Curator

The curatorial team is central to the delivery of the NPG’s artistic program and the development of its permanent collection. Curators are appointed for their expert knowledge of art history, and visual culture, particularly related to portraiture, for the critical work of developing and presenting an innovative and engaging exhibition program, and building and interpreting the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. 

The Curator will work with the exhibitions and registration team in the development and delivery of exhibitions and programs across the Gallery’s programming areas, including onsite, touring and online; contribute to the development and care of the collection; and liaise with and build strong relationships with key stakeholders, locally and across Australia. 

The Curator must possess a strong knowledge of Australian art and history and significant experience in both curating exhibitions and collection building. The role requires the candidate to possess excellent written and spoken communication skills; keen spatial awareness and an aptitude for devising exhibition layouts; and highly developed research skills. The Curator should be directly engaged with current discourse and thinking relating to both curatorial work and artistic practice, foregrounding ideas of truth telling, care and polyvocal storytelling. They should be alert to the potential of portraiture to challenge the way we think and bring an inquisitive, analytical, and thoughtful attitude to the role. 

The occupant of this position reports to the Senior Curator.

1. Research and curate innovative exhibitions of the highest quality and contribute to the development of the Gallery’s onsite, touring and online exhibition program.
2. Contribute to the interpretation of the Collection internally and externally through research, and the display of the Collection; and through presentations at conferences and other events. 
3. Contribute to the development of the Collection, through participation in all stages of the acquisitions process. 
4. Compose a range of texts including correspondence, reports, essays, exhibition texts, online content and other published material associated with exhibitions, the collection, and the Gallery.
5. Develop the layout and physical installation of exhibition projects, working closely with the exhibition designer to devise ambitious and innovative displays.
6. Undertake public speaking activities including engagement with the media.
7. Actively participate in the delivery of Gallery learning and access programs and other events, and provide mentoring conducive to internship training.
8. Actively participate in the Gallery’s philanthropic activities by participating in events and related engagements. 
9. Work independently and as an active member of the Curatorial & Collection Section as well as in project-specific multi-disciplinary teams.
10. Develop and maintain professional networks that support the Gallery and its programs.

Selection Criteria

1. A demonstrated understanding of Australian art, history and visual culture and an engagement with portraiture, and demonstrated curatorial experience within a gallery or museum.
2. Able to demonstrate the relationship between organisational goals and operational tasks. Identifying problems and thinks laterally, identifies, implements and promotes improved work practices.
3. Demonstrated time management skills and the ability to work independently across multiple projects with competing priorities within deadlines and available resources.
4. Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members and stakeholders and anticipates stakeholder needs and expectations. Consults and involves others and works collaboratively as an effective team member.
5. Adopts a principled approach and adheres to the APS Values and Code of Conduct. Takes personal responsibility for meeting objectives, shows initiative and drive to see that goals are achieved.
6. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken forms and a record of published writing.
7. The Curator should possess tertiary qualifications in Australian art history or an associated field, or equivalent experience.
8. Experience in the cultural sector, in an art gallery or museum environment required.

Applicant information

In no more than two A4 pages, please tell us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you the best person for this job.

Email your application, a current CV and the application coversheet to **********@npg.gov.au by the deadline listed below.

If you need more information, please get in touch with Serena Bentley by email **************@npg.gov.au.

Applications close midnight Tuesday 8 September 2026. 

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, upon whose lands the National Portrait Gallery stands. The National Portrait Gallery reflects the face of Australia and increases understanding and appreciation of Australian people and their stories through the art of portraiture. Guided by our values of creativity, innovation, inclusivity and integrity, our purpose is to develop a national portrait collection and provide the broadest possible access to all Australians. We do this through presenting engaging exhibitions and live and educational programs onsite in our award-winning building in Canberra, offsite across Australia, and on demand. The Gallery is a dynamic and inclusive workplace and recognises the great contribution of our team. We’re committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our team and our visitors, and to sustaining a safe workplace and inclusive culture. We support flexible working practices, including working from home, and respect family and caring responsibilities. The Gallery is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome applications from First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with a disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.