An exceptional arts organisation opportunity

Position Title: Gallery Manager

Organisation: Canberra Potters Society Inc.

Employment Type: Part-time (25 hours/week)

Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Salary: $90,000 per annum, pro-rata + superannuation

Canberra Potters are seeking a passionate and energetic Gallery Manager to help shape the future of artistic programs at the Watson Arts Centre, Canberra.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape and elevate the artistic program of a flourishing arts centre and a leading ceramics organisation that is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Gallery Manager is appointed by the Board of Canberra Potters and will support the CEO in developing the next artistic vision for Watson Arts Centre.

As the Gallery Manager you will be responsible for developing and delivering the annual artistic program for Watson Arts Centre including exhibition and artists-in-residence programs and associated events that; reflect contemporary ceramic art and its relationships to other artistic media, attract leading Australian and international ceramic artists, foster curatorial excellence and appeal to a wide range of audiences.

You will ensure that the Watson Arts Centre artistic program contributes to the national and international profile of arts in the ACT, and to Canberra Potters operational excellence and financial sustainability.

You will be able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team of arts professionals. You will bring curatorial vision, strategic thinking and a commitment to excellence to the role while having hands on experience in the physical requirements of delivering exhibitions. You will have excellent communication and project management skills and have experience working with and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE INCLUDE:

Gallery

With the CEO, develop a new artistic vision for the Watson Art Centre Gallery and associated annual exhibition programs that reflect contemporary curatorial practice and that highlight ceramic arts and related arts practices

Plan a calendar year exhibition program at least 18 months in advance of delivery that includes annual Canberra Potters’ exhibitions

Manage the exhibition program including coordinating all communications and planning for the development and delivery of exhibitions including working with exhibiting artists, curators, exhibition partners, casual staff, contractors and volunteers

Lead exhibition installations and de-installations including curation, physical installation, lighting, packing and condition reporting

Manage the gallery space and fittings, including maintenance, enhancements and cleaning

In collaboration with other staff and artists, oversee production of exhibition catalogues and gallery sales through the Shop

Identify and evaluate collaborative opportunities, handle gallery enquiries and applications

In collaboration with relevant staff, develop the marketing and communication strategy for the exhibition program and support the implementation of this across multiple marketing and communications channels including website, e-newsletters, social media and media releases

With the CEO, plan and deliver exhibition openings that enhance Canberra Potters strategic relationships and maximise impact and audience

Manage volunteers for exhibition openings and other gallery-related events

Attend evening and weekend exhibition events (openings and artists talks)

Artist In Residence (Air) Program

Work with the CEO, the Board and other key staff, to plan and deliver the annual Artist-in Residence Program of visiting Australian and international artists

Coordinate communications and planning with artists including agreements on deliverables, access to the onsite residency and AIR studio, and artist public engagement activities

As the key point of contact for AIR artists, work with the Education Director and Shop Manager to facilitate delivery of masterclasses, artist talks and shop sales by AIR artists

Work with visiting artists to ensure that their time in Canberra is stimulating, offers opportunities for collaboration, produces work that inspires and speaks to multiple audiences

Explore opportunities for partnerships and sources of financial support for the AIR Program and visiting artists

Collection Management

Manage the Canberra Potters’ permanent ceramics collection, including acquisitions and donations

Liaise with the volunteer team cataloguing the collection and plan the launch of the catalogue

Contribute to the masterplan for permanently locating the collection and developing an institutional loans program

Events

In conjunction with exhibition and AIR programs develop and deliver events for members and the public that enhance learning and increase public engagement with Watson Art Centres’ artistic vision and site

With the CEO and other staff, plan and deliver non-exhibition events that enhance Canberra Potters’ strategic relationships and maximise impact and audience

Membership

Ensure that the exhibition program meets the neds of members at all levels and contributes to their artistic and professional development

Build and maintain relationships with Canberra Potters’ members

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain productive relationships with key peer institutions in ceramics and peer arts organisations in ACT, Australia and internationally

Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders including the ACT government, artsACT and partner organisations

Maintain positive relationships with our network of exhibiting, visiting and in-residence artists

Representation

Represent Canberra Potters as required in public forums and events

Reporting

Report to the CEO

Support the CEO in reporting to the Board on artistic programs and input into the development and acquittal of grant applications.

Work Health and Safety

Contribute to Canberra Potters’ commitment to work health and safety by understanding policies governing staff and the public, particularly safety and accessibility

·Complete training in responsible service of alcohol, first aid and emergency preparedness, as directed

QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for this role you will:

Be resident in, or close to, the ACT (required)

Have experience in ceramics or related arts as a professional artist, educator or curator (required)

Have experience in exhibition design and delivery (required)

Hold relevant tertiary qualifications in education, arts administration or curatorial studies or related fields (desirable)

Demonstrate experience with teams, diverse stakeholders and the requirements of a not-for-profit setting (desirable)

Demonstrate experience in negotiating with and meeting the needs of artists from diverse backgrounds in Australia and internationally.

ABOUT CANBERRA POTTERS' SOCIETY INC.

Canberra Potters is the leading ceramic arts organisation in the ACT and one of Australia’s only fully integrated ceramics centres. Located at the Watson Arts Centre, Canberra Potters offers professional workshops, kilns and glazing facilities, a gallery featuring local, national and international exhibitions, an international artist-in-residence program, learning programs for all levels of ceramic practice, a retail outlet and tranquil outdoor spaces.

As a not-for profit membership-based association Canberra Potters is supported by artsACT through grant funding from the ACT government but finances 80% of its running costs through its own activities and income streams. It is the sole tenant of the Watson Arts Centre, a public facility, and manages this on behalf of the ACT government.

The Gallery Manager is appointed by the Canberra Potters Board and reports to the CEO.

REMUNERATION

A starting salary of $90,000 per annum, pro-rata. Six-month probation period.

Annual CPI increases. Employer superannuation contribution is as per legislative requirements.

HOW TO APPLY

Your application will need to include:

a short pitch of no more than 2 pages outlining why you are interested in the role, what attributes you offer as a Gallery Manager and how these relate to the key responsibilities, relevant career history and achievements, and your leadership attributes.

your short form resume (2 pages maximum) including details of two referees.

Applications are required by COB Wednesday 6 August 2025

Interviews will be conducted for shortlisted applicants shortly afterwards.

We will contact referees at the shortlisting stage and not before seeking your approval to do so.

CONTACT

The contact for this position is Jessi England, CEO of Canberra Potters Email: [email protected] Mb: 0407 230 777