AddressAbout Us
Utopia Art Centre is 100% Indigenous owned and community directed. The Art Centre supports emerging and established artists. It provides a space for intergenerational learning and cultural expression in the Homelands. We’re keeping our generations stronger, through knowledge on our land. Located 250kms northeast of Alice Springs, Utopia Art Centre works across 16 remote homelands. Utopia has a diverse history with artists gaining international recognition for batik in the 1980’s before transitioning to painting. Many senior artists have travelled and exhibited across the world, including the famed Emily Kame Kngwarreye. The bold brushwork and expressive colour that set Utopia artists apart has been continued by the younger generation of children and grandchildren painting today.
About the Opportunity
The Art Centre Manager is to support the delivery of high-quality arts and cultural programming for the artists of the Utopia region. The Manager will help design and deliver activities that generate social, creative and commercial opportunities for the Utopia Art Centre’s artists. The Manager has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and operations of the Centre, including implementing the Art Centre’s business plan.
The Art Centre Manager reports to the CEO and acknowledges the overseeing direction of Centre’s operations by the Board of the Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation (UAC). The Corporation has a collaborative partnership with Desart to provide industry expertise and advice on professional practice and quality processes in the operation of the Utopia Art Centre.
The Studio Coordinator supports the Art Centre Manager in the delivery of high-quality arts and cultural programming for the artists of the Utopia region. They will assist in the delivery of activities that generate social, creative and commercial opportunities for the Utopia Art Centre’s artists.
Benefits
We have dedicated team members, comprehensive benefits, conditions and pay. Our greatest asset is our Aboriginal Traditional Owners and our Aboriginal staff, who provide guidance and support in every aspect of our service.
The Corporation offers some of the most comprehensive employment benefits in Australia:
Salary
- Base Salary Art Centre Manager - $90,000 pa plus superannuation
- Base Salary Studio Coordinator - $75,000 pa plus superannuation
- yearly salary review
- paid travel allowance (as required)
- comprehensive salary packaging which may include everyday living; meals and entertainment; mortgage and loans; electronic devices; novated leasing and superannuation
Conditions
- 6 weeks annual leave per annum
- Additional remote area leave per annum
- professional development and 2 weeks study leave per annum
- paid relocation assistance
Free Accommodation in Arlparra
- Comfortable 2 bedroom fully furnished house (shared) situated in the township of Arlparra
- Free mobile broadband and landline phone service
- Free utilities including power and water
- Fenced yard (pets permitted)
About You
To be considered for theArt Centre Manager role with the Corporation you must possess:
- Graduate Degree in the Arts, Arts administration or related field/s
- Substantial experience in arts administration or a related field
- Demonstrated understanding of governance requirements and commitment to indigenous leadership and self-determination.
- Understanding of professional gallery practice and curating, with contemporary knowledge of Arts industry standards and policies.
- Understanding of copyright and intellectual property issues
- Demonstrated successful experience in sourcing and managing funding grants and philanthropic support.
- Experience in studio management including preparation of materials, artist development and care and conservation of art works.
- Demonstrated experience in the deliver of indigenous or non-indigenous arts and craft or community arts projects.
- Well-developed small business management capabilities including sales and marketing, financial administration and efficient office procedures.
- Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with members, employees, stakeholders and clients
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
- Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities with proven ability to analyse processes and ensure continuous improvement
- Ability to generate ideas for business improvement
- High levels of enthusiasm, energy and resourcefulness
- High degree of accountability and attention to detail
- Understanding of and experience with Aboriginal community controlled organisations, delivery of municipal services and/or local government well regarded
To be considered for theStudio Coordinator role with the Corporation you must possess:
- Tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent work experience in Visual Arts or related industry
- Demonstrated understanding of the Aboriginal art industry, contemporary arts practice and broader visual arts industry
- Experience in studio coordination including preparation of materials, artist development and care and conservation of art works
- strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including high level cultural competency and the ability to communicate in an intercultural, multi-disciplinary environment
- Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with others
- Technical arts capabilities that ideally will include:
a. Experience working with colour, mixing colour and a sound knowledge of colour theory
b. Ability to take quality photographs with a digital SLR
c. Experience using online databases and Adobe Photoshop
d. a keen eye for detail and craft in art - Ability to work in a team and perform in a high-pressure environment, responding to situations in a flexible, practical, culturally appropriate way
- Proficient IT skills in the use of Microsoft Office application software and websites
National Police Clearance (within 3 months), NT Ochre Card (working with children) check and Open drivers licence are mandatory for these roles
Our Footprint and Facilities:
The Utopia Art Centre operates from within the Urapuntja Aboriginal Corporation – the not-for-profit administrative body responsible for the delivery of municipal services to the Anmatyerre and Alyawarra speaking people living on the Angarapa and Alyawarra Land Trusts. The Corporation provides these services to a population of approximately 1000 permanent residents.
The Corporation’s base of operations and accommodation is located at Arlparra 250 kilometres NE of Alice Springs along the Sandover Highway, and delivers services to 16 communities spread across >3,000 sq/km. It has an office complex, maintenance depot, Stronger Communities for Children program centre, Art Centre and accommodation facilities within the community.
How to Apply?
Submit your application via Seek.com portal. Your application must include:
- a covering letter highlighting your related experience working in a similar role and your interest in this particular role
- a comprehensive resume detailing your previous experience and qualifications
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Check out our website at https://www.utopiaartcentre.com.au
