Job Description

FirstRand is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity arising from the upcoming retirements of the current Curator and Head of the FirstRand Art Collection in March 2027. These two part-time roles will be consolidated into a single full-time position: Head and Curator of the FirstRand Art Collection. This role will report into the FirstRand executive sponsor for art.
The successful candidate will assume the role in August 2026, allowing for a six-month handover and transition period during which they will work closely with the current Head and Curator to gain comprehensive exposure to all aspects of the position and its responsibilities.

Hello future Head and Curator of the FirstRand Art Collection

FirstRand believes that its people are its single most important resource and will not operate in a sector unless it has people who are right for that market and who share FirstRand’s business values. We recruit self-starters who have a passion for what they do. We empower them, hold them accountable and reward them appropriately. We value diversity in our people, particularly for the way that this contributes to innovative thinking. If you think you will flourish in our environment, and you believe you have the necessary skills and competencies for the position advertised, then we are looking for you!

Key Responsibilities:

The Head and Curator will lead the strategic development and management of the FirstRand Art Collection, with primary duties including:

• Developing and implementing strategies to enhance the growth, visibility, and engagement with the FirstRand Art Collection among staff and external stakeholders.
• Managing, organising, cataloguing and valuing the existing collection, while overseeing the display, conservation, and preservation of artworks.
• Identifying, selecting, and acquiring new artworks in collaboration with the FirstRand Art Committee; managing the decommissioning process through approved staff art auctions.
• Establish, maintain and update the FirstRand art policy to ensure that all acquisitions/disposals/loans comply with the art committee’s vision for the FirstRand Collection.
• Conceptualising, planning, organising, promoting, marketing, and delivering up to 12 exhibitions annually across the three FirstRand gallery spaces to foster staff and guest engagement with the arts.
• Curating and coordinating the placement of artworks throughout FirstRand buildings to optimise aesthetic, inspirational and creative impact.
• Collaborating with initiatives supported by the FirstRand Foundations.
• Overseeing the FirstRand Art Asset Management system, ensuring accurate records and efficient operations.
• Managing the collection’s operational and new acquisitions budget, encompassing existing holdings, new acquisitions and deaccessioning, as well as related operational costs including framing, restoration, exhibitions, promotions, and all other related costs and supplier management.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant degree in art history, visual arts, museum studies, curatorial practices, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in curatorial roles, art collection management, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise in collection development, exhibition curation, and artwork conservation/preservation.
• Strong background in marketing, event management, and stakeholder communication is highly advantageous, enabling effective articulation of vision to internal staff, external stakeholders, artists, galleries, NGOs, and the public.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with proven ability to handle multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficient administrative capabilities, particularly in managing comprehensive art asset management systems and related documentation.
• Established relationships in the art community (with galleries, artists, and buyers) will be beneficial.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead a significant corporate art collection within one of South Africa’s leading financial services groups, promoting cultural engagement and artistic appreciation across the organisation.

You will have access to:

• Challenging work in a complex and exciting environment
• Opportunities to innovate and create efficiencies.

Are you interested to take the step? We look forward to engaging with you further. Apply now!

 

Important Closing Date Note

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

30/06/26