Collections Coordinator

Milingimbi Art and Culture (MACAC) is an Indigenous owned and governed non-profit organisation supporting Yolŋu arts and culture on the island of Milingimbi and its surrounding homelands in Northeast Arnhem Land. We are a local social, cultural and economic hub with a long and distinguished history of partnering with national and international institutions to showcase the artistic excellence of our community. Underlining this work is our mission to support the sharing of cultural and ceremonial knowledge across generations through grassroots, artist-led projects.

Located on the grounds of MACAC studio, the Djalkiri Keeping Place (DKP) is a digital cultural repository housing a powerful archive of over 20,000 repatriated historic photographs and recordings of art, ceremony and people taken from Milingimbi over the last century. Through MACAC, DKP works closely with artists and knowledgeable elders from over 25 clans and 12 language groups to repatriate, document and curate our island’s unique history.

Collections Coordinator Role

The Collections Coordinator works at the direction of the Art Centre Manger and Board of DIrectors to support MACAC artists, elders and community members to access copies of cultural material that now lives in museums and galleries across the world, assisting our community to reclaim its capacity to connect with, speak for and respond to its documented past.

Responsible for overseeing the operation of DKP programs, the Collection Coordinator will work with Yolŋu staff to manage and curate the DKP database and its associated digital collections; facilitate outreach projects within community; and coordinate the documentation of historic artworks with artists, a visiting linguist, Art Centre Manager and other key stakeholders. The Collections Coordinator is also responsible for maintaining relationships with institutional partners, including facilitating trips to support artists to visit physical collections in Australia and overseas when required.

Whilst overseeing Djalkiri Keeping Place activities, the Collections Coordinator will also assist the Art Centre Manager in studio operations, including activities such as managing the harvesting of barks, natural ochres and other local materials; supporting artists to create works that reference and respond to historic Milingimbi artworks held in the DKP archive; attending markets and exhibitions, and documentation of contemporary works by current artists.

The role would suit candidates with academic, arts, and strong cross-cultural backgrounds who are interested in working in an immersive, hands-on role at the intersection of these fields. The successful candidate will be provided with an extended hand-over and on-the-job training.

What’s on Offer

• Accommodation and utilities provided
• Competitive remuneration
• Six weeks paid annual leave per year
• Use of vehicle on the island
• Two return flights to Milingimbi per year
• Relocation allowance
• Opportunities to work collaboratively with renowned artists and cultural leaders
• Immersion in a rich culture with a vibrant ceremonial life
• Travel opportunities

Person Requirements

Essential

• Cross-cultural work experience. Work with remote Indigenous communities and artists is highly regarded
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and good time management skills while working in a demanding and team-oriented working environment
• Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of contemporary arts, Indigenous culture or history
• Demonstrated project planning and coordination skills
• An ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including working outdoors in challenging environments
• Experience working under the direction of a board of directors is highly regarded
• Proficiency in IT, data management and relevant software (Excel, MS Word, etc.)

Desirable

• Prior experience in collections work in academic or museum settings
• Prior experience working in contemporary art industries, curation and exhibitions
• Competency in grant writing and liaising with funding bodies
• Skills in boat operation and maintenance
• Historical knowledge of Arnhem Land Indigenous cultures
• Linguistic skills or experience working with linguists
• Experience managing digital or physical collections 

Candidates must have or be willing to obtain prior to employment, a national police check and hold a valid driver’s licence (with off-road and remote driving experience preferable).

Applications are to be received directly to ******@milingimbiart.com and include a cover letter addressing the person requirements.

For further details a copy of the position description is available at: https://www.theengagedspace.com.au/expertise/recruitment/ 

Applications close: Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Please apply without delay as shortlisting will commence as soon as possible.