Exhibitions and Gallery Officer

About us

UMI Arts is a not-for-profit Organisation managed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors and is based in Cairns. UMI Arts is the lead Indigenous arts and cultural organisation for Far North Queensland, an area that extends north of Cairns to include the Torres Strait Islands, south to Cardwell, west to Camooweal and includes the Gulf and Mt Isa regions.

The Exhibitions and Gallery Officer is responsible for the delivery of the following key tasks: 

• Prepare and disseminate all exhibition paperwork to First Nations members, including expressions of interest (EOIs), exhibition/art fair agreements, and media releases.
• Organising, designing, and setting up First Nations Exhibitions and art fair exhibitions (adhere to museum hanging guidelines, prepare and display wall cards).
• Ensure all key deadlines are met by coordinating and overseeing the submission of EOIs and relevant paperwork from members, as well as managing the delivery of artwork.
• Ensure the organisation of files and storage of information is done effectively keeping track of EOIs, condition reports, artwork details, exhibition/art fair agreements, artist statements, sales data, and any other documents.
• Use both social and traditional media platforms to publicise and advertise each exhibition and its official opening event.
• Collaborate with public relations professionals and First Nations artists to organize a media press conference.
• Produce a catalogue for each art exhibition or fair containing precise details about the artworks and artists. 
• Coordinate and execute the Official Opening event (a 2-hour evening launch event) for every exhibition.
• Safely manage, package, and store artworks while in the care of UMI Arts and coordinate the collection or delivery of outgoing artworks.
• Conduct a comprehensive project evaluation and prepare a closure report for every exhibition or art fair program.
• Always ensure consistent and effective communication with artists, while demonstrating a deep understanding and respect for First Nations diverse cultural backgrounds.

The preferred candidate will possess the following essential qualities: 

• Achieves Results:  Shows a track record of delivering outstanding service and adapting to changing job requirements. 
• Effective Communicator:  Builds and nurtures collaborative relationships with the UMI Arts team to foster productive working relationships with all First Nations members, visitors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates Initiative and Reliability:  Capable of proactively solving problems in challenging situations and working well in a team or independently.
• Excellent Time and Data Management: Manages multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines and staying within budget. Also, handles all administrative tasks and paperwork following company protocols and best practices.

Qualifications & experience

• Proficiency in independently setting up Exhibitions and handling artworks, including framing, using power tools, climbing ladders, and lifting bulky items.
• Strong cultural sensitivity and experience, with the ability to collaborate /communicate effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Ability to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including artists, visitors, and consultants from the media and print industry.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient in using technology and quickly adapting to new software and applications.
• Valid Queensland driver's license (manual transmission).
• Blue Card for working with children for employment purposes.
• Background in First Nations or Arts organizations.

• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Suite, Canva, WordPress, and Shopify

Benefits

• Working closely with First Nations Artists and learning more about culture
• Work - life balance with flexible hours
• A competitive salary
• Opportunity to travel and attend more than 4 National Art Fairs
• Oversee more than 5 First Nations' Exhibitions a year at UMI Arts' gallery

If you feel like this is you, please submit your application with a cover letter and CV demonstrating how you meet the criteria

Your resume must include a minimum of 2 professional referees

Application closes by COB 30 April 2024

Submission are via seek or email to *****@umiarts.com.au and if you need more information, contact our Artistic Director, Lisa Michl on (07) 4041 6***