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Art Centre Manager - Kimberley

Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation

Warlayirti Artists is looking for a capable, well-organised, and culturally respectful Art Centre Manager to lead our operations in Wirrimanu (Balgo), Western Australia. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can manage a busy remote arts organisation while working closely with Aboriginal artists, Elders, and community members.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments, can make clear decisions, and is confident managing everything from strategic planning and financials to logistics, exhibitions, and community engagement.

About Us

Warlayirti Artists is a 100% Aboriginal-owned corporation, established in 1987. We support over 200 artists across four remote communities in the Kutjungka region. Our art centre is nationally and internationally recognised for producing bold and culturally rich work deeply tied to Country and tradition.

We're not just an arts organisation — we're a central hub for culture, employment, and community strength. The centre is governed by a local Aboriginal Board of Directors and supported by an Elder advisory group.

About the Role

This is a hands-on management role. You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the centre, managing staff, budgets, logistics, stakeholder relationships, and cultural programs. You’ll work closely with the Board to ensure the centre runs efficiently and in line with its strategic goals.

You’ll need to be comfortable living remotely, working independently, and making practical decisions. A strong understanding of cross-cultural work is essential, and previous experience in Aboriginal organisations or remote communities is highly regarded.

Core Responsibilities

  • Oversee all aspects of the art centre’s operations: staffing, budgets, funding, OH&S, facilities, and programs
  • Provide leadership and direction across administration, arts programs, and cultural development
  • Manage finances, reporting, grant writing, and governance obligations
  • Supervise staff, support professional development, and ensure clear communication
  • Coordinate travel, exhibitions, sales, and external partnerships
  • Build relationships with stakeholders, including artists, funders, institutions, and local services
  • Support the Board of Directors in strategic planning and implementation

What We’re Looking For

We’re after someone with a clear head, strong organisational skills, and a practical mindset. You should be able to juggle competing demands, communicate well, and lead with respect.

Essential:

  • Experience in arts or community organisation management, project delivery, or business operations
  • Strong administrative, financial, and planning skills
  • Confidence working independently in a remote or challenging environment
  • Experience managing teams and supervising staff
  • Ability to build respectful relationships with Aboriginal people and communities
  • Manual driver’s licence and remote travel capability
  • Police clearance and Working with Children Check

Highly Regarded:

  • Experience working in Aboriginal art centres or remote communities
  • Grant writing and acquittal experience
  • Familiarity with Aboriginal cultural protocols, ICIP, and copyright
  • Experience in exhibitions, marketing, or creative industries
  • Kukatja or other Western Desert language skills (or willingness to learn)

What’s on Offer

  • Housing: Fully furnished accommodation + utilities + IT provided
  • Vehicle: 4WD with limited personal use
  • Relocation Support: Travel subsidies + relocation allowance
  • Leave: 4 weeks annual leave + 10 days remote leave + TOIL + shutdown period
  • Contract: 12-month (renewable)
  • Other benefits: Salary sacrifice options and professional development support

To apply:

Click "Apply now" to submit your application.

For queries email [email protected] using the subject line: Art Centre Manager - Kimberley enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For further information, please visit our website here.

We’ll review and interview applicants as they come in. If this sounds like the right fit for you, apply now.

A position description is attached.

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