Open call: Spier Light Art project manager

The successful candidate will oversee the 8th edition of Spier Light Art, which will take place at the historic Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch from March to April 2026.

This 11-month, part-time contract will commence in July 2025.

The project manager will manage the production and installation of Spier Light Art. To ensure the successful delivery of the event, the manager will work closely with curators Jay Pather and Vaughn Sadie, the LIGHT PLACE administration team, and the Spier marketing and grounds team.

Candidate requirements:

• Proven experience in project management within the arts, cultural, or events sector.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, including artists, technical teams, and marketing professionals.
• Experience in budget management and financial reconciliation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to manage correspondence professionally.
• A background in public art, exhibitions, or festival production is highly advantageous.
• Must be based in the Western Cape (Cape Town or Helderberg – Stellenbosch preferred).
• The candidate should have own transport.

Key responsibilities

Artist and curatorial coordination

• Manage the call for proposals, selection process, and all related correspondence.
• Act as the primary liaison between artists, curators, and Spier.
• Oversee contracts and agreements with selected artists.

Production and installation management

• Develop and manage detailed production schedules and timelines.
• Coordinate logistics for transporting, installing, and testing artworks.
• Ensure all installations are functional and safe in collaboration with the Spier maintenance team.

Marketing and communications support

• Provide the Spier marketing team with images, artwork descriptions, and artist bios.

Event planning and operations

• Assist in organising the opening night events.
• Coordinate artist talks, guided tours, or public engagement activities.

Financial and administrative oversight

• Manage the project budget, ensuring all costs align with financial plans.
• Facilitate artist and supplier invoicing, payments, and reconciliations.
• Maintain clear project documentation and reporting.

Event maintenance and breakdown

• Provide a plan for activating and deactivating the installations throughout the exhibition period.
• On-site monitoring of installations throughout the exhibition period, troubleshooting issues as needed.
• Oversee the de-installation and return of artworks.

How to apply

To apply, candidates should send a comprehensive CV (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees) to vaughn@lightplace.org before 15 June 2025.