Project Space Coordinator (Aboriginal Art Centre)

Fixed-Term Contract 12 months.

Part-time 33.5 hours per week.

ABOUT US

Spinifex Hill Studio stands on Kariyarra Country in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. We are home to one of the youngest Aboriginal art collectives in the north-west of Australia, the Spinifex Hill Artists. Spinifex Hill Studio works with artists from many different language groups and presents art covering a breadth of styles. Our artists paint critically acclaimed and award-winning contemporary art.

We believe that culture, creativity and artistic excellence can unlock opportunities, create pathways and enlighten communities. We do this by designing and delivering programs that build and develop skills in creative thinking, learning and cultural tourism.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Project Space, based in South Headland is an extension of Spinifex Hill Studio (Port Hedland's only Aboriginal Art Centre: www.spinifexhillstudio.com.au), with much of its programming originating from the Studio, in addition to ongoing exhibitions, events, and artists’ residencies designed in response to the cultural demographic of South Hedland. This position is responsible for overseeing operations at the Spinifex Hill Project Space, and working with the wider team to design and deliver a suite of activities and events that will engage the public and key stakeholders.

The successful applicant will be an employee of FORM (www.form.net.au) and will operate from the Project Space in South Hedland while working in liaison with FORM’s regional team in Hedland and broader team in Perth. Current residents of Port or South Hedland are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities;

• Build the operational capacity of the Project Space, contributing to policy development and process improvements in consultation with the Manager
• Contribute to creative, editorial, and marketing collateral for Project Space exhibitions and programs in collaboration with the wider FORM team
• Cultivate positive customer experiences at the Project Space, to drive audience growth and strong artwork sales
• Ensure a high standard of care across the handling, packing and transportation of artwork
• Oversee the maintenance of the Project Space facilities and recordkeeping across catalogues and financial information
• Lead the development of the Project Space programming plan in collaboration with the Manager and the wider FORM team
• Coordinate the roll-out of the programming schedule and deliver Project Space programs, exhibitions, and events
• Collaborate with the studio staff and FORM curatorial staff to inform curatorial decisions for exhibitions
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of programs, events and exhibitions as requested by the Manager
• Work closely with studio staff and the Spinifex Hill Artists to ensure that all decisions are culturally appropriate and opportunities for Aboriginal employment are leveraged whenever possible
• Engage the Spinifex artists and community in meaningful consultation, events, and initiatives to foster strong relationships
• Support and coordinate programs, events, or exhibitions to build new, or strengthen existing, relationships with key funding partners
• Advocate for professional development and support for emerging Aboriginal curators and creatives
• Contribute to fundraising and reporting activities, including grant applications, acquittals and reports as directed by the Manager

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Your deep respect for Aboriginal culture and communities coupled with passion for community engagement will make you successful in this role.

To deliver the objectives of this position, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Working knowledge of artwork and exhibition coordination and delivery best practices
• Applied understanding of project and events management within the context of public program delivery
• Awareness and understanding of cultural protocols and respectful behaviors within a remote community art studio environment
• Strong project management and strategic planning skills
• Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholder and diverse groups of people
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in cross-cultural contexts
• Sound financial acumen, supported by proven ability to manage and report on project or section budgets
• Tertiary qualification in arts, arts management, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• At least two years of community program delivery and/or experience coordinating exhibitions
• Experience working independently, as a part of a small team

NEXT STEPS:

1. Access and review the position description via the drop-box link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k6qw67cmuu2f7mpgemi4r/Project-Space-Coordinator-2024.pdf?rlkey=sa0haickuqutqfdt4cmlx7npn&dl=0
2. Contact us on 08 9385 22***if you have any questions.
3. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV highlighting your skill and experience for the position.

Applications close at 9am 4 April 2024, we reserve the right to close this advertisement early if a suitable candidate is identified.

FORM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Western Australia both past and present, whose enduring connection to this Country and ongoing contributions to our collective culture and communities we respect and honour. We appreciate and are deeply grateful for the privilege of working on these lands.