About

Are you the new Director of Blue Oyster?

Blue Oyster exists to enable emerging and experimental arts practitioners to work in an innovative, experimental and non-commercial environment. With a commitment to tikaka Māori and te tiriti o Waitangi, we aim to broaden the interest and understanding of contemporary arts by providing a forum for discussion and debate. 

Through proposals, curatorial research and their own vision and experience, the Director will develop and present Blue Oyster’s annual programme of exhibitions, workshops, publishing and events. The Director is responsible for building and maintaining artist relationships, managing and where necessary, employing support staff, managing volunteers and working with the Blue Oyster Arts Trust to ensure the progressive management of Aotearoa’s, and perhaps the world’s, Southern-most contemporary art project space.

Core tasks include overseeing all gallery operations including: Creative New Zealand and Dunedin City Council funding applications and reporting, fundraising and revenue generation, financial management through Xero, maintaining paperwork and upkeep of Charities Commission procedures, health, safety and risk management, exhibition installation, technical support and maintenance, archiving, marketing and communications, writing, editing, Trust reporting, payroll, stakeholder relationship management (local and national) and visitor engagement.

This position is an excellent opportunity for an emerging curator or early career arts professional who is active within the national arts communities with the aim to develop a wide range of skills, contributing to an ambitious organisation in its third decade of operation.

Download the full position description (PDF)

How to Apply

Send your CV with two referees, a cover letter and a writing sample (can be previously published, approx 750–1000 words) to admin@blueoyster.org.nz

Applications close: Friday May 16, 2025 at 5pm

Interested candiates are welcome to email admin@blueoyster.org.nz to request a copy of Blue Oyster’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan.

Gallery volunteers

Blue Oyster volunteers help with a huge range of operational work that would not otherwise be possible without their support. Volunteers not only gain valuable experience, but also the appreciation and support of the staff, trustees and the wider Blue Oyster community of artists, funders and audiences. Volunteers are offered references and letters of support, as well as professional advice in their own artistic endeavours.

Come in and see us if you would like to start volunteering or send us an email.