ART CURATOR OPERATIONS
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Experience Required:
Posted on:
2 days ago
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1 Vacancy
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Job Summary
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced discerning In-House Curator to lead the selection framing and presentation of works on the Artelia platform. This is a senior creative and intellectual role that sits at the intersection of curatorial practice collection strategy and international art market positioning. You will work directly with Artelias curatorial leadership to develop coherent well-researched collections ensuring every work presented reflects depth quality and narrative clarity. You will engage with galleries and artists shaping how their practices are contextualized for local and international audiences. This is not a content management role. We are looking for someone who thinks like a curator writes like a critic and moves like a professional who understands how the contemporary art market actually works.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and manage themed collections aligned with Artelias curatorial direction and international positioning strategy
Conduct rigorous artist research documentation and contextualisation ensuring works are presented with scholarly and market-relevant framing Review artist and gallery submissions; identify exceptional candidates and articulate clear selection rationale
Write exhibition texts artist statements collection notes and editorial content that meet international curatorial standards
Build and maintain relationships with galleries artists and cultural institutions across Africa and the diaspora
Support the onboarding of gallery partners and independent artists acting as a key liaison between external collaborators and Artelias leadership
Ensure continuity quality and intentionality across Artelias growing catalogue
Provide curatorial input on collector engagement strategy advising on how works are positioned for high-value audiences
Contribute to Artelias editorial and thought leadership output including platform narratives and public-facing communications
Stay current with global art market developments particularly the reception and positioning of contemporary African art internationally.
WHAT SETS YOU APART
You have operated at a professional level within the contemporary art ecosystem in a gallery museum art fair or independent curatorial practice and you bring with you the instincts networks and critical vocabulary that experience builds.
You understand that curation is an argument and you know how to make one clearly compellingly and with international confidence.
You are equally comfortable writing a nuanced exhibition essay and negotiating the logistics of a gallery partnership.
You understand how African art is received globally and you have opinions about how that should change
You have experience curating for audiences beyond your immediate geography through diaspora-facing programmes international platforms or cross-border institutional collaborations You have written about art publicly catalogue essays exhibition texts critical reviews or editorial features
You understand how digital platforms can operate as curatorial spaces and you have thought about what that means for quality control and collector confidence
You bring existing professional relationships within the African and/or international art ecosystem
You have navigated the intersection of artistic integrity and commercial positioning and you know how to hold both without compromising either
Requirements
Experience
Minimum 47 years of curatorial or related professional experience in contemporary art
Demonstrated track record of curating solo and/or group exhibitions physical or digital
Direct experience working with galleries artists or arts institutions at a professional level
Familiarity with the African contemporary art landscape and its global reception Education
Degree in Art History Fine Arts Curatorial Practice or a related field
Postgraduate qualification is an advantage but not required where professional experience is strong
WHAT ARTELIA OFFERS
A senior curatorial role at a platform entering the global market at a critical and formative moment
Direct collaboration with internationally recognised curators and art professionals shaping Artelias advisory network
Genuine creative and intellectual ownership over collection strategy and curatorial voice Access to a growing network of galleries artists and collectors across Africa Europe and North America
A working environment that values curatorial seriousness critical thinking and professional excellence
Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
Required Skills:
Education: Bachelors degree in Art Business Art History Fine Arts Business Administration or Economics. Masters degree (MBA or Art Business) preferred. Professional Experience: Minimum of 1015 years of experience in the international art market. Proven experience working with high-net-worth collectors art galleries auction houses and global art platforms. Experience in international art fairs (e.g. Frieze Art Basel) is highly desirable. Core Competencies: Deep understanding of global art market dynamics. Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Established network of collectors galleries and advisors. Experience in digital marketplaces or luxury platforms. Excellent communication and relationship management skills. Selection Criteria: Depth of international art market experience. Proven track record in revenue generation and strategic growth. Strength of global network and industry relationships. Strategic and operational capability with cultural alignment to African art. Note that this Job is Onsite in Abuja
