Artspace Aotearoa is seeking a new Kaitohu Director. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development and creative vision of Artspace Aotearoa: an organisation at the forefront of contemporary visual art, with a strong sense of community responsibility and civic intent, in operation since 1987.

Mō mātou | About Us

We are dedicated to advancing the field of artmaking in Aotearoa New Zealand, reflected in our rich weaving of stories from different generations of artists, curators, directors, designers and other creative practitioners. Artspace Aotearoa serves as a bridge between local and international art in ways that are unique to Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau, to Aotearoa New Zealand and to its audiences.

Located on Karangahape Road, an area of central Auckland that is undergoing rapid and complex changes. As the city’s population swells, Artspace Aotearoa continues to commit to deepening our cultural values through Mātauranga Māori, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa and tangata Tiriti contexts and connections with Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse audiences. Within this rich cultural environment, the new Kaitohu Director will formulate and drive a vision for Artspace Aotearoa and ensure its successful implementation with the support of a small and dedicated team and in consultation with the Trustees.

Artspace Aotearoa embraces the Te Ao Māori concept of ka mua, ka muri, to simplify a deeper concept, this phrase refers to walking backwards into the future. The organisation has recently gone back to its roots, reincorporating the trust’s official name – Artspace Aotearoa Trust for the years to come. This shift emphasises our commitment to kaupapa Māori, to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and reflects our goals and strategies for the future. The name shows our support to Indigenous peoples alongside the multicultural communities of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mō te tūnga | The role

The Artspace Aotearoa Kaitohu Director will be responsible for all aspects of the organisation's work, including artistic, curatorial, financial, operational and fundraising activities through open collaboration. They will develop an annual programme of approximately seven exhibitions along with accompanying public, education and publishing programmes.

-Lead the curation and collaboration with artists and curators on gallery exhibitions.

-Develop public relations and collaborations with different communities, such as artists, funders, art institutions, community partners and other stakeholders.

-Oversee marketing materials with the communications staff for gallery events.

-Oversee the effective use of digital channels to engage with audiences and stakeholders (website and social media).

-Apply for grants, fundraising and development opportunities for the gallery, working with the General Manager.

-Keep financial records up to date registering expenditures and income, working with the General Manager

-Oversee the management of material and equipment.

-Plan, mentor and supervise internships with student assistants.

-Plan and create annual exhibitions budgets and reports and work with the General Manager to develop and manage annual gallery budgets.

Mōu | About you

We are seeking a visionary leader who cares deeply about the arts, community and relationships with a collaborative work ethic. Someone who fosters diversity, equity and inclusion with high cultural competency and a clear socio-political and environmental stance. This person will have a deep understanding and connection to the cultural scene in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand, to serve as a bridge with international art context. They will be responsive to the changing landscape of the contemporary art world.

Matatau | Key skills and knowledge

-Demonstrates and applies inclusive leadership skills

-Collaborates and builds relational bridges with internal and external stakeholders

-Communicates clearly the vision and kaupapa of Artspace

-Practises cultural awareness, sensitivity and empathy

-Embodies a commitment to knowledge and connection with Te Ao Māori and Tangata Whenua, Pacific peoples and other Indigenous communities.

Salary indication: $85,000 NZD for 37.5 hours with out of office hours for meetings and events.*

-Please provide your CV and supporting statement or a short video (less than 2 minutes) for consideration.

-In the subject header put ‘Application - Kaitohu Director’.

-Email to: Meijing He - Artspace Aotearoa - Manahautū General Manager info@artspace.org.nz

Download an Application Pack here

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