About the Role

FNB is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to take on the integral full-time position of Head and Curator for the prestigious FirstRand Art Collection. This unique opportunity arises from the upcoming retirements of the current post holders, with the successful candidate commencing in August 2026. This allows for a comprehensive six-month handover period, ensuring a smooth transition and in-depth understanding of all facets of this significant role within one of South Africa's leading financial institutions.

This leadership position plays a crucial part in evolving the FirstRand Art Collection, enhancing its visibility, and fostering engagement with art both internally among staff and with external stakeholders. Working closely with the FirstRand Art Committee, the new Head and Curator will shape the collection's future, ensuring its continued growth, preservation, and cultural impact.

The Head and Curator will be responsible for the overarching strategy and day-to-day management of the FirstRand Art Collection. Key responsibilities include:

• **Strategic Development:** Formulating and executing strategies to expand the collection's reach, improve its profile, and deepen engagement among employees and the public.
• **Collection Management:** Overseeing the systematic organisation, cataloguing, and valuation of existing artworks, along with their display, conservation, and ongoing preservation.
• **Acquisition and Deaccessioning:** Collaborating with the FirstRand Art Committee to identify, select, and acquire new pieces, as well as managing the decommissioning of artworks through approved staff auctions. This includes updating and maintaining the art policy to ensure compliance with the committee's vision.
• **Exhibition Curation:** Conceptualising, planning, promoting, and delivering up to 12 exhibitions annually across FirstRand’s three gallery spaces, aiming to inspire staff and guests.
• **Art Placement:** Curating and coordinating the strategic placement of artworks throughout FirstRand buildings to maximise their aesthetic, inspirational, and creative impact.
• **Collaboration:** Engaging with initiatives supported by the FirstRand Foundations.
• **Asset Management and Budget:** Supervising the FirstRand Art Asset Management system for accurate record-keeping and efficient operations. This includes managing both operational and acquisition budgets, covering all related costs such as framing, restoration, exhibitions, and supplier relationships.

What They're Looking For

FirstRand values self-starters with a passion for their work and a commitment to diversity and innovative thinking. The ideal candidate will possess:

• **Educational Background:** A relevant degree in Art History, Visual Arts, Museum Studies, Curatorial Practices, or a closely related discipline.
• **Professional Experience:** A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in curatorial roles, art collection management, or an equivalent field.
• **Specialised Expertise:** Demonstrated proficiency in developing art collections, curating exhibitions, and conserving/preserving artworks.
• **Communication Skills:** A strong background in marketing, event management, and stakeholder communication is highly advantageous, enabling effective articulation of the collection's vision to diverse audiences including internal staff, external partners, artists, galleries, and NGOs.
• **Organisational Acumen:** Excellent organisational and project management capabilities, with a proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines consistently.
• **Administrative Proficiency:** Strong administrative skills, particularly in operating comprehensive art asset management systems and handling associated documentation.
• **Industry Connections:** Established relationships within the broader art community, including galleries, artists, and buyers, would be beneficial.

This role provides a unique opportunity to lead and influence a significant corporate art collection in South Africa. The successful candidate will contribute to cultural engagement and artistic appreciation across the organisation. While specific remuneration is not provided, roles of this calibre within a major financial institution in Johannesburg typically command a highly competitive salary package, often including performance-based incentives and comprehensive benefits. The South African art scene is vibrant, with opportunities for growth and networking across various institutions, galleries, and cultural bodies. This type of position can lead to further leadership roles within the arts sector or cultural foundations.

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.