26 Jun 2013

Artspace Visual Arts Centre, Sydney seeks new Executive Director

Artspace Visual Arts Centre is a leading international residency-based contemporary art centre, housed in the historic Gunnery Building in Woolloomooloo fronting Sydney Harbour.

Artists and their working practices are at the heart of Artspace. Advancing critical practices in contemporary art and culture, Artspace supports artists to create new work that defines the present and proposes future possibilities for contemporary art. As Australia's leading international residency-based contemporary art centre, Artspace is both the key hub of the contemporary art community in Sydney, fostering dialogue between local artists, writers and curators and their national and international counterparts, and an evolving entity that connects with artists, audiences and ideas in an expanding range of sites regionally and globally.

Artspace is committed to the development of new ideas and practices in contemporary art and culture. Each year Artspace presents twelve to fifteen gallery-based exhibitions as well as touring and off-site projects; hosts artist residencies; operates a regular open studio program; initiates a range of public program and education activities including conferences, lectures and artist discussions; and publishes cultural theory books and artist monographs.

Artspace opened the gallery doors of its first premises in the Surry Hills neighborhood of Sydney in 1983. From that moment on Artspace has supported critical and experimental practices across media and cultures. Artspace moved to its present location at the Gunnery Building in Woolloomooloo in 1992. A few years later Artspace initiated a local and international residency program, significantly expanded at the beginning of 2007. Since 1983 many of the major figures of Australian and international contemporary art have developed and presented major projects with Artspace, which continues to provide one of the most substantial platforms for contemporary visual art and related practices in Australia and the region.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PROFILE
This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape the future direction of a dynamic international contemporary visual arts organisation. The Executive Director will drive an artistic program that is ambitious in local, national and international contexts. We are looking for visionary curatorial practice in the contemporary arts, combined with strategic and business acumen. The successful applicant will have a deep understanding of and experience in contemporary arts practice and programming, and will be able to effectively advocate for and promote the vitality and diversity of contemporary visual art. Applicants will need to evidence commitment to developing and maintaining diverse audiences and to ensuring excellent stakeholder relationships. The Executive Director will also possess the skills and expertise to build the business capacity of the organisation on a sustainable basis.

The Executive Director will be an inspiring team leader and will work closely with the Board of Directors and senior colleagues to achieve the organisation's strategic outcomes.

For a complete position description, appointment criteria and salary details please email the Chairman of the Board, James Emmett, jamesemmett@12thfloor.com.au, or to discuss the position phone +61 2 9231 4470.

Applications close 5pm, Monday 15 July.

Artspace is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments. Artspace is assisted by the New South Wales Government through Arts NSW and by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. Artspace is a member of CAOs (Contemporary Art Organisations Australia).