AddressDPS is responsible for a wide range of services and facilities, working closely with the Department of the Senate, the Department of the House of Representatives and the Parliamentary Budget Office to support the operations of the Parliament and its Committees.
As an integral and essential part of the design and construction of Parliament House, a unique Art/Craft Program was planned, executed and installed throughout the building and surrounding precinct prior to its opening in May 1988. A distinguished and diverse Art Advisory Committee of curators, scholars, artists, and craftspeople appointed by the Parliament House Construction Authority worked closely with the building's architects and the Authority's curator for more than five years in the creation of the program.
The Art/Craft Program was comprised of two major elements: a series of commissioned works of art and craft for specific locations, and the acquisition of works of art and contemporary craft to establish a rotational collection.
The commissions consisted of 70 significant works which were designed and fabricated by Australian artists and craftspeople for designated locations at Parliament House, all of which were closely integrated within its architectural, interior, and landscape design. The Program's Rotational Collection was formed through the selection and acquisition of 3000 paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and works in media such as ceramics, glass, and timber for temporary installation in specific zones in the circulation areas of the building and in Senators' and Members' offices.
During the 32 years since the opening of Parliament House in 1988, acquisitions within the Rotating Collection have continued and it now includes over 3500 works.
All of the commissioned and acquired works were commissioned or selected for the purpose of interlacing meaning and content within Parliament House, reflecting diverse aspects of contemporary Australian identity and culture as part of the building's required symbolism. The preservation and ongoing interpretation of the original purposes of this integrated Art/Craft Program in Parliament House are essential elements of the responsibilities of the Director, Art Collections within the Office of the Secretary.
DPS is also responsible for maintaining two other significant national collections within Parliament House, the approved locations for which were also integrated within the detailed plans for the presence of art and craft in the building:
- The Historic Memorials Collection (official portraits of the Head of State, Governors-General, Prime Ministers and Presiding Officers), and other significant parliamentarians or events
- The Official Gifts Collection, comprising gifts from other nations, Australian States and Territories, and national and international organisations.
The Director, Art Collections is a critical position within DPS with responsibility for the care and maintenance of the commissioned and acquired rotational works within the building's art/craft program, and for the ongoing development and management of the Historic Memorials and Official Gifts Collections.
Our ideal candidate will:
- Demonstrate experience and expertise in relation to the management, maintenance, and development of collections and commissioned works, including their conservation.
- Knowledge of art history and of contemporary Australian art and craft, including Indigenous art.
- The demonstrated capacity to gain an understanding and appreciation of the close relationships between art and architecture at Parliament House, and the unique opportunities and constraints for the presentation of art within the building and its landscape.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent inter-personal, liaison and negotiation skills.
- Personal attributes of initiative, creativity, tact and sound judgement.
- The ability to work as a team member in a fast-paced environment juggling multiple and often conflicting priorities.
- Knowledge of the role, symbolism, and operations of parliament or the ability to acquire such knowledge quickly.
The key duties of the position include
Please click the "apply now" button to go to the DPS Careers Webpage where you can find more information about the position and relevant duty statement.
