Studio Coordinator

Join Tiwi Design as Studio Coordinator—support Tiwi artists, grow creative practice and share culture in a unique remote community.

Join Tiwi Design as Studio Coordinator and play a central role in one of Australia’s oldest and most artistically diverse remote art centres. Based in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, you’ll work alongside Tiwi artists to support a vibrant creative community and help share the stories, traditions and distinctive Jilamara behind their work. With a new museum opening and a rich program of studio, gallery and visitor activities, this is an opportunity to contribute to an exciting next chapter for Tiwi Design.

This is a hands-on, varied role focused on helping artists do their best work. You’ll coordinate day-to-day studio operations, make sure artists have the materials and support they need, and supervise and mentor local arts workers. Working with the Manager, you’ll plan and deliver professional development workshops, welcome emerging artists into the studio, organise trips to collect natural materials and support cultural activities. You’ll also help artists share their work with wider audiences through exhibitions, art fairs, gallery partnerships, marketing and visitor experiences.

We’re looking for a practical, self-starting arts professional with relevant qualifications or equivalent experience, a strong understanding of studio practice and the ability to support artists’ creative development. You’ll bring project-management skills, curiosity about the Aboriginal art sector, and a patient, respectful approach to building relationships across cultures. Experience in a remote Aboriginal community is welcome, as is a willingness to learn and adapt to remote living.

CONDTIONS

Salary: $87,000 plus super

Allowances: 

• Fully furnished, 2 b/r unit, rent free, including utilities
• Six weeks leave plus time off in lieu by negotiation and leave loading
• Salary sacrifice options
• Relocation expenses and annual airfare of $1,500
• Vehicle with limited personal use

DUTIES

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the artist’s studio.
• Oversee studio workflows, ensuring artists have access to the materials, equipment and support they need.
• Coordinate studio administration and management, including:
  • supervising and mentoring arts workers and coordinating training and skill development.
  • working with the Manager to apply for and manage funding for creative activities and projects.
  • maintaining studio equipment.
  • ensuring safe work practices are always followed.

• Work with the Manager to plan and deliver a program of arts development activities that build the skills of both emerging and established artists, including:
  • delivering an annual calendar of professional development workshops encompassing current and new media.
  • organising bush trips to collect natural materials and support cultural activities.
  • supporting new artists to engage with the studio and development programs.

• Work with the Manager to promote and sell high-quality artwork, including:
  • planning an annual schedule of exhibitions, markets and art fair or industry events.
  • maintaining partnerships with galleries, institutions and collectors.
  • photographing artworks, recording stories, updating biographies and updating the Stories Art and Money (SAM) database.
  • supporting marketing, social media and publicity activities.
  • packing and freighting artworks.
  • managing agreements and consignments with galleries.

• Travel with artists to exhibitions, events, on-Country trips and meetings when required.
• Assist with day-to-day art centre operations, including:
  • gallery display and presentation of public spaces.
  • tour group and visitor engagement.
  • general administration and support.
• Attend staff meetings and report to the Manager and board of directors as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

Desirable

• Prior experience living and working in a remote Aboriginal community.
• Excellent communication and listening skills, combined with cultural competency and curiosity.
• Personal resilience and stability, with a calm outlook that will support effective self-management and help navigate the challenges of remote living.

Other requirements

• Current driver’s license, with experience in 4-wheel driving in remote settings (or willingness to undertake training).
• Willingness to live in a remote community and travel as required.
• A National Police Certificate that should have been completed within the last three months and a valid NT Ochre Card (working with children clearance) or equivalent.

APPLICATIONS

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

Applications must include a cover letter, current CV and statement addressing the selection criteria. Please include the details of two recent/relevant referees.

Applications close on Monday 2 November at 5pm Central Standard Time.  Late applications will be at the discretion of Tiwi Design. 

Your application should be marked Confidential and must be submitted by email to: [email protected]