First Nations Curator

The Memorial is seeking talented professionals to support the delivery of a significant new gallery; the Pre 1914 and Frontier Wars galleries.

Affirmative Measures – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

This vacancy is open only to candidates who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

This role is based in Canberra, ACT. Relocation support can be considered.

About the Redevelopment

The redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial’s (AWM) galleries and precinct is the most significant redevelopment in the organisation’s 83-year history. The multi-year multimillion dollar project will deliver a substantial expansion of existing gallery spaces. The new southern extension, Anzac atrium, and an enhanced Anzac Hall are now delivered, with projects now underway in the main heritage building.

We are seeking talented professionals to support the delivery of a significant new gallery; the Pre 1914 and Frontier Wars galleries. This phase of work focuses on exhibition research, design, coordination and fit out for Australia’s Frontier Wars – creating inclusive, accessible, engaging exhibitions for broad audiences.

About the Role

Working closely with the Lead First Nations Curator, the First Nations Curator contributes to the interpretation of the Australian experience of Frontier Wars through exhibition development. Under general direction this position will provide curatorial leadership in the research, exhibition interpretation and multimedia visitor experiences, including participating in related community engagement associated with developing exhibition content.

The position will assist the project team in the development of the stakeholder consultation strategy and will be responsible for delivering against the engagement objectives. This position will be responsible for collaborating with consultants and contractors involved in content development and multimedia delivery.

The First Nations Curator will be accountable to the Gallery Development management team, Advisory Groups and key stakeholders. The position works collaboratively with the Gallery Development Team led by the Executive Program Director.

The key duties of the position include:

With minimal direction, undertake a range of tasks related to the Gallery Development including:

• Support the development of overall storyline and themes for the Pre-1914 Frontier Wars Gallery through best-practice community engagement and ICIP principles.
• Undertake research into the National Collection and external sources including potential lenders of exhibition content.
• Contribute to the development and preparation of key documents, including curatorial rationale, concept description; exhibition design brief; concept design; developed design and multimedia briefs and storyboards;
• Provide content presentations with accurate and detailed historical information to internal and external stakeholders including advisory groups, Memorial executives and Council.
• Assist in the development of exhibition visitor experience and interpretation, from high level concept briefs and detailed content outlines for multimedia experiences, to recommendations and decisions on individual objects, images, film and other assets for inclusion.
• Contribute to development of audio-visual content in conjunction with the Exhibition Project Manager and external contractors. Develop the content associated with exhibition multimedia.
• Contribute to formative audience evaluation processes, supplying materials throughout the development process for testing.
• Work constructively with other sections, to achieve the outcomes specified in the Gallery Development Plan and overall Memorial Business Plan.
• Contribute to the community engagement plans and media activities and work effectively with veteran and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholder groups as required.
• Undertake manual handling and movement of a wide range of objects as required, including but not limited to collection items and boxes.

Eligibility

• This role is an affirmative measure to support employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This means only people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are eligible to apply.
• Information on Confirmation of Heritage can be found in the Candidate Information Package
• Citizenship: You must be an Australian citizen to be eligible. This requirement is only waived in rare and exceptional cases.
• Police check: Preferred candidates must pass a police record check and agree to provide all required and relevant information.

Notes

Your application must include:

• A current Resume/CV, and
• A statement of claims — two-page document that addresses the selection criteria in the Candidate Information Package

Working at the AWM offers a rare opportunity to contribute to complex, high profile gallery projects within one of the world’s leading commemorative and museum institutions. This role is ideal for applicants who thrive in collaborative, delivery focused environments and are motivated by creating meaningful, high quality visitor experiences. Join a passionate, multidisciplinary team shaping galleries that will educate, engage and inspire visitors for generations to come.

This project will deliver against the AWM’s commitment to broader and deeper representation of Frontier conflicts and will follow the best-practice principles from the AMaGA Indigenous roadmap and the federal Government’s Revive policy that prioritise authentic cultural representation and First Nations arts and culture is First Nations led.