• Part-time (3 days per week), 1 year, 5 month fixed-term contract position
• Role commencing in January 2021
• Salary package: $81,336 per annum pro rata (includes base salary $74,279 pro rata + 9.5% employer’s contribution to superannuation)
• Audience Engagement Division
• Reports to the Public Engagement Manager

The MCA acknowledges the enormous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, staff, educators, arts professionals and guests have made to the fabric of the museum since its inception. Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice has long been central to MCA collection and exhibition programs. In addition, the MCA offers a number of important programs that focus on enhancing the engagement of visitors, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences, with contemporary art and ideas. This exciting opportunity forms part of the MCA’s commitment to assisting in building experience and capacity within a new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts professionals.

Overview of the Artful: Art and Dementia Program

The MCA Artful: Art and Dementia program, launched in 2015, has coincided with a three-year pilot research project with the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and Dementia Australia, which looked at how regular art activity can impact on both wellbeing and markers of neuroplasticity in people living with dementia. The full research report is available on the MCA website here.

Since its inception, over 200 individuals living with dementia and their care partners have been supported in this program to create new connections and life-enriching experiences through contemporary art. We have seen the impact that art and creative expression can have on participants during Artful, leading to improved self-confidence, wellbeing and social cohesion. In February 2020, the MCA launched the Artful toolkit, an online resource designed for people living with dementia and their support networks. The Artful toolkit is a paid resource and includes 10 artmaking activities designed for people living with dementia at any stage in their lives. The toolkit is suitable for use in a number of settings, such as at home, in a healthcare setting, or a gallery.

Overview of the position

The Art & Dementia Coordinator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander position forms part of the MCA’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and programs. This is an identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander position under section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977.

Starting in January 2021 this new position, reporting to the Public Engagement Manager, plans, develops and implements innovative creative learning programs for audiences living with dementia aligned with the MCA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy. As part of this role, they will develop a new program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals living with dementia and their support networks as well as co-develop and co-lead the Artful Family Program – a new program for individuals living with dementia and their family members. They will additionally work collaboratively with the other Art and Dementia Coordinator to deliver the ongoing pre-existing Artful 6-week program.

The 2 Artful Coordinators (Art & Dementia Coordinator 3 days per week & Art & Dementia Coordinator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 3 days per week) will work collaboratively and support one another while each taking the lead and being responsible for certain aspects of the Artful program.

We are committed to the values outlined in the MCA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Learning Framework, Creative Learning Manifesto, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy and our Access, Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The individual will also be invited to contribute to the activity of the MCA Indigenous Advisory Group (IAG) which meets four times per year.

The ideal candidate is committed to building positive relationships with audiences, partners and colleagues.

Tasks and responsibilities of the position

• Plan and deliver a stimulating program of events for individuals living with dementia with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Coordinate and work collaboratively with the existing Artful Coordinator on stimulating programs and experiences for people living with dementia, their care partners and families.
• Lead a specialist team of Artist Educators in the design, delivery and evaluation of Art & Dementia Programs. Additionally, provide written briefs and supervise casual members of staff including MCA Hosts to facilitate and deliver events.
• Connect with individuals interested in the program and maintain high level of communication with them and their care partners during the program.
• Co-organise and co-deliver training for Artist Educators as well as a professional development evening for the sector.
• Ensure duty of care, safety, access and participant well-being is part of all program development and delivery.
• Develop strategic partnerships, liaising with key stakeholders both internally and externally, including the health and access sector, artists and professional specialists
• Maintain and extend administration and information management.
• Other duties related to the program as directed by the Public Engagement Manager.
• Maintain awareness of contemporary art, gallery education practices, and accessibility programs.

Selection criteria

It would be good if applicants match some or all of the following:

• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification for this position and is authorised by section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977
• demonstrated knowledge of and/or awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture
• current Working with Children Check (NSW) (if you currently don’t hold a valid WWCC, you can apply for a free check for volunteers: https://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check and if appointed to the role change it to a paid working check. We can assist with this process)
• previous experience facilitating learning experiences with diverse audiences
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills including written communication skills
• ability to be flexible and respond to new opportunities and changing circumstances as required
• ability to work collaboratively, independently and within deadlines
• knowledge of NSW duty of care legal and ethical frameworks when working with older people
• a commitment to the Museum’s objective of promoting the work of living artists and making contemporary art accessible to broad audiences through the imaginative and creative presentation of exhibitions and programs on contemporary visual culture
• a commitment to the principles and application of Equal Employment Opportunities, Anti-discrimination legislation and Occupational Health and Safety legislation in the workplace.

Desirable criteria

It would be good if applicants have:

• tertiary education in contemporary visual culture, dementia care, aged care or trauma-informed practice or equivalent experience
• knowledge of technical set-up for presentations such as projectors, laptops, internet connections and audio, and the ability to trouble-shoot equipment failure
• a current Class C Driver’s License.

Applications

Please visit the MCA website via clicking apply now for details on how to apply.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions you may have prior to submitting your application; we are happy to provide more information about the role and assist with your application.

Working for the MCA

The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The MCA promotes a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality and dignity. Find out more about the MCA.

A position description is attached.