Closing date: February 3, 2017
Company background
The Biennale of Sydney (Biennale) is Australia’s oldest, biggest and best-known international contemporary art event. In its 44-year history it has presented 20 critically acclaimed, popular and large-scale exhibitions across multiple venues in Sydney. The Biennale is dedicated to engaging and developing audiences for contemporary art and promoting cultural exchange. It provides a fresh and independent artistic perspective on the art and artists working today in Australia and around the world.
Since its inception in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney has showcased the work of nearly 1,800 artists from more than 100 countries. It is considered one of the leading international contemporary art events, recognised for commissioning and presenting innovative, thought-provoking art. With an average of 40 percent of visits made by people from outside of Sydney, the Biennale holds an important place on both the national and international stage. An average of over 640,000 visits have been recorded across all venues and programs over each of the last three Biennales (2012, 2014 and 2016).
Planning has begun for the Biennale’s 21st international exhibition with the announcement of Mami Kataoka of Mori Art Museum, Tokyo as Artistic Director for 2018. The organisation has also announced a bold, new vision to be implemented over the next 2-4 years to build its reputation. The CEO will be critical to the success of this transformative project. Key elements include:
Key responsibilities
The CEO reports to a Board, chaired by Kate Mills. The CEO is assisted by a team of full-time and part-time staff who are responsible for the artistic program, business development, communications, and administration.
There is a core staff of 17 and the position manages five direct reports; Artistic Director, and the Heads of Exhibition, Finance & Administration, Development, and Marketing.
The role of CEO is multifaceted and stimulating. The artistic and commercial success of the Biennale is her or his responsibility. The role offers many challenges, but similarly many opportunities for considerable satisfaction and international recognition.
The successful candidate will have proven leadership skills and a reputation for strategic thinking; exceptional business, communication, and administrative skills; a strong reputation based on a career in visual arts management and cultural administration; significant experience working with curators on major art projects/events in areas such as public museums, art galleries or festival administration; an outward focus, with international perspective and networks; and be results or outcomes orientated especially within tight financial constraints.
Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This position is based in Sydney but will require some interstate and international travel.
Full details are available here.
Closing date: Friday, February 3, 2017
