Bula’bula Arts Aboriginal Corporation (BAAC) is an internationally renowned, Aboriginal-owned and governed art centre located in Central Arnhem Land, 400 kilometres east of Darwin. Bula’bula Arts is led by a board of Yolngu Directors who meet bi-monthly to work with the Executive Director to ensure the preservation and fostering of Yolŋu culture and its role within the community, as well as maintaining a strong artistic profile and program of exhibitions and projects. The art centre is an iconic tropical, elevated building in the heart of the Ramingining community on the edge of the heritage listed Arafura Wetland.

Find out more about us at: bulabula.com.au.

About the Role

The Studio and Visitor Services Coordinator will provide operational support to the Executive Director in the day-to-day running of the art centre, studio and associated programs and projects.

A primary responsibility of this role is to oversee Yolngu artworkers and the day-to-day studio needs of artists, including bush trips for the collection of barks and weaving materials, screen-printing and ensuring art centre assets, including vehicles, yard and buildings, are appropriately maintained. They are also responsible for supporting visiting tour groups as well as the upkeep of BAAC accommodation, Mona Lodge.

The Studio and Visitor Services Coordinator reports directly to and works closely with the Executive Director and alongside a team of Arts Workers. They must operate within the ethical and transparent business framework of BAAC, and work towards the art centre’s strategic goals.

To succeed in this role, you will have high levels of initiative, be very organised, be an active listener and be willing to take on the breadth of tasks this role requires. You must be respectful and sensitive working in a cross-cultural environment.

Key responsibilities include:

Operational and Management

• Assist the Executive Director in overseeing day-to-day operations of the art centre
• Adhere to the Bula’bula Arts Policies and Procedures Manual and in consultation with the management, update as required.
• Monitor all Art Centre assets including tools, equipment, buildings and facilities ensuring that OH&S is observed. Advise Management of any relevant observations and assist management to repair, replace or upgrade where possible.
• Oversee maintenance of the Bula’bula Arts vehicle, ensuring fuel, air in tyres, water and oil maintained and regular services are scheduled. Ensure vehicle use aligns with art centre policy.
• Work with and supervise Yolngu Art Workers to implement day-to-day operations.

Studio support

• Manage and maintain the art studio and art supplies for use by members of the Art Centre.
• Maintain a clean, safe, well-resourced and secure work environment.
• Facilitate bush trips for collection of materials such as pandanus, ochre, bark, dyes and support artists in outstation communities.
• Support textile screen-printing practice
• Support the cataloguing and document completed artworks, using SAM software, and document artists’ biographical details.Be responsible for the timely packaging and freight of artworks to clients, galleries and events.
• Arrange appropriate storage and hanging of artworks in the art centre to ensure work is respected and the art centre well presented at all times.
• Work with Arts Workers and provide on the job training and support.
• Support, respect and encourage maintenance of Indigenous language, culture and tradition.
• Protect and respect Indigenous cultural rights and observe any applicable protocols including artist copyright, moral rights and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).

Visitor Services

• Support Outback Spirit Tours as per the Group Bookings agreements (during the dry season May-September).
• Make arrangements for artist demonstrations, support pick-ups and drop offs.
• Provide sales support to the Executive Director and Arts Workers
• Ensure accommodation is kept clean and compliant with OH&S requirements.

Communication

• Cultivate and nurture respectful, cooperative and professional working relationships with Directors, artists, staff and volunteers as well as the Ramingining community and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate active listening techniques, critical thinking and problem sensitivity.

Governance and Strategic Business Support

• Recognise and respect existing Aboriginal Law and leadership frameworks.
• Observe the community’s code of conduct, community protocols and by-laws.
• Assist the Executive Director in the coordination and documentation of Board meetings, artist meetings and the AGM, as directed.
• Assist the implementation of Bula’bula Arts Strategic Business Plan, working in consultation with the Executive Director.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Work experience or equivalent qualifications in grassroots community development, small business, hospitality or similar.
• Reliable and well-organised, with high levels of initiative and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Highly developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including high-level cultural competency and the ability to communicate in an intercultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Ability to work in a small team and perform in a high-pressure environment, responding to situations in a flexible, practical, and culturally appropriate way.
• Proficient IT skills in the use of Microsoft Office application software and websites.
• Current driver’s licence (manual), willingness and experience in remote area driving.

Highly desirable:

• Experience working with Aboriginal people and the ability to work in an inter-cultural setting.
• Experience training and supervising staff within a dynamic work environment.
• Experience and knowledge of the visual arts sector.
• Screen-printing experience and basic Adobe Photoshop skills.

How to apply

Please click 'Apply Now' to submit your application.