ROLE PURPOSE
The Curator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art ensures the appropriate development, documentation, display, promotion, management and care of the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, works on paper, installations and moving image works.

KEY OUTCOMES OF ROLE:
1. Ensure the accurate and thorough documentation of the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art by cataloguing, researching and maintaining collection files and ensuring the integrity of these records.
2. Ensure access to the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art by proposing and coordinating permanent collection displays, contributing to exhibition development, generating related interpretative material including publishing on the collection in the form of articles, essays, catalogues, and books, facilitating the viewing of works of art in storage, and responding to enquiries on the collection.
3. Ensure the high-quality and sound development of the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art by assessing the existing collection and formulating acquisition strategies, exercising aesthetic, art historical and market judgement and seeking out, researching, documenting, and recommending acquisitions, and establishing and maintaining links with artists, collectors and gallerists and existing and potential donors.
4. Working with the Tarnanthi Artistic Director for the effective delivery of Tarnanthi-related activities at the Gallery.
5. Promote the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and take curatorial responsibility in the public programs of the Gallery by assessing and proposing and generating collection-based temporary exhibitions and displays and coordinating relevant aspects of incoming temporary exhibitions and displays; and present on the collection, exhibitions and displays to diverse audiences in a range of contexts
6. Ensure the efficient management and care of the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art by assessing and proposing conservation needs, assessing and ensuring the safe storage and handling of the collection, developing a program for and supervising volunteers, and ensuring the day-to-day maintenance of the Gallery’s permanent collection display.
7. Maintain current knowledge in the specialist field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art by visiting exhibitions, artists’ studios and keeping up to date with the relevant literature, and by establishing and maintaining professional contacts with artists, dealers and colleagues in Australia and overseas.
8. Work closely with the Associate Registrar, Exhibitions and Loans on administering AGSA's furnishing loans scheme which champions sharing AGSA collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS:
Works collaboratively with all teams across AGSA
Works closely with the Artistic Director, Tarnanthi
Liaises and connects regularly with First Nations staff, stakeholders and leaders including AGSA’s First Nations Advisory Committee
Has close working relationships with First Nations artists, First Nations art centres, communities, gallerists, dealers, and auction houses, collectors, donors, and benefactors

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
In accordance with Section 52(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA), applicants for this position must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Applicants will be required to undergo the appropriate and relevant Employment Screening Assessment(s) required for this role in line with the DPC Employment Screening Policy.
This role requires:
National Police Check (required for all roles)
Working with Children Check
Security Clearance (including Baseline, Negative Vetting Level 1, Negative Vetting Level 2, Positive Vetting)
The Incumbent will be required to participate in the department’s Performance Management Program.
The Incumbent may be assigned to another position at this remuneration level or equivalent.
Out of hours business work, interstate and international travel may be required.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
A tertiary qualification in either Fine Arts, Art History, or Curatorial and Museum Studies is essential.
Curatorial experience gained from working in an art museum context including thorough knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art and a good general knowledge of art history.
Proven ability to exercise sound aesthetic judgement and knowledge of the methods of handling works of art.
Experience maintaining existing relationships and building new networks across the public sector and with external stakeholders to raise the profile of the Gallery.
Demonstrated ability to work with professional independence, and collaboratively as part of a team to establish constructive working relationships with staff and volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and establish relationships with benefactors, dealers, artists, communities, collectors and arts centres.
Demonstrated ability to prioritise multiple demands to meet deadlines and agency objectives.
Capacity to contribute to a culture that values and respects diversity and models this in all interactions.
Extensive experience in cataloguing, researching, writing and speaking about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works of art.
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02/08/2026

Tansy Curtin, Assistant Director, Artistic and Collection Programs

[email protected]

+61 8 7085 1653

Full Time
Adelaide
SA
$108,087 - $115,936
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