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Head of Art

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

For nearly two decades, Te Papa has housed, nurtured and empowered the legacies of New Zealand and its people. We are built on a foundation of innovation and co-creation – where community and culture has transformed our history and our heritage into something tangible, something engaging. As our journey continues, we embrace the idea of renewal and the opportunity to once again delve into New Zealand, its past, present, and future. We pride ourselves on what our predecessors have created, something that is contemporary, cutting-edge, and unique to our country.

Here is an opportunity that is unlike any other. As our Head of Arts, you’ll play a vital role in the Collections, Research and Engagement Directorate, developing and implementing a sound intellectual and strategic direction that will foster and strengthen our artistic offering.

As Te Papa embarks on a unique and exciting renewal process, you will lead a talented and passionate curatorial team, enabling them to bring your ideas and visions to life. Not only will you have the privilege of working with our national collection, you’ll be provided an acquisition budget of scale. Conducting independent research on a regular basis will ensure you are at the forefront of any emerging trends, and with a heavy focus on bringing the Arts programme into the digital era, you’ll create a structure that will enhance our online offering. You understand the importance of introducing art into the everyday lives of our communities and will ensure that our collection is shared and appreciated both inside the museum and out.

You have an active and strong alignment with the contemporary art scene, as well as a relevant PhD. You are well renowned for your inspiring and innovative research outputs and have a number of high quality national and international networks with which you can connect to at a curatorial level, ensuring that our collection continues to prosper. Building solid and respectful relationships and the ability to motivate and engage with key stakeholders and partnerships is important to you and something you’re very good at. Your passion for art, its history, and its meaning is something that empowers and encourages and you are wholly dedicated to presenting our collection to New Zealand and the world in a unique and meaningful way.

Now is your time to bring your exceptional abilities to an organisation that is constantly breaking new ground and will allow you to fully immerse yourself in some of the most amazing work in the world – work that is both tangible and incredibly rewarding.

If you’re ready to take part in one of the most important and inspiring evolutions in both New Zealand and the museum sector worldwide, we would love to talk to you.

For further information on the position or to apply online please visit our website www.tepapa.govt.nz/jobs.