In-House Curator

About Artelia

Artelia is a curator-led digital platform under Seismic Consulting Group that aims to become a trusted reference for contemporary African art in the global market. The platform is built around informed selection, cultural insight, and institutional-quality standards, with an emphasis on depth, credibility, and strong artistic storytelling rather than volume.

Artelia works with galleries, independent artists, and cultural institutions across Africa and the diaspora to raise the profile, trust, and commercial potential of African contemporary art. The platform is further strengthened by an advisory circle made up of recognised curators, gallery specialists, and art market professionals.

Role overview

Artelia is looking for a seasoned and perceptive in-house curator to take ownership of how works are selected, positioned, and presented on the platform. This is a senior role that combines curatorial judgment, collection-building strategy, and understanding of how the international art market functions.

You will collaborate closely with Artelia’s curatorial leadership to shape cohesive, well-researched collections and ensure each work is presented with clarity, context, and quality. The role involves direct engagement with galleries and artists, helping frame their work for both local and international audiences. This position goes far beyond content administration; it requires someone who can think critically, write with authority, and navigate the realities of the contemporary art world.

Key responsibilities

• Create and oversee themed collections that align with Artelia’s curatorial vision and international market strategy.
• Carry out detailed research on artists and their work, adding scholarly depth and market-relevant context to each presentation.
• Assess submissions from artists and galleries, identify standout candidates, and explain selection decisions clearly.
• Produce exhibition copy, artist statements, collection notes, and editorial material that meets high curatorial standards.
• Develop and sustain professional relationships with galleries, artists, and cultural institutions across Africa and the diaspora.
• Assist with onboarding gallery partners and independent artists, serving as an important contact point between external collaborators and Artelia’s leadership.
• Maintain consistency, quality, and intentional direction across the platform’s expanding catalogue.
• Offer curatorial guidance on collector engagement, including how works should be positioned for premium audiences.
• Contribute to Artelia’s editorial voice and public-facing thought leadership content.
• Keep up to date with developments in the global art market, especially the international reception and positioning of contemporary African art.

What makes you a strong fit

The ideal candidate has worked professionally in contemporary art, whether in a gallery, museum, art fair, or independent curatorial setting, and brings the judgment, network, and critical language developed through that experience. You should see curation as a reasoned argument and know how to communicate that argument with confidence.

You should be equally comfortable drafting a thoughtful exhibition essay or handling the practical side of a gallery partnership. A strong understanding of how African art is received internationally, and how that perception could evolve, is important. Experience with audiences beyond your immediate geography — including diaspora-oriented programmes, international platforms, or cross-border collaborations — will be valuable. Public writing on art, such as catalogue essays, exhibition texts, reviews, or editorial pieces, is also expected.

Familiarity with digital platforms as curatorial spaces, along with an understanding of quality control and collector confidence, will help you succeed. Existing professional connections within the African or wider international art ecosystem are a plus. You should also be able to balance artistic integrity with commercial positioning without compromising either.

Experience

• Between 4 and 7 years of professional experience in curatorial work or a closely related contemporary art role.
• Evidence of curating solo and/or group exhibitions, whether in physical or digital formats.
• Hands-on experience working with galleries, artists, or arts institutions in a professional capacity.
• Working knowledge of the African contemporary art scene and its global reception.

Education

• A degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Curatorial Practice, or a similar discipline.
• Postgraduate study is beneficial, though not essential if professional experience is strong.

What Artelia offers

• A senior curatorial position at a platform entering the global market at an important stage of growth.
• Close collaboration with internationally recognised curators and art professionals within Artelia’s advisory network.
• Meaningful creative and intellectual ownership over collection strategy and curatorial direction.
• Access to an expanding network of galleries, artists, and collectors across Africa, Europe, and North America.
• A workplace that values serious curatorial thinking, critical analysis, and professional excellence.
• Competitive pay aligned with experience.

Additional information

This opportunity is based in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, and is a full-time, on-site position. The role is offered by Seismic Consulting Group for its curator-led digital platform, Artelia.