Artspace Aotearoa Recruiting Curatorial Intern for Contemporary Exhibitions — 2027
Professional early-career gallery position
Artspace Aotearoa in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is recruiting for the 2027 Kaiwhakamahiri Pirihi Taiwhenua Curatorial Internship. The position is designed for someone developing a career in curating, exhibition production and arts management. The fixed-term part-time appointment operates within a professional contemporary art organisation and combines practical staff responsibilities with guidance and an external mentor.
Exhibition production and curatorial support
The intern works with gallery staff and artists to organise exhibition installation schedules and contribute to the hands-on preparation of contemporary art shows. The role also supports openings and events, including budgeting, tracking expenditure and coordinating contributors. Candidates should be interested in exhibition-making, how artworks are presented and the practical operational choices behind a public gallery programme.
Gallery operations and audience engagement
The appointed intern coordinates the gallery’s volunteer programme and manages Saturday shifts, supports visitor engagement, assists tours and public learning activity and helps care for artworks and exhibition spaces. They may also contribute to fundraising and grant processes with the Deputy Director. During onboarding, the intern identifies professional learning goals and helps establish a suitable mentoring plan.
Remuneration, schedule and workplace
The employer’s full 2027 position description states **NZ$31.50 per hour** and **30 hours per week** for a fixed-term appointment described as **11 months within January–December 2027**. Planned onsite hours are Wednesday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., with occasional additional event-related flexibility. Applicants should clarify the exact contract start and finish dates, breaks and expected availability before signing.
Relevant background
The organisation seeks curiosity about contemporary art, a willingness to learn, professional communication, reliability and interest in exhibitions and gallery operations. Experience in producing events, discussing visual art, artist liaison or general administration would be useful, but the role is intentionally designed to build skills. Formal senior curatorial experience is not a condition presented in the employer’s description.
Application and deadline
Submit a CV and one-page cover letter explaining your interest and the areas you want to learn to **bridget@artspace.org.nz**. Audio or video applications of up to five minutes are also accepted. Applications close on **Thursday, 19 November 2026 at 5 p.m.**, New Zealand time. At interview the employer may ask how the applicant would engage gallery visitors through an idea or event.
About Artspace Aotearoa
Founded by artists and arts workers in 1987, Artspace Aotearoa is a public contemporary art gallery on Karangahape Road. It develops exhibitions and discourse around contemporary creative practice and supports artists and emerging arts professionals. Creative New Zealand helps fund its curatorial internship programme.
Official recruitment sources
Artspace Aotearoa official recruitment announcement and detailed position description: https://artspace-aotearoa.nz/news/applications-open-kaiwhakamahiri-pirihi-taiwhenua-curatorial-intern-2027
Employer’s role description PDF: https://artspace-aotearoa.nz/media/pages/news/applications-open-kaiwhakamahiri-pirihi-taiwhenua-curatorial-intern-2027/97c7d272e5-1793572831/kaiwhakamahiripirihitaiwhenua-curatorialinternjobdescription_2027.pdf
Important notice
This edited reference article summarises a remunerated professional training position. Confirm exact work rights, contractual start and end, total hours, statutory conditions, mentoring support, job documents and deadline with the employer. Any discrepancy must be resolved using the organisation’s official current information. Checked 12 November 2026.