Art Centre Manager

Ernabella Arts is seeking a full-time Art Centre Manager to lead its operations, finance, artistic development, sales, strategic development and more.

Ernabella Arts, Australia’s oldest continuously operating Indigenous art centre, is seeking a full-time Art Centre Manager to join their team!

ABOUT ERNABELLA ARTS

Based in the Pukatja/Ernabella community on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in the northwest of South Australia, Ernabella Arts is a cultural, social and economic hub for the community. It provides employment, training and income for artists and the wider community, and works within Aṉangu cultural frameworks, respecting Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara language, culture, Traditional Law and leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Art Centre Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operations, finances, artistic development, sales and marketing, governance and strategic direction of the Art Centre, working closely with the Directors, artists, arts workers and community. Highlights of the role include:

• Growing the artists’ profile and markets – building relationships with galleries, collectors and institutions, and developing exhibitions, projects and prizes locally, nationally and internationally.
• Supporting artistic excellence – running a well-resourced studio, facilitating bush trips on Country, and protecting artists’ copyright and cultural rights.
• Strengthening governance – supporting Directors and members, and bringing together traditional leadership with corporate governance.
• Developing people – mentoring Indigenous staff and arts workers and encouraging Indigenous employment.
• Keeping the Art Centre sustainable – managing finances, funding submissions and acquittals, and long-term strategic planning.

The role, together with the Studio Manager is due to commence on 1 February 2028 and include a 1 month handover to support the transition.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience in arts administration, arts management or business management, including running day-to-day operations.
• Sound financial management and budgeting skills, and experience with funding applications and acquittals.
• Experience leading staff and building partnerships across a broad range of stakeholders.
• An understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector, cultural protocols, and cultural and intellectual property rights.
• The ability to work respectfully within First Nations cultural and governance frameworks, and to live and work well in a remote community.
• A current (manual) driver’s licence and a police check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Experience in a First Nations art centre, knowledge of the First Nations art market, or an understanding of Pitjantjatjara and/or Yankunytjatjara language and culture will be highly regarded.

TO APPLY

Applications must be made directly through Seek here. A copy of the full position description including selection criteria is available here.

Your application should include:

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
• Your CV detailing relevant experience
• Responses to the selection criteria
• Contact details for two referees, with permission for them to be contacted

Couples applying for both roles are welcome to submit their applications together. Please make sure each application addresses the selection criteria for the role being applied for.

Applications close: Monday 16 November 2026