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Expressions of interest: First Nations Curator

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

 

First Nations Curator

Heysen Sculpture Biennial 2027

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Download EOI PDF


Remuneration:  $5,357 + 12% superannuation ($6000)
Project period: January – September 2027

Exhibition Location:The Cedars, Hahndorf

South Australia, on Peramangk Country

EOI’s close:    20 December 2026

Enquiries and EOI's email to: info@heysensculpturebiennial.com.au

or post to: PO Box 1264 Mylor SA 5153

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About the Heysen Sculpture Biennial

The Heysen Sculpture Biennial (HSB) is one of South Australia's longest-running contemporary visual arts events, presented at The Cedars in Hahndorf on Peramangk Country. For more than 20 years, the Biennial has brought together contemporary artists to create ambitious, site-responsive works that engage with landscape, environment, history and place.

 

As HSB looks towards the next Biennial in August 2027, we are committed to strengthening First Nations cultural leadership and developing meaningful, ongoing relationships with First Nations artists, curators and communities.

 

We invite Expressions of Interest from First Nations Curators who are interested in contributing to the development of the 2027 Biennial and helping to shape a more culturally informed, inclusive and responsive exhibition.

 

We welcome applications from emerging, mid-career and established curators, including those whose experience has developed through community-led projects, independent practice, cultural work, writing, research or other relevant pathways.

 

About the opportunity

The First Nations Curator will play a central role in work alongside the HSB committee to contribute to artist selection (of both First Nations and non-First Nations artists) and exhibition development for the 2027 Biennial.

 

This is an opportunity to bring curatorial perspective, knowledge, experience and approach to a significant South Australian outdoor sculpture exhibition. The role will contribute to the artistic direction of the Biennial and support opportunities for First Nations knowledge and perspectives to inform the exhibition.

 

The successful applicant will be supported by the HSB committee and relevant cultural advisors, including Peramangk Elder Mandy Brown and Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri cultural educator, writer and spoken-word artist Courtney Hunter-Hebberman.

 

The role will be shaped in recognition of the curator's experience, with an emphasis on collaboration, cultural respect and meaningful participation in curatorial decision-making.

 

 

 

Key responsibilities

The First Nations Curator will:

  • Contribute to artist selection, artist liaison, exhibition development, installation and presentation of the 2027 Heysen Sculpture Biennial.

  • Attend the artist site walk-through, install, event launch and de-install of the exhibition in the month of August 2027.

  • Bring First Nations perspectives, knowledge and curatorial approaches to exhibition planning and artistic decision-making.

  • Contribute ideas that encourage deeper engagement with Country, place, environment, storytelling and contemporary cultural practice.

  • Work closely with the HSB committee and relevant cultural advisors to inform exhibition development and artist engagement.

  • Where appropriate, contribute to artist forums or public discussions during the exhibition.

  • Participate in discussions about future opportunities for First Nations curatorial leadership and participation within HSB.

  • Support the development of the exhibition catalogue with a short-written statement

 

The precise scope of the role will be discussed with the successful applicant, taking into account their expertise, availability and agreed project outcomes.

 

Please note that the successful applicant will require Public Liability Insurance. If you need further information on Curator insurance, please contact Guildhouse (08) 8410 1822.

 

Who should apply?

We welcome Expressions of Interest from First Nations people with an interest in contemporary visual arts, sculpture, place-based practice and curatorial development.

 

Applicants may be emerging, mid-career or established curators. Previous experience as a lead curator or within a major exhibition is not essential. We recognise that curatorial knowledge and experience can be developed through many pathways, including formal arts training, independent practice, community engagement, cultural leadership, artist-led initiatives, writing, research and experience working with artists.

 

We are interested in hearing from people who:

  • Have an interest in contemporary art and curatorial practice.

  • Can bring a thoughtful perspective to exhibition development and artist selection.

  • Value collaboration, cultural respect and community engagement.

  • Are interested in exploring the relationships between art, Country, place and contemporary cultural practice.

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Selection process

Expressions of Interest will be reviewed by the HSB committee.

 

Selection will consider the applicant's curatorial interests, relevant experience and knowledge, and capacity to fulfil the curator’s responsibilities. The process will recognise diverse career pathways and will not privilege formal qualifications or extensive curatorial experience over relevant cultural knowledge, practice and potential.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

Enquiries and submission

To submit your Expression of Interest, please provide the following saved as a PDF or word document.

 

  1. Full Name

  2. Language Group

  3. Phone number

  4. Email

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EOI’s close:    20 December 2026

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Enquiries and EOI's email to: info@heysensculpturebiennial.com.au

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or post to: PO Box 1264 Mylor SA 5153

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