Senior Curator, First Nations Art

Lead NGV’s First Nations Art collection and exhibitions, amplifying First Nations voices and engaging audiences with innovative curatorial leadership

• Shape the future of First Nations art at Australia’s leading gallery.
• Lead groundbreaking exhibitions and cultural storytelling.
• Drive strategic growth in First Nations art and engagement.

Before applying, you must contact Andrew Abbott to obtain further information about the role.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is seeking an exceptional First Nations cultural leader to take on the role of Senior Curator, First Nations Art. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of Australia’s most significant collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and to drive curatorial excellence at a world-renowned institution.

The Opportunity

The NGV is Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, home to a collection that spans millennia and cultures. With two key sites – NGV International on St Kilda Road and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square – the Gallery is dedicated to presenting, preserving, and celebrating artistic excellence.

As the NGV embarks on its most ambitious expansion with The Fox: NGV Contemporary, opening in 2028, the role of Senior Curator, First Nations Art will be critical in shaping the Gallery’s evolving First Nations Art program, ensuring the prominence of contemporary First Nations voices on national and international stages.

 The Role

The Senior Curator, First Nations Art will lead the NGV’s curatorial vision for First Nations Art, overseeing the growth, care, and interpretation of the collection while fostering meaningful engagement with artists, communities, and audiences. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Curatorial and Audience Engagement, this role will:

• Lead the development and expansion of the First Nations Art Collection, contributing to the NGV’s broader curatorial strategy.
• Conceptualise and deliver innovative exhibitions, research, and programming that elevate First Nations art and culture.
• Manage a dedicated curatorial team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and cultural safety.
• Strengthen relationships with First Nations artists, communities, institutions, and funding bodies to drive meaningful representation and engagement.
• Oversee best-practice collection stewardship, ensuring ethical and culturally appropriate management of First Nations works.
• Enhance the NGV’s role as a national and international leader in the presentation and promotion of First Nations art.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a First Nations arts and cultural leader with deep expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and a passion for curatorial innovation. You will bring:

• A strong curatorial track record, with experience developing major exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications.
• Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor a high-performing team.
• Established networks and relationships within the First Nations arts community and a commitment to ethical engagement.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences and advocate for First Nations art at a global level.
• A strategic mindset, with the ability to align First Nations programming with NGV’s broader artistic and institutional vision.

This is a designated First Nations position, open only to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, in accordance with s 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).

Remuneration

The salary range for this role is $145,700 – 170,340 including superannuation.

Why Join NGV?

At the NGV, you will be part of a forward-thinking, creative, and values-driven institution committed to diversity, innovation, and truth-telling. The Gallery is dedicated to providing a culturally safe and inclusive workplace that honours and amplifies First Nations voices.

 How to Apply

NGV is partnering with Fish Nankivell for the search process. For a confidential discussion, contact Andrew Abbott at aabbott@fishnankivell.com or 0401 712 953.

To apply, submit:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.
• A CV detailing your professional experience and achievements.
• Contact details for three referees (referees will only be contacted with prior consent).

Applications close on Thursday, 20 March 2025.

The NGV and Fish Nankivell acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the NGV stands and pay respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.