Art Centre Manager

Girringun Aboriginal Corporation is looking for a Arts Manager to promote Indigenous culture, creativity and community participation

POSITION DESCRIPTION

*THIS POSITION IS IDENTIFIED FOR AN ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PERSON *

PLEASE NOTE: 

Being an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification for this role under Section 25 of the QLD Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. 

POSITION TITLE:  Girringun Art Centre Manager  

POSITION LOCATION:  235 Victoria Street, Cardwell, Queensland

PERMANENT FULL-TIME:  38 hours/week

SALARY: $80,000 – $90,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience) + superannuation & salary sacrifice available.

• The position is subject to a six-month probationary period and an annual performance review.
• The position is reliant on the availability of ongoing funding and organisational financial capacity.

Girringun Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) is a not-for-profit community-based organisation:

CORPORATE VISION:  Strong Aboriginal people, strong Culture, strong Country

CORPORATE MISSION: To provide sustainable outcomes for the enhancement of social, cultural, spiritual, environmental and economic well-being for the benefit of Aboriginal people of the Girringun region through strong leadership, direction and strategic partnerships

BACKGROUND OF THE GIRRINGUN ARTS:

The Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, established in 2001 to support the nine Traditional Owner groups of the Girringun region: the Nywaigi, Gugu Badhun, Warrgamay, Warungnu, Bandjin, Girramay, Gulngay, Jirrbal, and Djiru peoples. The centre was founded with the goal of providing Indigenous artists from these communities with a platform to showcase their work, foster creativity, and preserve and transfer cultural knowledge across generations.

It has since become a vital space for the promotion of both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art forms, such as painting, weaving, carving, textiles, ceramics and printmaking.

The centre’s history is rooted in empowering local artists by providing professional development, marketing, and exhibition opportunities. Over the years, it has played a key role in securing national and international recognition for Girringun artists, offering them visibility in prestigious exhibitions and allowing their works to be displayed in prominent galleries and cultural institutions.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the CEO, the Art Centre Manager oversees the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, including the Arts Program, Museum, and Keeping Place. The role manages daily operations, staff, and the delivery and maintenance of arts activities across the Girringun Region.

The position requires strong communication and community engagement, coordinating on-country meetings, workshops, and activities with the nine Traditional Owner groups. The Manager supports the development and implementation of arts initiatives aligned with the GAC Operational, Strategic, and Arts Plans, promoting Indigenous culture, creativity, community participation, cultural preservation, and sustainable arts programs across the region.

POSITION INTERACTIONS: 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Management & Operations

• Oversee daily operations, staffing, scheduling, facilities, and OH&S.
• Maintain all GAAC assets, equipment, and resources.
• Research and develop Museum and Keeping Place exhibitions.
• Implement Art Centre policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Maintain administrative and financial systems, records, reporting, and compliance.
• Manage the retail gallery, studios, and equipment.
• Ensure fair, market-aligned artist payments and adherence to cultural protocols.
• Support Girringun Aboriginal Corporation operations.
• Coordinate staff training and professional development.
• Work with government bodies on cultural policies and protocols.
• Develop and implement the Art Centre business plan.
• Curate exhibitions, manage gallery programming, and support a sustainable artist supply.

Artist Support & Cultural Development

• Support artists’ creative practice, professional development, and participation in programs.
• Uphold cultural protocols and cultural authority across all activities.
• Facilitate intergenerational cultural knowledge transfer.
• Develop and maintain artist contracts and related documentation.
• Collaborate with staff and the Board on artistic programs and artist support.

Business Development & Marketing

• Grow art sales, commissions, partnerships, and revenue streams.
• Manage marketing, including social media, website content, newsletters, and media.
• Coordinate exhibitions, markets, festivals, and cultural tourism events.
• Build relationships with galleries, collectors, curators, and industry partners.
• Implement sales and marketing strategies and promote Girringun artists and exhibitions.

Financial & Funding Management

• Oversee budgeting, cash handling, invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Prepare grant applications, acquittals, and project reports.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities with full compliance.
• Manage stock control, sales records, artist payments, and consignments.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Maintain strong relationships with community members, Elders, Traditional Owners, artists, and partner organisations.
• Represent the Art Centre at events, meetings, and industry forums.
• Collaborate with schools, cultural groups, and tourism bodies on community arts programs.
• Investigate opportunities for the Art Centre to utilize the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

KEY CAPABILITIES:

• Knowledge and respect for Indigenous cultural practices and protocols.
• Ability to develop and implement cultural policies, business plans, and long-term strategies.
• Skills in curating, managing, and reconfiguring gallery spaces and exhibitions.
• Expertise in building relationships with artists, offering mentorship, and ensuring fair compensation.
• Understanding of pricing artwork, securing funding, and managing financial resources.
• Ability to design and execute sales, marketing, and promotional campaigns for art programs.
• Strong skills in writing and securing grants, sponsorships, and donations.
• Expertise in managing multiple projects, from exhibitions to trainee programs, with attention to deadlines and resources.
• Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders, artists, and the community.
• Ability to lead teams and mentor Indigenous trainees in their professional development.
• Knowledge of website management and digital content creation to showcase artwork and cultural narratives.
• Ability to advocate for Indigenous arts, ensuring visibility and cultural awareness.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, you will need to submit:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role.
• An application that responds to the “Selection Criteria” by providing a short summary to each question of how your skills and experience are best suited to the role of this position (three pages maximum).
• Your current Resume/CV.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm Thursday 26 March 2026 at the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation office or emailed to the details below:

Contact:          Melody Caldwell   

Email:              [email protected]      

Address:          235 Victoria Street, Cardwell QLD 4849

Phone:             (07) 40668 300

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Applications will remain current for 12 months and may be considered for other vacancies as they become available (full time or part time).
• Travel will be a requirement of this position.
• Out of hours and weekend work will be required.

Applications that do not address all selection criteria will NOT be considered.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills with flexibility and the ability to multitask.
• Qualifications or significant experience in visual arts practice and/or arts management.
• Business management capability, including sales/marketing, financial and office administration, and staff management.
• Proven leadership and mentoring skills; able to work independently, collaboratively, and manage communication across multiple stakeholders.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of local traditional and contemporary arts and the wider visual arts sector.
• Ability to recognise and support creative talent, provide constructive feedback, and foster high-quality art production.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities and in cross-cultural settings; community development experience an advantage.
• Current driver’s license and ability to travel remotely (including 4WD/manual) for extended periods.
• Current police clearance or willingness to obtain one.

Desirable

• Experience in Aboriginal organisations, including meeting facilitation, minute-taking, financial reporting, and legislative compliance.
• Experience securing arts funding and sponsorships, including grant writing, budget management, project delivery, and acquittals.

Thank you for your interest in this position with Girringun Aboriginal Corporation