From 1 April 2025 the Pubic Service Regulations introduce a new approach to review of promotion decisions. To find out more go to mpc.gov.au
Due to the nature of the role, work will need to be conducted onsite in Acton.
Learn how a merit list or pool may be used Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool. If the applicant agrees, the results may be shared with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies for filling similar roles. Applicants may be offered a future role, without the need to reapply. A merit list or pool may be used for up to 18 months.
This merit list or pool may be used to fill other vacancies anywhere in Australia.
Curator Art & Object (Affirmative Measures) Canberra ACT
About the Group The Collections Services Group is responsible for the development, management, and preservation of the AIATSIS Collection. The Group manages, describes, preserves, and digitises the AIATSIS Collection.
About the Program Area The Collection Development and Care Program sits within the Collection Services Group. Collection Development and Care (CDC) consists of the Rights and Policy Unit, the Acquisition, Registration and Cultural Gifts Unit and the Curatorial, Exhibition, Conservation and Loans Unit. Key operational activities of the program include developing, conserving and preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage material in the AIATSIS collection in a culturally safe way.
CDC is responsible for engaging with donors and depositors to expand the collection, curating domestic and international display and exhibitions (online and physical), implementing collection care practices, facilitating loans and managing the rights and policy environment of the AIATSIS collection. CDC works closely with the Collection Management, Collection Preservation and Digitisation and Collection Access teams to support the discoverability and accessibility of the AIATSIS collection for all Australians.
Role Summary The Curator undertakes a wide range of tasks including management of the Art and Object collection, targeted acquisitions, providing advice on donations, and all aspects and curation of exhibitions and displays. The Collection Development and Care team undertake work related to the care and management of culturally sensitive material. Sensitivities may include but are not limited to gender, ceremonial, or initiation restrictions as well as exposure to historical and possibly offensive terminology. Completion of these tasks is supported by cultural and Institutional safety procedures and protocols.
A merit pool may be created for future vacancies of similar positions across the Institute.
The key duties of the position include: curate and design exhibitions and displays, both physical and online, to tell the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. implement the AIATSIS Collection Development Strategy through targeted acquisition, and selection of new and commissioned collection materials. provide specialist advice and respond to enquiries around ethical care and collecting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture; arrange permissions and licences with artists and communicate access and use, ICIP and copyright conditions to stakeholders. engage, collaborate and consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, external stakeholders and professionals from other collecting institutions. provide support and contribute to projects as requested across the Collection Services Group (CSG) and other areas to implement AIATSIS' strategic focus. contribute to the achievement of AIATSIS goals and objectives, including representing the unit at internal and external meetings, forums and exhibition tours. Cultural capability - essential Roles at AIATSIS require candidates to have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and proven culturally appropriate engagement and communications skills. The nature of this role requires the candidate to consistently demonstrate the following specific cultural capabilities:
proven ability to communicate respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, clients, and colleagues an understanding of the current issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and how this is framed by history an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business within the agency and the outcomes the agency is responsible for delivering an informed, authentic and respectful understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures AIATSIS embodies Yindyamarra in everything we do.
Skills, knowledge and personal attributes To be successful in this role, you will have well-developed research and analytical skills ideally, in a cultural institution. You will come with the following skills, experience and attributes:
proven research and analytical skills, including creating appropriate content, concepts and interpretation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork and cultural heritage materials for display. demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to consult, present and negotiate effectively and respectfully with a diverse range of people and audiences. demonstrated ability to undertake collection management and documentation, including handling, processing and describing physical and digital materials to professional standards and working with collection management systems and processes. demonstrated knowledge and understanding of collection development and management principles within a cultural institution, particularly in relation to the appropriate care and management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage materials, including an understanding of copyright legislation, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights, Indigenous cultural protocols and related cultural safety issues. ability to work effectively as a part of a small team that collaborates across the Institute. manage workloads and set goals in a timely and accurate manner and responding positively and flexibly to change. demonstrated experience in contributing to improved workflow, business planning, as well as policy and procedure development. Qualifications or extensive experience in curatorial, museum studies or similar is highly desired.
Notes Successful candidate will be required to undergo:
Police check 6 month probation Medical clearance (ongoing roles only) Affirmative Measures positions Jobs in the APS are open to all Australian citizens. There are some jobs, though, that are open only to specific members of the Australian population. This practice is known as an Affirmative measure and is a targeted strategy to ensure the diversity of the APS workforce reflects the diversity of the Australian population.
Any job can be restricted to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only, and it doesn't necessarily have to involve working on Indigenous issues. If a position has been advertised as an Affirmative measure, it will be clearly marked as such.
The use of the Indigenous Affirmative Measures provision at AIATSIS allows for targeted recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the organisation. If you are applying for an Affirmative Measures position, you will need to indicate your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage on our application form and provide confirmation if required.
What is Cultural Capability? As all positions at AIATSIS are 'Identified' each position will have various elements of involvement with the delivery of Indigenous specific services, programs, and policies as part of AIATSIS core functions. AIATSIS therefore needs to also identify the cultural knowledge; skills and personal attributes needed to deliver the required outcomes.
Every part of how we work, who we work with and for, requires varying levels of knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols and an understanding of issues that enable effective communication and ultimately effective performance in the role. To assist you in determining the required cultural capabilities of this role, you can refer to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability – A Framework for Commonwealth Agencies.
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people.
Getting to know the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies We are Australia's only national institution focused exclusively on the diverse history, cultures, and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. We house the world's most important and extensive collection of cultural information and material and we provide leadership, publish and promote greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We create opportunities for people the world over to engage with and be transformed by the knowledge, the culture and the story of Australia's Indigenous peoples. We are Australia's national institution for leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. We care for a priceless collection, including films, photographs, video and audio recordings as well as the world's largest collection of printed and other resource materials for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies. We undertake and encourage scholarly, ethical, community-based research in a variety of sectors, including health, native title, languages and education. Our publishing house, Aboriginal Studies Press, regularly publishes outstanding writing that promotes Australian Indigenous cultures. Our activities affirm and raise awareness of the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
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