Senior Curator - Public Art Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is seeking a visionary Senior Curator to lead the artistic development, commissioning, and execution of major public art initiatives across the Emirate, including the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial and Manar Abu Dhabi.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, plan, and execute major public art installations, site-specific commissions, and outdoor exhibitions across public spaces in Abu Dhabi.
• Lead international research, artist selection, and studio collaborations with leading regional and global contemporary artists.
• Oversee dual-language curatorial publications, exhibition catalogues, and scholarly essays to document Abu Dhabi’s growing public collection.
• Drive strategic stakeholder management with municipal authorities, urban planners, state leaders, and international cultural partners.
• Manage multi-million AED commission budgets, conservation plans, and project delivery schedules.

• Education & Experience: Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or Fine Arts. Minimum of 8 years of professional curatorial experience directing contemporary art exhibitions, biennials, or public space commissions.
• Curatorial & Commissioning Track Record: Demonstrated history of curating major site-specific art installations, managing international artist selection panels, and negotiating complex commission contracts with global galleries and studios.
• Bilingual Editorial Excellence: Superior bilingual copywriting and editorial capabilities in Arabic and English, backed by a published portfolio of curatorial catalogue essays, exhibition texts, and scholarly briefs.
• Institutional Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to align public sector authorities, municipal urban planners, sovereign cultural boards, and international brand sponsors.
• Financial & Project Governance: Demonstrated mastery of managing multi-million AED commission budgets, art conservation frameworks, transport logistics, and project delivery schedules.

• Executive Compensation Range: AED 420,000 – AED 660,000 per annum (AED 35,000 – AED 55,000 monthly, experience dependent).
• Research & Global Mobility: Dedicated annual international travel, studio visit, and research stipend to represent DCT Abu Dhabi at major global art fairs and biennials.
• Executive Relocation Package: Comprehensive relocation assistance, housing allowance, and children's education allowance.
• Health & Life Coverage: Premium tier international medical, dental, and life insurance for the executive and immediate family.
• Institutional Network & Autonomy: High-visibility curatorial autonomy over landmark public commissions with direct sovereign cultural board access.