Job Description

Curator Contemporary Art

Collections, Knowledge and Communities | Te Papa Tongarewa

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join Te Papa's art curatorial team as Curator Contemporary Art (1980 to present). We are seeking an experienced, collaborative and creative colleague with deep understanding of contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.

As Curator Contemporary Art you will provide leadership for contemporary art research and exhibition concept development, interpretation and delivery. You will hold and maintain strong relationships with key contemporary art stakeholders, including artists, curators, dealers, collectors and benefactors. You will also have the unique responsibility of providing stewardship for the ongoing care, development, documentation, interpretation and use of the contemporary art collection.

The ideal person for this position will have:

• Minimum 8 years' curatorial experience with deep understanding of contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region
• Excellent research skills and relevant post graduate qualification (PhD or equivalent competency and experience)
• Experience developing and managing a collection of national significance (or a willingness to learn)
• Experience curating high-quality exhibitions of contemporary art as well as working with artists to develop art commissions and exhibitions
• A demonstrated respect for and valuing of cultural knowledge, skills, and experiences in the application of tikanga Māori, te reo Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our Mana Taonga principle in daily work.
• Well-developed network of artists, dealers, curators and other museum professionals within New Zealand and internationally
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills with experience speaking to a variety of audiences, including media
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write appropriately for different channels and a variety of target audiences
• Outstanding ability to work as part of a team, and to facilitate and bring people together to work effectively to deliver shared outcomes

What we offer

• A supportive, values-driven team environment
• A workplace committed to Te Tiriti
• Comprehensive benefits including onsite Kindergarten, subsidised parking, café and store discounts, and free entry to paid exhibitions

Other Information

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, based at Te Papa Tongarewa, Cable Street, Wellington.

For more details, please refer to the Position Description.

If you are viewing this advertisement on a website other than the Te Papa job board, the Position Description may not be accessible. In this case, please visit jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the Position Description and apply.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks will be undertaken.

The starting salary will be between $79,299 - $94,166 based on skills, experience and internal relativities.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter via jobs.tepapa.govt.nz.

Applications close: 15 September 2026

If you have questions, please ask

For any enquiries, please contact recruitment@tepapa.govt.nz