Council Looking to Appoint First Nations Curator

Published on 28 February 2022

Coffs Harbour City Council is calling for expressions of interest from First Nations Curators to lead the development and delivery of Yaam Gumbaynggirr Jagun: Here is Gumbaynggirr Country, set to open post building completion at the new Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, this project will be driven by the First Nations Curator, and involve leading a group of Gumbaynggirr artists in the creation of new work.

Applications are open to individuals, collaborations and groups. First Nations curators with connections to Gumbaynggirr country or currently living on Gumbaynggirr country are strongly encouraged to apply.

The current working title, Yaam Gumbaynggirr Jagun: Here is Gumbaynggirr Country, was conceived as a potential re-interpretation of the one of the first exhibitions to open the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery in 2001, titled, Our Place: Images of Coffs Harbour & Regions. 

Following the process of consultation with the Gumbaynggirr community over the last few years, this exhibition and other foundation elements to be unveiled soon will ensure Gumbaynggirr cultural representation is woven into the fabric of the new Yarrila Place community building.

“This will be a landmark exhibition, one of two major opening art exhibitions in Yarrila Arts and Museum.  An exciting outcome for the artists is that the resulting commissioned artworks will be acquired and become an important part of the permanent collection,” said Acting Service Leader Museum and Gallery, Jane Kreis.

The successful candidate will be supported through an engagement framework, with the direct support of Indigenous and non-Indigenous members:

• Coffs Harbour City Council Aboriginal Community Planner, who will connect the First Nations Curator to the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee and enable ongoing consultation and oversight;
• Museum and Gallery Curator, who will be a key project collaborator; and
• External First Nations cultural sector professionals, for additional cultural and creative feedback.

The closing date for submitting an expressions of interest is Wednesday 13 April 2022. Find out more about the project and submit your interest. 

If you have access requirements or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Chloe Waters, Museum & Gallery Curator on 02 6648 4860, Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30pm or at chloe.waters@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Pictured above:

Installation view of Michael Cook Nature Morte:Veiled Bird 2021
2021 STILL: National Still Life Award. Courtesy of the artist and Andrew Baker Art Dealer.  
Acquired by the gallery in 2021. 
Image credit: Fire&Fly Media