ABOUT US

FORM is an independent, not-for-profit organisation based in Perth with a mission to be a leader in developing a vibrant creative economy for the benefit and wellbeing of all Western Australian communities. We believe that culture, creativity and artistic excellence can unlock opportunities, create pathways and benefit communities. We are honest and true to our values of Creativity, Excellence, Integrity, Community Empowerment and Collaboration.

We aim to embed self-determination, grounded in cultural awareness and respect, as the basis of our work in all communities. FORM recognises that the Aboriginal peoples of Western Australia are the Custodians of the Country, their Culture, and their communities, in all respects.

Spinifex Hill Studio is located in South Hedland and comprises Spinifex Hill Studio (an Aboriginal art studio) and Spinifex Hill Gallery (an exhibition space and community programming facility). FORM manages Spinifex Hill Studio on behalf of, and in collaboration with, the Spinifex Hill Artists.

Spinifex Hill Studio works to provide programs and services to Aboriginal artists, their families and the broader community, based on the following key priorities:

• Governance: The most important and primary outcome is working with the Studio’s artists to establish and embed Aboriginal leadership at all levels of the Studio, including in the Spinifex Hill Studio Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
• Empowerment: Increased and sustained employment, meaningfully connected to cultural identity, for Aboriginal artists and their families.
• Innovation: Supporting the AAC and leaders, and working in partnership with key stakeholders, to develop a future-focused business development plan.
• Engagement: Events and programming that build cultural awareness in the community, provide community activation, vibrancy and cultural amenity.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Spinifex Hill Studio was first built in 2014 with a vision of creating a place where Aboriginal artists from across the region could come and paint and share community and culture. The painting practice of the Spinifex Hill Artists is as diverse as the many language groups the collective of over 100 artists represents. The Studio Lead is a key role for Spinifex Hill. The job of Studio Lead involves overseeing operations, artist development, and community engagement, with a specific focus on Aboriginal community partnerships. The role aims to enhance the capacity of Spinifex's Studio Artists.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing artistic production at the Spinifex Studio;
• Strengthening the Studio's operational capabilities to benefit Spinifex Artists socially, culturally, and economically, and;
• Establishing collaborative relationships with Studio artists and various stakeholders.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Your deep respect for Aboriginal culture and communities coupled with passion for community engagement will make you successful in this role. To deliver the objectives of this position, you will need:

• Cultural Awareness and Respect: Candidates should possess an awareness and understanding of cultural protocols and exhibit respectful behaviors.
• Arts Management Proficiency: Demonstrated understanding of arts management practices, studio processes, and artist development concepts is required.
• Fundraising experience: Knowledge of grant application processes, including reporting requirements, is essential.
• Database Management and Cultural Record Keeping: Candidates should have knowledge of artwork and/or collection database management, as well as cultural record keeping and associated reporting requirements.

If you are who we are looking for and want to make a meaningful impact with FORM, take the next step in your career.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Shared temporary accommodation for candidates that relocate for this role.
• Coverage of up to $5,000 of any relocation expenses
• 5 days serenity leave per annum (on top of standard leave entitlements)
• $1,000 per annum training and development allocation (standard for all employees

NEXT STEPS

Review the Position Description in dropbox by clicking here.

Contact Nick Zafir, Spinifex Hill Manager if you have any questions on [email protected] using the subject line: Studio Lead - South Hedland enquiry via EthicalJobs or 08 9172 1699.

Prepare a response that tells us how your knowledge, skills and experience apply to the objectives of this role.

Submit your application with your CV, response, a copy of your qualifications and any examples of work to support your application.

We do reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

FORM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Western Australia both past and present, whose enduring connection to this Country and ongoing contributions to our collective culture and communities we respect and honour. We appreciate and are deeply grateful for the privilege of working on these lands.