Background

Tjarlirli Art Indigenous Corporation is an Aboriginal-owned arts and community organisation run out of two remote art centres in the communities of Tjukurla in the Ngaanyatjarra lands of Western Australia and Kaltukatjara in the Pitjantjatjara Lands of the Northern Territory.

First established in Tjukurla in 2006, second studio was opened in Kaltukatjara in 2016. Represented by leading galleries, art awards and major Aboriginal art fairs, the artists continue to produce high quality artwork. These successes have created financial stability for Tjarlirli and Kaltukatjara Art, with the strong sales complemented by long-term operational support from the Federal Government. In turn, this stability enables Tjarlirli and Kaltukatjara Art to maximise support for artists and provide the best possible studio and professional development settings.

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About the Role

The Manager, Studio and Creative Programs works with a small team to deliver a high-quality arts enterprise for artists of the Tjukurla and Kaltukatjara communities. This role is integral to developing, delivering, and maintaining the artistic and cultural programs of Tjarlirli and Kaltukatjara Art.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Production and Career Development

• Oversee all aspects of artistic production and career development.
• Manage both studios.
• Plan and deliver the yearly program of exhibitions, art fairs, awards, and other events.
• Facilitate creative skills workshops, return-to-country trips, and other development programs.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Operations Manager, Studio staff, Art Workers, and the Board of Directors to ensure business aims and aspirations are met.

Community and Industry Engagement

• Live and work in remote communities (Kaltukatjara and/or Tjukurla, with regular travel between the two).
• Travel to regional, interstate, and international industry events including art fairs, exhibitions, awards and conferences, supporting artists, directors and arts workers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting and Team Dynamics

• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Works with: Manager, Business and Operations
• Supervises: Studio Coordinator, Studio Assistant, Arts Workers, support staff, volunteers, and consultants.

Artistic, Professional, and Cultural Development

• Manage and maintain 2 art studios per professional and OH&S standards.
• Facilitate high-quality art production by member artists.
• Protect and manage artists' copyright and intellectual property.
• Organize professional development and mentoring opportunities, including new and continuing skills workshops.
• Provide critical feedback to support quality art production.
• Organize cultural and artistic practice trips and support artists at outstations.
• Respect and encourage Indigenous language, culture, and traditions.

Administration

• Prepare and acquit funding submissions in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Maintain equipment, vehicles, buildings, and facilities per OH&S standards.
• Keep accurate records and catalogue artworks in the SAM database.
• Document arts/cultural activities.
• Maintain efficient file management systems.
• Adapt management decisions to operate within a limited budget.

Sales and Marketing Activities

• Develop and maintain relationships with Aboriginal art industry professionals and institutions.
• Organise and manage exhibition programs.
• Manage logistics for materials and artwork.
• Maintain stock supply to partner retail outlets and seek new markets.
• Promote the Art Centre locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the retail outlet.
• Maintain databases of customers, suppliers, and media contacts.
• Coordinate field trips, travel, and accommodation.

Strategic and Operational Management

• Encourage Aboriginal employment and support staff training and mentoring.
• Respect traditional law and leadership frameworks.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager to:
  • Hire and supervise staff and volunteers
  • Host regular meetings with members and the Board, ensuring valid documentation
  • Develop and review Art Centre policies with Board approval.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with members, the community, and stakeholders.

Selection criteria

Essential:

• Studio management: Ability to manage staff, art materials, stock levels, OH&S, and efficient studio procedures.
• Project management: Proven ability to prioritise deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating strong organisational skills, effective time management, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Includes experience in setting clear goals, delegating tasks, and maintaining high productivity under pressure.
• Highly developed aesthetic: Proven ability to assess works of art, nurture artistic talent, and provide structured and sensitive feedback to artists.
• Experience in developing exhibitions: Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and execute successful exhibitions that engage diverse audiences and showcase creative works effectively.
• Understanding of the contemporary Aboriginal art sector: Ideally with experience in arts administration.
• Cross-cultural communication: Proven ability to work, live, and communicate in a cross-cultural environment and negotiate complex social and cultural issues.
• IT proficiency: Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to software, troubleshoot issues, and effectively use IT resources to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Remote area work capability: Proven capacity and maturity to live and work in a remote, busy, and often challenging environment.
• Financial management: Demonstrated financial prudence, including experience in cost control, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring efficient use of resources to achieve organizational goals.
• Manual driver’s license: Current manual driver’s license and the ability to travel in remote areas.

Highly regarded:

• Experience in remote Aboriginal art centres: Proven track record in managing arts studio and working with Indigenous communities.
• Experience in establishing connections within the Australian art context: Including relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, and other key stakeholders to facilitate collaborations and enhance the studio’s creative programs.
• Knowledge of copyright and intellectual property issues.
• Experience with cataloguing and collection management software.
• Leadership experience: Previous experience in a leadership or supervisory position.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Deep understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and traditions.

Other requirements

The successful applicant will need to obtain a National Police clearance and Working with Children clearance (on acceptance of position, and conditional to contract offer).

Contract details

This is a 12-month full-time renewable contract position, with flexibility to be discussed during the interview.

Renumeration

The base salary ranges from $75,000 to $85,000 per annum, plus superannuation and salary sacrifice benefits (pro-rata).

Added competitive allowances and entitlements, such as onsite accommodation, will be discussed during the interview.

Leave

Six weeks annual leave taken over the Christmas shutdown period, and up to 3 weeks’ Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) per annum, plus personal/sick leave.

Training and Development Opportunities

• Hands-on comprehensive training, including from industry professionals.
• Enrolment in a 4WD training course and a first aid course.
• Participation at peak body conferences, art markets, and exhibitions across Australia.

A position description is attached.