Curatorial & Programming Manager

Company Description

Kalakaar Art Salon, founded by Saira and Shivin Khanna in New Delhi, offers a unique and immersive way to experience Indian art. By combining works spanning centuries—from temple traditions and devotional miniatures to contemporary masterpieces—Kalakaar creates a personal and reflective environment for art appreciation. The salon's curated sessions explore ideas of form, faith, imagination, and identity, catering to collectors, connoisseurs, and first-time buyers. With a focus on making the art journey accessible, Kalakaar bridges connoisseurship with the evolving world of contemporary collecting. Located in Defence Colony, it's a space where art is celebrated as both a cultural treasure and a meaningful asset.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Curatorial & Programming Manager at Kalakaar Art Salon, located in New Delhi. The Manager will oversee the design and execution of art exhibitions, events, and curated sessions, ensuring alignment with Kalakaar's vision.

This role sits at the intersection of art history, exhibition development, and gallery management, making it ideal for someone passionate about Indian art, research, and cultural programming.

The position will involve working closely with the founders to conceptualize exhibitions, manage gallery programming, coordinate with artists and collectors, and ensure the smooth execution of salon sessions and events.

• Conduct research on artists, movements, and works within Indian modern and contemporary art.
• Assist in developing curatorial frameworks for exhibitions and salon sessions.
• Prepare research notes, wall texts, catalog descriptions, and exhibition narratives.
• Maintain artist files and archival research related to works shown at Kalakaar.

• Assist in conceptualising and executing exhibitions and salon sessions.
• Coordinate programming including talks, collector evenings, and curated events.
• Develop exhibition timelines and ensure timely delivery of curatorial and production milestones.
• Support installation planning and exhibition layout.

• Oversee day-to-day gallery coordination including exhibition logistics.
• Maintain artwork inventory records and documentation.
• Coordinate with artists, collectors, and lenders regarding artworks.
• Assist in managing exhibition documentation, condition reports, and artwork information.

• Support development of collector engagement initiatives and programming.
• Assist with gallery communication including newsletters, exhibition texts, and social media context where needed.
• Coordinate with collaborators, institutions, and partners for programming initiatives.

• Educational Background: Degree in Art History, Visual Arts, or a related field .
• Strong knowledge of Indian modern and contemporary art.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Interest in curatorial work, exhibitions, and cultural programming.
• Prior experience in galleries, museums, auction houses, or cultural institutions preferred.

• Opportunity to work closely with founders on shaping a new cultural platform.
• Exposure to artists, collectors, and the broader Indian art ecosystem.
• Hands-on involvement in curatorial research, exhibition development, and programming.
• A dynamic role combining art history, programming, and gallery operations.