The Role

The Manager oversees all aspects of the art centre’s operation and reports directly to the Board of Directors. They are responsible for ensuring strategic and sustainable growth through implementation of the business plan as well as maintaining and developing relationships within the cultural, arts, tourism, Indigenous and economic development sectors. 

The Manager is also responsible for administration, financial management, funding, marketing, sales, and ensuring the delivery of arts and cultural services. To succeed in this position, the successful applicant must evidence the ability to work in a cross-cultural environment. Previous experience in a similar role will be highly regarded. 

Location

Papunya Community 

About Us

Papunya Tjupi Arts is a 100% Aboriginal owned and directed community art centre based in Papunya, 250km NW of Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Papunya is the birthplace of the Western Desert painting movement. The art centre was established in 2007, in response to the vacuum following the homelands movement of the late 1970s, which saw the exodus of many of the famous pioneer painters. 

Central to the art centre’s philosophy is the understanding that painting is an important part of culture and connection to Country, and that the teaching and passing of knowledge is what keeps the community’s future strong. 

Papunya Tjupi supports emerging artists as well as some of Australia’s leading contemporary painters, from both Papunya and the surrounding outstations. These artists continuously find new ways to tell their stories, and they have established their own unique identity based on the legacy of their forefathers. 

Papunya Tjupi’s artists exhibit widely, both nationally and internationally, with their works held by major institutions and private collections across the globe. We also support local arts workers, providing meaningful employment and professional development opportunities. 

Duties

Management and Governance:

• Work cooperatively with, seek direction from and report to the Papunya Tjupi Art Centre Directors. Ensure understanding of all policies, strategic planning, promotional and organisational issues.
• Recruit, employ and supervise all staff including contractors, consultants, volunteers, and interns.
• Implement the art centre’s business plan, review and update it annually with Directors and staff/artist’s input.
• Organise, facilitate and document art centre meetings, including the AGM.
• Uphold ORIC and Indigenous Art Code requirements.
• Recognise and respect the community’s culture, protocols and leadership frameworks.

Artistic:

• Manage the production of high-quality works of art.
• Recognise and nurture artistic talent, advising artists on their professional development.
• Organise bush trips to produce artworks in country, as appropriate.
• Ensure Directors and artists are familiar with Australian art sector. Financial Management and Administration
• Maintain best practice administrative procedures in the day-to day-operation of the art centre, including correspondence, business documentation, stock control, sales, reporting, and contract management.
• Financial management of all aspects of the business including banking and working closely with accountants and auditor.
• Prepare funding submissions and acquittals.
• Maintain equipment, vehicle, buildings and facilities, ensuring that they are in line with OH&S standards.
• Encourage Aboriginal employment and support, train and mentor local Aboriginal staff as needed.
• Protect and manage artists’ copyright and all intellectual property.
• Maintain database of customers, suppliers, funding sources, media, industry and publicity contracts, peak bodies and networks. Sales and Marketing
• Market and promote Papunya Tjupi and its artists nationally and internationally, through appropriate exhibitions, art fairs, prizes, projects and curatorial opportunities.
• Design and deliver annual exhibition programs with reputable commercial galleries.
• Maintain supply of stock to appropriate outlets.
• Promote the Papunya Tjupi gallery.
• Prepare and produce high quality promotional material including a regular social media presence and driving online sales through the art centre website.
• Monitor pricing in accordance with market demand.
• Where possible, develop new business opportunities for the Art Centre such as merchandising, licensing, cultural tourism etc.
• and Professional Development 

Networking with Artists, Community and other Agencies:

• Build strong and trusting relationships with artists, elders and other community members and agencies.
• Maintain strategic and cooperative relationships with external organisations, agencies, stakeholders and other Art Centres.
• Attend relevant industry events and conferences.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated organisational management skills including strategic planning, financial and human resource management and administration.
• Understanding of the Aboriginal art industry, contemporary arts practice and the broader visual arts sector and/or relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Demonstrated understanding of the arts funding landscape including the ability to secure, manage and acquit funding.
• Strong arts (or related) project management skills, including experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in marketing and selling art.
• Strong IT skills, including the use of databases and office software.
• Ability to critically assess art as well as recognise and nurture artistic talent.
• Understanding of working with and reporting to Aboriginal people and communities.
• A current driver’s licence, capability in remote area travel (4WD, Manual), ability to travel and live in a remote community.
• Current police check/clearance or ability to attain.

Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered.

Benefits

• 12-month contract (renewable) will be offered to the successful applicant.
• Six weeks annual leave plus 17.5% loading.
• Up to 10 days’ time off in lieu.
• Relocation assistance.
• Annual leave travel support.
• Salary sacrifice available.
• Rent free, fully- furnished accommodation.
• Applicants will need to obtain a police clearance prior to commencement

For more information regarding this position or the recruitment process please contact the manager, Paloma Pizarro via email [email protected] using the subject line: Art Centre Manager - Papunya enquiry via EthicalJobs or phone 0448 339 687.

A position description is attached.