Background

Milingimbi Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation (MACAC) is a non-profit, Indigenous owned and governed art and culture centre located on the remote island of Yurrwi (Milingimbi) off the coast of East Arnhem Land. MACAC’s mandate is to serve the community in which it operates. Art making is an expression of Yolŋu Rom (Law) and also affords multiple benefits to artists and their families. Artworks from Milingimbi have been widely collected since the 1920s and feature in numerous prominent collections.

We celebrate and encourage the expression of Yolŋu culture through the arts, and support the continuation of cultural and artistic practice by established and emerging Yolŋu artists. We facilitate this through maintaining a commercially viable arts enterprise, which provides a diverse range of cultural and economic opportunities for both individuals and the community as a whole.

In addition to our successful weaving and painting programs, we have established the interconnected Djalkiri Keeping Place, a digital community collection that inspires artistic development and cultural practice and is at the heart of all of our projects. We work closely with a number of public collecting institutions that support the development of contemporary art projects and the inclusion of Yolŋu voices in historical collections.

Our organisation is strong, recognised for its artistic and cultural excellence and maintains a clear developmental trajectory.

The Position

We are currently looking for a manager to work closely with our Board of Directors to oversee the operations of our organisation, the administration of all artistic, financial and business affairs to meet the objectives set out in our Business Plan. The Manager will take direction from Directors and lead our core team including; Collections Manager, Studio Coordinator, Linguist and Studio and Gallery assistants. The position is for a two-year contract with options to extend (subject to review and funding). The Manager has a challenging role with many rewards. The position awards the right candidate an outstanding opportunity to be part of a Yolŋu enterprise grounded in sustainable outcomes for our members and their community.

The manager plays a key role in ensuring the success of the organisation. It is a demanding position responsible for:

• Financial viability and reporting;
• Maintaining and generating funding opportunities;
• Supporting strong governance processes;
• Coordinating artist development, sales and marketing;
• Supervising and training a dynamic team of staff;
• Strategic planning;
• Maintaining organisational assets including buildings and vehicles; and;
• Development of exhibitions and other public programs.

The manager is the key person responsible for communicating with our Yolŋu board of directors, acting on their directions and ensuring sustainable practices across the organisation. The manager pursues opportunities that create economic and cultural benefits for the Art Centre’s members.

About You

This position requires a multi-skilled, team-oriented person with a high level of cross-cultural competence. It is suited to a self-motivated, dynamic, highly organised person who is committed to working with Yolŋu to create long-term economic and cultural benefits. In addition to organisational governance support and successful business management, the Manager also mentors Yolŋu gallery and studio staff. The Manager must have a strong understanding of gallery and studio operations in an arts organisation. The successful candidate will combine a sound grasp of community cultural development with business management. Before applying please consider that this is a very challenging role that requires living in a difficult physical environment and navigating confronting social, political and cross-cultural issues.

Note: MACAC is also recruiting a part-time Studio Coordinator. Joint applications are encouraged. If you are applying for job share please contact us to discuss your application. Individual applications are also sort after.

Recruitment contact

Rosita Holmes
e: [email protected] using the subject line: Manager - Yurrwi enquiry via EthicalJobs.
p: 0477 998 287

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Milingimbi Art and Culture Manager is primarily responsible for the administration, viability and daily operations of the art centre. The Manager will work closely with directors, staff and funders to generate economic opportunities grounded in cultural practice for MACAC members. They will build strong relationships with artists and continually develop their ability to work in a cross-cultural context. They coordinate the logistics of MACAC programs, building and maintaining relationships with community stakeholders, museums, galleries and collectors, both local and international. The art centre manager reports directly to the Board of Directors and supports them to develop their understanding of governance and financial processes. The manager ensures the overall success of Milingimbi Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation.

HOURS - 37.5 hours per week (pro rata)

Essential Selection Criteria

Cultural:

• Understanding of Indigenous governance.
• Knowledge or strong interest in, Yolŋu culture and art practice.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and understanding of context.
• Enthusiasm to work alongside and mentor Yolŋu staff.
• Ability and desire to live in a remote Yolŋu community.
• Capacity to reflect critically on one’s own opinions and preferences.
• Skills in developing understanding of ideas underpinned by Yolŋu world view, experience and preferences.
• Willingness to develop skills in Yolŋu language.

Professional:

• Strong business management and administration skills.
• Proven ability in managing complex finances and to work with the organisation’s accountant.
• Proven ability to maintain reporting obligations to government and philanthropic funders.
• Ability to secure funding from diverse sources including government and philanthropic donors.
• Proficiency in not-for profit-organisation program management and reporting requirements.
• Proven ability to deliver organisational strategy to achieve its goals.
• Proven ability to manage a project and meet deadlines on a consistent basis.
• Ability to be flexible within your role, multi-task, prioritise, and work well under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate with an extensive cross-section of people including; community stakeholders, museum and gallery staff, collectors, funders and customers.
• Ability to manage and train staff with diverse numeracy and literacy competencies.

Attitude:

• Values listening and taking time to work with Yolŋu board and leaders; ensuring support for decision-making that is informed, self-determined and reflective of the organisation’s Yolŋu governance.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills and commitment to building long-term organisational relationships within and external to the community.
• Willingness to work in a team, to facilitate creative problem-solving and foster a positive attitude to the work place and its challenges.

Technical / Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in visual arts, arts management, curatorial practice or similar.
• Experience or strong interest in the Indigenous art sector.
• Understanding of, or experience in visual arts practice.
• Proven experience in business management.

Proficiency in one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of contemporary and/or Indigenous art practice.
• Experience in the day-to-day operations of a medium-large studio, including developing exhibitions, professional development opportunities and cultural programs.
• Experience in social media platforms and communications.
• Experience in grant writing and funding acquittal processes.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector and/or philanthropic fundraising.
• Experience working within a cross-cultural environment or a remote Indigenous community.
• Manual driver’s licence preferred, but not essential.
• Marketing and/or fundraising skills.

Although not an essential requirement of the position, applicants who have previous experience working in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities will be highly regarded. This is a unique opportunity to work with a strong Yolŋu organisation and ensure its continued success in maintaining cultural development that aligns with economic outcomes for Yolŋu.

Salary & entitlements

• Base salary between $70,000 to $80,000 depending on skills & experience, plus state ‘legislated superannuation’.
• Fully furnished accommodation provided.
• Utilities; including water, electricity and rates free of charge.
• Provisions for Public Benevolent Institution based salary sacrifice arrangements
• Six weeks annual leave (pro rata) + loading.
• Three return flights per year to Darwin to be taken in conjunction Art Centre events that require travel (i.e. art fairs and exhibitions) wherever possible.
• Airfares to and from Milingimbi at commencement and completion of contract
• Reasonable relocation costs
• Limited vehicle use

A position description is attached.