Closing date: 5pm Friday 14 November 2014

The Curatorial Assistant position offers a unique opportunity for an early career, visual arts curator / project assistant, to play a key role in the development and delivery of New Zealand’s premier public art event. Working with an array of highly respected artists and arts professionals from New Zealand and abroad as well as key networks of consultants and industry professionals, the Curatorial Assistant will in essence assist and implement the SCAPE 8 artistic vision by participating within a dedicated team on implementation and delivery stages of the artworks – from fabrication and installation through to presentation and promotion.

DUTIES

Primary Purposes:
This is a unique role bridging both curatorial and arts management to achieve the SCAPE 8 artist projects including: assisting with realisation of curatorial theme; artworks fabrication and implementation, publications coordination and artist contract administration.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Attributes:
The Skills desired in a Curatorial Assistant are not only curatorial, but also include excellent communication skills, art project management experience and/or willingness to develop in public art management, as well as knowledge of New Zealand and international contemporary art practice.

The Curatorial Assistant will assist the Managing Curator to build upon and maintain the extensive local, national and international artist and art community relationships and networks intrinsic to the success of the SCAPE Public Art Christchurch Biennial.

Pivotal to this role will be the ability to place the requirements of artists to the fore; ensuring SCAPE artworks innovate and continue to push the boundaries of public art presentation. The artistic success of SCAPE projects will be activated through dedicated relationship management and brokering of the unique and innovative dialogue between artists, industry and audience.

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in Curatorial Studies, Visual or Fine Arts and/or Arts Management
• Knowledge of and/or experience of public art
• Experience in art curating and/or managing public art programmes
• Knowledge of New Zealand (and international) contemporary visual arts and/or public art and urban design practices, issues and processes
• Experience in the implementation and delivery of artists’ projects including contracting experience
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivation and an enthusiasm to pursue agreed goals and meet deadlines
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and possess a calm and positive disposition
• Eligible to work in New Zealand.

Desirable:

• Advanced negotiation and problem solving abilities
• Ability to establish own work priorities and work autonomously as well as being an effective team member
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines
• An understanding of the Trust’s vision and their target audiences
• Experience of working in a government-related or not-for-profit environment
• Computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Office Suite, internet, email, Skype and online research catalogues. Photoshop skills (would be an asset).
• Commitment to continuous improvements of SCAPE Christchurch Biennial directives and profile.

The SCAPE Christchurch Biennial is New Zealand’s premier biennial dealing with art and public space. SCAPE 8 will take place 3 October – 15 November 2015.

SCAPE 8 will be a highly compelling display of geographically concentrated public artworks by local, national and international artists, with great impact to engage, fascinate and ignite our local communities. Artworks will be achieved via a genuine and equal partnership between art and industry.

All applications should include:

1.  A CV in MS Word, PDF, or plain text, including names and contact details of at least two relevant referees, including at least one contactable current or previous employer.
2. A covering letter outlining your suitability and experience for this position. Applicants should indicate when they would be free to take up duties.
3. At least two examples of published writing (in Microsoft Word, PDF or plain text).

Applications for this position can be mailed to:

Deborah McCormick, Director of SCAPE Public Art
SCAPE Public Art, PO Box 763, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand

Or emailed to: [email protected]

Closing date: 5pm Friday 14 November 2014