Applications open on Tuesday 3 October 2023
Applications close on Sunday 5 November 2023 at 11:59pm ACST
For activity occurring between November 2023 and April 2024 (dates subject to change)
ABOUT
Helpmann Academy is pleased to invite applications from emerging visual artists and curators to undertake a mentorship as Project Curator for the 2024 Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition.
Next year the Graduate Exhibition opens at its new location at the University of South Australia’s South Australian School of Art (SASA) Gallery, UniSA Kaurna Building, City West.
The successful applicant will be working under a curatorial mentor from UniSA Creative.
This role is a unique opportunity for an emerging curator to gain hands-on experience working on a high-profile exhibition that brings together graduating artists working across many mediums. They will have the opportunity to work on all curatorial aspects of the exhibition, including designing the exhibition layout, working with the exhibiting artists, and coordinating installation and de-installation.
The mentorship will run between November 2023 and April 2024. The successful applicant will be remunerated $3,000 for the role.
Working closely with the Curatorial Mentor and Helpmann Academy’s Program Manager, the successful applicant will have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and is dedicated and flexible. Applicants from a CALD or ATSI background are strongly encouraged to apply.
WHO CAN APPLY
Applications are invited from final year students and graduates of supported degrees from our partner institutions – within five years from graduation.
Honours students and graduates (up to five years following the final year of study) are also eligible to apply, provided Honours were undertaken directly following their undergraduate degree.
Please note that Masters and PhD graduates and candidates are not eligible to apply, unless they still qualify through their undergraduate or honours study.
To check your eligibility please visit the Who We Support page on our website.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Curator will be required to:
- Attend selection day of the works on Monday 27 November 2023. The Project Curator will be invited to share their thoughts on the works, but final selection will sit with the selection panel and Helpmann Academy
- Design the exhibition space with the Curatorial Mentor
- Liaise with exhibiting artists regarding the installation requirements of their work
- Develop and deliver an Artist Information session (date TBC)
- Work with the Curatorial Mentor and installation team to oversee the installation of the exhibition – Monday 5 February 2024 to Tuesday 13 February 2024
- Troubleshoot and solve any obstacles during installation, with guidance from the Curatorial Mentor
- Attend the opening events of the 2024 Graduate Exhibition:
- VIP Vernissage – Wednesday 14 February 2024
- General Opening and Awards Presentation – Thursday 15 February 2024
- Deliver a Project Curator talk to industry peers during the exhibition (date TBC)
- Attend auxiliary events around the 2024 Graduate Exhibition (full details TBC)
- Be available throughout the life of the exhibition to make adjustments or repairs to the works or their installation. This is to be done in consultation with the exhibiting artists
- Maintain regular communication with the Curatorial Mentor and Helpmann Academy Program Manager
- Oversee de-installation of the exhibition (date TBC)
- Attend a post-exhibition Project Curator debrief – April 2024
- Complete a post-exhibition survey – April 2024
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
Application
Applicants must not have an overdue acquittal with the Helpmann Academy when applying.
When completing your application, please clearly answer all the questions supplied. The application consists of three questions which require written responses:
- Tell us about yourself
- Considering the role description and key responsibilities, outline why you are well positioned at this point in your career to undertake this role
- What are the professional development outcomes you will gain? How will you leverage this opportunity to further your curatorial career?
Required support material is outlined in the application form and includes:
- An artist CV (maximum two x A4 pages)
- Your official academic transcript
- The names and contact details of one (1) referee
In addition to the required support material, applicants are welcome to provide other material they feel will support their application – this can include letters of support, images and marketing collateral from previous exhibitions, media clippings, or showreels.
Applications are due Sunday 5 November 2023 at 11:59pm ACST.
Selection
The successful applicant will clearly demonstrate how undertaking the role of Project Curator will contribute to their professional development. Applications will be assessed based on the applicant’s readiness to take on the role, the positive impact the opportunity will have, and the qualities the applicant can bring to the role.
Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview in mid-November 2023.
The successful applicant will be required to sign a letter of agreement with Helpmann Academy agreeing to the responsibilities and terms and conditions of the role.
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like more information about the program or wish to discuss your application, please get in touch via phone on (08) 7089 0720 or email us at info@helpmannacademy.com.au