ABOUT US

Baluk Arts is a non-profit Victorian Aboriginal Arts Centre established in 2009 and based in the beautiful seaside town of Mount Eliza. Baluk is a local Bunurong and Boonwurrung word meaning many or group of people and this reflects the diversity of their artists and their work. Aboriginal owned and governed, the organisation represents Aboriginal artists from the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. Baluk Arts presents several exhibitions annually to local, national and international audiences as well as facilitating arts workshops to members, Aboriginal communities and the wider public.

This exciting role provides a unique opening for an Art Centre Manager with great managerial skills to join an Art Centre which fosters excellence in the arts and provides a workshop and gallery for members to develop their artistic output and promote their work. This is a superb opportunity to advance Baluk Arts by shaping a sustainable and stable Aboriginal enterprise which promotes and develops the contemporary Aboriginal artists of the Mornington Peninsula Region and beyond.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Manager’s role is primarily to administer and cultivate the Art Centre’s business operations and to provide key support to the Board of Directors, staff as well as member artists. The Manager will have operational responsibility for the organisation and will oversee the Art Program Coordinator, Gallery Coordinator and Art Centres Assistant roles.

The role engages a wide range of stakeholders including the Art Centre community (staff, members, board), local First Peoples communities and organisations, local, state, and federal government bodies, regional partners, state, national and international galleries and museums, business partners and buyers.

The position is based in Mt Eliza however requires some travel around the region and to events and exhibitions interstate.

The appointment is for an initial 18 month period to June 2026 with the option to extend, subject to funding.

ABOUT YOU

As the Manager, you will be committed to Aboriginal empowerment, organisational sustainability, and the development of quality arts practice. You will build on the Art Centre’s past successes by ensuring the delivery of high quality artistic and cultural programs and developing new economic opportunities and revenue diversification. This will include increasing funding and philanthropic support and other initiatives that build organisational capacity.

We need a highly organised and focused individual with a proven record of contemporary staff management practices as well as financial management, contract and stakeholder management, with a track record of enabling strong governance. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who has demonstrated experience achieving positive artistic, economic and social outcomes to take our organisation to the next chapter of its story.

You will be excited by the opportunity to build on the success to date of our beautiful Art Centre, working closely with the artists and developing their careers as well as creating and growing the market for their work.

SELECTION CRITERIA

This is a fulfilling role, requiring a combination of arts sector expertise and business skills.

KEY Criteria

• Tertiary qualifications and/or experience in arts management, curatorial practice, community development and/or business management. Plus, an understanding of the role and significance of Aboriginal art centres, and the contemporary Aboriginal art market.
• Demonstrated effective strategic leadership and management of culturally diverse teams with a positive and professional approach, along with a willingness and ability to mentor/train employees and Aboriginal art workers.
• Demonstrated understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultures with an ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply for grants.
• Excellent budgeting and financial management skills with experience in successful grant writing, reporting, and fundraising.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the Aboriginal Arts Industry and/or broader contemporary Australian arts industry.
• Demonstrated understanding of the arts funding landscape including the ability to prepare successful funding applications, manage budgets and fulfil acquittal obligations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including culturally capable communication and the ability to consult, negotiate and liaise effectively with a diverse range of people.
• Experience in project management with demonstrated ability to set and adhere to organisational and project budgets, work to deadlines and meet funding body requirements.
• Demonstrated understanding of Governance as it relates to Aboriginal and non profit organisations
• Valid Police clearance check and a current Driver Licence will be required.

Desirable Criteria

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, SAM Database or similar, Adobe Creative Suite and Xero accounting software or willingness to learn.
• Sales and marketing experience within a successful commercial gallery, retail operation or similar.
• Experience expanding and developing artistic practice.
• Contemporary knowledge of Arts industry standard and policies.
• Experience in studio management, including preparation of materials, artist development and care/conservation of art works.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are strongly encouraged to apply.

We value diverse experiences and encourage candidates to apply even if they don't meet every requirement.

SALARY AND CONDITIONS

The base salary range is $95,000-$107,494 pro rata for a .7 FTE or .8 FTE position ( 3.5 or 4 days per week), plus superannuation. Salary Packaging is available up to $15,900. Occasional work on Saturday is required from10 AM -3PM. An 18 month contract includes an initial 6-month probationary period. This position is subject to ongoing funding.

The Manager reports to the Baluk Arts Board of Directors and ensures that the organisation operates in an ethical, transparent and professional business framework that reflects the values of the organisation. The manager will utilise best-practice operations standards related to an Aboriginal Arts Centre.

to apply

Please click 'Apply Now' and follow the instructions. Please apply immediately; we will be interviewing candidates as applications are received.

A position description is attached.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.