Artists of Ampilatwatja

Artists of Ampilatwatja is a 100% Alyawarr owned and led arts centre based in Ampilatwatja (pronounced um-bludder-witch), 320 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs. The art centre, established in 1999 and incorporated in 2003, provides economic and social opportunities for the community while keeping culture strong. Our small, harmonious community mostly belong to the Alyawarr language group and have strong family ties with the surrounding outstations of Irrultja, Atnwengerrp, Honeymoon bore, Utopia homelands and the wider Barkly region.

Now a dynamic community of over 70 artists, the famed Ampilatwatja style of pointillism is very much informed by the original batik movement of Utopia, whereby many of the artists were either creating batiks or watching their mothers and grandmothers. The artists of Ampilatwatja each have their own unique style of painting, however for many, their subject matter is often landscapes of Country and homelands, and bush medicine.

Our bright and figurative depictions of Country portray public cultural information - landscapes containing Altyerr, local dreaming stories, are represented but not the stories themselves, in order to protect sensitive cultural information from the uninitiated. Country has provided and sustained our people for generations and our artworks, Akwerlp AlpeytArtna Arntetyew, are poignant reminders of the interconnectedness of everything.

For more on Artists of Ampilatwatja, please go to https://ampilatwatja.com/

The opportunity

Artists of Ampilatwatja is currently experiencing a period of growth, with the next twelve months promising to be an exciting and rewarding time. We have a full exhibition schedule planned and consistent online sales. We are seeking a hard-working and motivated Studio Coordinator to help tackle these upcoming opportunities and contribute to the artistic and financial growth of the organisation. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an art professional who would like to experience life and work in a remote Indigenous community.

Working closely with the Board and with direction from the Art Centre Manager, the Studio Coordinator will:

• Support artistic and professional development of artists and arts workers
• Provide art centre administration support and social services
• Provide studio management and project support
• Assist in the marketing of art centre events and achievements
• Have a highly developed sense of aesthetic and;

• Have a genuine commitment to Indigenous self-determination

Previous experience in a similar role will be highly regarded.

Why us?

This is a fabulous opportunity to work with an Aboriginal led and governed organisation in the central desert of Australia. We foster economic opportunities and cultural engagement for the Ampilatwatja community, while keeping culture strong. Art professionals passionate about supporting locally led, arts-based community development are encouraged to apply.

The yearly salary is $60 - 70k plus 10.5% superannuation. You will benefit from 6 weeks annual leave, in additional to the standard leave entitlements. Time off in lieu (TOIL) is available with an additional five days leave every three months. Further competitive allowances and entitlements are also offered and will be discussed at the interview.

How to Apply

Go to https://desart.com.au/job-opportunities/ to download the full job description. Then, click the "Apply Now" button and follow the instructions.

For enquiries, including questions regarding accessibility, contact the Desart General Manager at [email protected] using the subject line: Studio Coordinator - Ampilatwatja Art Centre enquiry via EthicalJobs on 08 8953 4736

Artists of Ampilatwatja is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse, inclusive workplace culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be asked to consent to a National Police Check and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

A position description is attached.