Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading University. With over 6000 academic and professional staff supporting over 46,000 students, we are one of NZ’s largest employers. 

Located in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, Gus Fisher Gallery is the flagship art gallery for Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland. It is nationally recognised for its ambitious and critically engaged programme that supports international and Aotearoa New Zealand artists through new commissions and bold exhibition making.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are currently looking for an exceptional individual for the new position of the Irene Fisher Assistant Curator at Gus Fisher Gallery. This role will provide dedicated curatorial, programming and administrative support to the Curator of Contemporary Art and the wider team on a full-time basis for a fixed term of two years. At an important point of growth for the gallery, we are looking for someone who can bring new knowledge to the team and help us fulfil our potential as the premier University art gallery in Aotearoa New Zealand and a leading centre for contemporary art.

This role is generously supported by the Gus Fisher Charitable Trust.

Accountabilities

• Support an innovative and high calibre programme of art exhibitions that reflect best practice in contemporary art curation.
• Support the team to develop national and international collaborations, enabling the gallery to raise its profile through partnerships, touring and shared programming.
• Assist with the management of relationships with national and international artists, institutions and gallerists.
• Lead on the curatorial planning and delivery of one exhibition per calendar year.

This is a full-time position for a fixed term of two years. This role will be appointed at $64,500 per annum.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will have around 3-5 years demonstrable experience of working in the contemporary visual arts sector in an art gallery context. You will have a track record of contributing towards the successful curation of arts exhibitions, including working with artists on new commissions. You will be knowledgeable of artistic practices in Aotearoa and the Pacific, with a good awareness of curatorial and artistic practices internationally. You will thrive in a small team and have excellent interpersonal skills with proven abilities to foster good working relationships with a range of people and backgrounds.

You will also have:

• Excellent written communication and proofreading skills, with some experience of publishing.
• Proven verbal communication skills with an ability to clearly articulate experiences of contemporary art to a variety of audiences.  
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Creativity and resourcefulness.
• Ability to work at pace and manage deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)

• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave
• In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of midnight 6th May 2025 to be considered. Please include a written statement of no more than two sides of A4 outlining how you meet the required experience and skills outlined in the position description. Please also include a CV indicating your academic and professional work experience and skills relevant to the position.

Please reach out to Lisa Beauchamp via l.beauchamp@auckland.ac.nz for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.