About Us

Numbulwar Numburindi Arts (NNA) is a community-owned art centre representing Numburindi people based at Numbulwar. Since 2019, NNA has supported artists by providing a studio space, access to materials and equipment, professional development and sales and marketing opportunities.

Hosting a stable of around 50 artists, NNA predominantly works in fibre art, but more recently artists have also explored painting and sculpture. Although it has ancient origins, artwork from Numbulwar has a contemporary edge, now largely known for its intriguing use of ghost nets and other reclaimed materials. Artists arerepresented in public and private collections across Australia, and we have strong working relationships with established commercial galleries. We regularly exhibit our artwork and take part in major industry events.

Numbulwar is located at the confluence of the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Rose River in South East Arnhem Land. It belongs to the Nunggayinbala clan, one of the Wubuy-speaking clans from the region. Ceremonial activities are still very important within the community and occur regularly.

Driving from Numbulwar to Darwin takes approximately 10 hours, and to Katherine is about 5 hours, including large sections of unsealed road. The route is closed during the wet season, from about December to May each year, when air travel is the only way to access the community.

The Position

We are currently seeking an Art Centre Manager to join our team on a full-time, ongoing basis. The successful candidate will be based in Katherine (or elsewhere in the Northern Territory by negotiation), with monthly visits of at least one week each to Numbulwar. The role also entails regular travel to exhibitions and art fairs. Most of the time, the Art Centre Manager will work from home, maintaining regular communications with staff and artists on the ground in Numbulwar.

The Art Centre Manager oversees art centre operations and reports to the Executive Officer of Numburindi Corporation. They are responsible for ensuring strategic and sustainable growth through implementation of the strategic plan as well as maintaining and developing relationships within the cultural, arts, tourism, Indigenous and economic development sectors. On a day-to-day basis, the Art Centre Manager role covers relationship management, funding, budget management, securing new opportunities, stock management, sales, marketing, facilities and equipment management, studio coordination and administration, while maintaining and promoting the artistic and cultural integrity of the art centre. The Art Centre Manager also oversees three part-time Numbulwar-based arts workers, and a part-time Studio Coordinator.

We are seeking a friendly, dynamic and dedicated person to be our Art Centre Manager. It’s a challenging and exciting opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful team of dedicated artists, arts workers and their community. To be successful you will have experience in the planning, management and delivery of arts projects. You actively consider creative possibilities and stay informed of contemporary art trends. You are a committed and self-motivated person with a passion for Indigenous art. You enjoy working with different kinds of people and are motivated to achieve goals to a high standard. Previous experience working in a cross-cultural environment will be highly regarded.

Key Responsibilities

The Art Centre Manager is responsible for driving sustainable growth of the art centre, with key duties including:

• Develop and implement an annual arts program and apply for relevant sources of funding to support the program.

• Secure new opportunities for artists with reputable partners, including exhibitions, awards and commissions.

• Manage the art centre budget and funding obligations including reporting.

• Supervise, support and manage a dynamic team.

• Plan and deliver professional development for artists and arts workers.

• Support and mentor a dynamic group of artists, through strong and respectful relationships, to produce, market and sell high quality art.

• Work with the artists (one-on-one and in groups) to ensure completion of individual and group projects/works in line with project and exhibition timelines.

• Coordinate the supply of art materials, including those ordered in from outside the community as well as locally-harvested bush materials.

• Price, photograph and catalogue new artworks; manage consignments and stock.

• Promote the artists and art centre including regularly updating social media channels and the website.

• Keep the online store well stocked and send purchases in a timely manner.

• Plan, prepare for and participate in industry art fairs and events.

• Maintain efficient administrative procedures required in the day-to-day operation of the art centre.

• Maintain organisational assets including buildings and vehicles.

• Ensure all activities align with OHS principles and workplace policies.

• Regularly report to the Executive Officer.

About You

This role calls for a well-rounded, adaptable individual with the ability to work respectfully and compassionately in a cross-cultural context. It is well-suited for a self-motivated, highly organised individual committed to creating lasting economic and cultural benefits for the community. The ideal candidate will combine a sound grasp of community cultural development, project management and experience in the arts industry.

If you are a self-starter with a passion for Indigenous art, excellent time management, attention to detail and the ability to nurture positive and productive relationships with a wide range of people, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full position description here.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or experience in arts management, community development or the Indigenous arts and culture space.
2. Demonstrated budgeting and financial management skills with experience in grant writing and reporting.
3. Demonstrated effective strategic leadership in a culturally diverse team, with excellent interpersonal communication skills.
4. Ability to effectively manage other people and staff.
5. Demonstrated competent use of technology and ability to manage financial spreadsheets, marketing, social media and online sales.

Desirable:

1. Experience working in remote Indigenous communities with an understanding of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal arts and culture
2. Demonstrated ability to take high quality photographs.

Requirements:

• Manual driver’s license (4WD and long distance driving experience highly regarded).

• Ochre card, or the ability to obtain.

• National Police Clearance, or the ability to obtain.

Please direct any enquiries to Ella Doonan, Executive Officer on 0450 001 148 or [email protected] using the subject line: Art Centre Manager - Katherine enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.