Curator - Creative and Community Engagement Lead

About us

The Aboriginal Art Centre Hub of Western Australia (AACHWA) advocates on behalf of its member art centres located in regional and remote Western Australia. AACHWA delivers professional development programs for managers, boards, and artists; provides recruitment advice and services; and acts as an advocate to, and central point of contact for, Regional, State and Federal funding bodies.

About the role

Reporting to the Projects Manager, the Curator – Creative and Community Lead will be responsible for the research, planning, and delivery of a state-wide survey exhibition, aligned with the objectives of the project and AACHWA's strategic plan.

Working under general direction and with strong support, the Curator will provide high-level curatorial leadership across programming, community engagement, and exhibition activities.

Collaborating closely with AACHWA staff, contractors, consultants, and academic advisors, the Curator will offer expertise in researching, acquiring, maintaining, consulting, and providing access to the exhibition collection, as well as in developing, consulting and designing the exhibition.

Please note this is an Aboriginal identified position, section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act and will be a fixed term appointment for 2 years.

Key functions of the role will include:

• Lead the curational development and delivery of the state-wide survey exhibition, including, but not limited to, preparation, research, acquisition, commission, movement, and assistance with AACHWA's project team and exhibition partner organisation.
• Supervise and train appropriate project staff, interns, and volunteers involved in curation, collection management, object handling and movement, as well as exhibition planning, development, exhibition design and installation.
• Lead the development of artistic and exhibition development activities including the acquisition and art commissioning program.
• Lead the coordination of exhibition loans, including but not limited to their registration, condition reporting, insurance, and packing and handling.
• Contribute to and coordinate the acquisition and commission process, policies and practices related to the exhibitions collection, ensuring compliance with collection management, registration policies and practices.
• With support from the wider projects team, liaise and engage with a variety of Indigenous community stakeholders to establish and maintain relationships with First Nations/Indigenous peoples, communities, networks, and organisations
• Assist in maintaining appropriate documentation, records, and information related to community engagement and exhibition content.
• Collaborate with the project research team to support arts-based methodologies, carry out field trips and community consultations, and accurately document research processes.
• Lead the development of research content for project publication and management including the development of exhibition catalogue and writing.
• Assist with development of project communications and reporting as required.
• In collaboration with the wider project team, assist the marketing team with specific project content for AACHWA's social media, website, and EDMs

Who are we looking for?

Essential Criteria:

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant field in art history, museum or cultural heritage studies, or demonstrated equivalency
• Previous experience in a similar curatorial or exhibitions role.
• Relevant experience in a public art museum, art gallery or art collection setting
• Experience and knowledge of relevant policies, procedures and standards, including art collection policies and museum registration policies and methods
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art
• Aboriginal community engagement or fieldwork experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Digital skills in Microsoft 365 or similar work platforms.
• Highly developed organisational skills with the ability to manage time, work outputs and priorities and handle a range of tasks with competing priorities.
• Accuracy and a keen eye for detail
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal communities, society, and culture in Western Australia.
• Ability to travel to regional/remote communities as and when required.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working in remote/regional areas of Western Australia including previous experience working with Aboriginal people and/or Aboriginal organisations.
• An understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art centre business model.
• Experience working for a Non-Profit Organisation and an understanding of the reporting requirements to Federal, State, and other funding bodies.

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to work as part of a team and contribute to AACHWA organisational activities.
• Positive and friendly attitude.
• Time management skills and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidence and appropriately handle confidential information, including financial, personal and cultural data.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately deal with sensitive information.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work demands.

Other Requirements:

• Must be an Australian Citizen / Permanent Resident.
• Have a National Police Clearance no more than three months old or Willingness to obtain one.
• Hold a Class C drivers license and be comfortable driving a range of vehicles (including people mover vans) in metro and regional areas.

Why Work For AACHWA?

In return for your skills, passion and commitment, we will offer you a rewarding challenging job, a safe and healthy working environment and a range of benefits including:

• 3 months long service leave for every seven years consecutive service
• Not-for-profit Salary Packaging Options of up to $15,899.90 per annum.
• Learning and development opportunities that focus on your career aspirations.
• 10 days cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
• Phone allowance
• Additional 1 week of paid annual leave to be used during Christmas closedown.
• A free confidential Employee Assistance Program, providing services to support your wellbeing.
• Opportunities to travel to regional and remote art centre locations in WA.

How to Apply

To apply please click the 'apply now' button and submit your CV and cover letter, clearly addressing the selection criteria and why you believe you are a suitable match for this role. For all other enquiries please email