Gallery seeks new Director

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is a bold and innovative contemporary art centre, connecting people, communities and cultures and encouraging critical dialogue about the world we live in.

Founded in 1970 through the visionary generosity of Monica Brewster, the gallery is an internationally recognised space for contemporary art, with a special focus on Aotearoa and connecting outward into Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa.

We are the global home of pioneering filmmaker and kinetic sculptor Len Lye, whose legacy remains relevant through exhibitions, publications and archives in the award-winning Len Lye Centre and Cinema.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles of partnership, participation and protection by recognising tangata whenua and respecting tikanga and taonga and create opportunities for diverse audiences to engage with art in meaningful ways.

Te āheinga - The opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre - Aotearoa’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary art.

We’re seeking a visionary leader with a deep passion for contemporary art and a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You’ll shape the future of the Gallery through bold programming, meaningful engagement with diverse communities and close collaboration with mana whenua, iwi, hapū, whānau and advisory groups.

As Director, you’ll guide the Gallery’s strategic direction, oversee its renowned collections, and foster national and international partnerships - all while championing the legacy of Len Lye and supporting contemporary artists across Aotearoa and Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa.

This role is central to expanding the Gallery’s profile and impact, while ensuring its programs reflect and support the communities it serves. If you’re ready to lead one of New Zealand’s most iconic cultural institutions into its next chapter, we want to hear from you.

Tino takohanga - Key responsibilities    

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, ensuring effective and efficient outcomes.
• Collaborate with Cultural Experiences leadership to shape and implement strategic direction, priorities and plans.
• Deliver a long-term, critically important programme that fosters contemporary art and artists, including Len Lye and engages diverse audiences.
• Support and enable strong relationships with Whiringa Toi (Māori leader-to-leader group), Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa Advisory, and local iwi, hapū and whānau.
• Lead and inspire the Gallery’s curators, cinema programmer, registrar, and exhibitions team to deliver meaningful, collaborative programmes.
• Partner with Public Practice, Creative Enquiry, and Community Engagement teams to create inclusive visitor experiences.
• Champion a positive team culture, prioritising wellbeing, professional development and health & safety compliance.
• Oversee reporting, KPIs, budget accountability, fundraising and stakeholder relationships, including with the Len Lye Foundation and Govett-Brewster Friends. 

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako - Essential skills and experience

• Significant experience leading teams in an art gallery or museum environment or related experience demonstrating excellent outcomes in the cultural sector
• Demonstrated current knowledge of contemporary art in Aotearoa and Te Moana nui-a-Kiwa, and experience in development of critically relevant, impactful programs, their marketing and funding
• Tertiary qualification in museum studies, art history, curatorship or relevant qualification
• Proven ability to project manage and problem-solve, and deliver accountability to KPIs, plans, budgets and timelines
• Knowledge of museum standards and collection best practice
• High level of written and oral communication skills and interest to engage with communities
• Experience in grant and report writing, maintaining excellent relationships with key stakeholders and maintaining a professional, positive team culture

Ōu mātou rourou - What we offer    

At the New Plymouth District Council we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff including solid career pathways, learning and development opportunities as well as personal and professional development.

If you think this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you.

Applications close 21 November 2025

Apply here: Career Opportunities: Govett-Brewster Art Gallery|Len Lye Centre Director (8188)