They conduct research, select objects, write exhibition text and develop interpretive approaches and materials that are effective in engaging Library audiences. The Curator works with artists, communities, audiences and colleagues across the sector to test, iterate and develop impactful exhibition experiences.

The Curator is also responsible for high quality, accurate curatorial administration. They may be asked to represent the Library in media or at conferences, deliver exhibition briefings, curator tours and gallery floor talks. They will also contribute to benchmarking and surveying of curatorial praxis.

The Curator works as assigned to major and minor exhibitions under development within multidisciplinary project teams that may include co-curators, subject matter specialists, architects and designers, experience designers and AV specialists. The Curator also works with staff across the Library including Collection Curators, collection care, librarians, digital teams, programming and marketing staff.

Measurable outcomes include:

• The development of high impact, innovative and best practice exhibitions that showcase the State collection, deliver meaningful audience outcomes, meet visitation and satisfaction targets and align with the SLV programming strategy.
• The production of engaging and thought-provoking exhibition interpretation across a range of platforms and media that meets accessibility best-practice and audience experience benchmarks.
• Development of associated exhibition resources, and development of exhibition proposals as requested/relevant.
• The Curator supports a process of continuous improvement by providing feedback through internal process reviews.

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, 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 high quality, impactful exhibitions, from concept to realisation, preferably within a collecting institution or similar setting
• A proven, strong track record of inclusive curating practice, including a focus on delivering meaningful audience outcomes and the implementation of co-curatorial and/or community consultation best practice
• Experience working with a range of stakeholders in a complex stakeholder environment
• Strong track record of engaging a wide range of audiences using evaluation and testing, and storytelling approaches and skills
• Track record of producing accurate and timely curatorial administration and project management documentation

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 (Exhibitions Manager) 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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