ABOUT BIMA WEAR

Bima Wear is a Tiwi women’s creative enterprise based in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, one of the Tiwi Islands off the coast of Darwin NT. It is a not-for-profit Incorporated Association. Specialising in sewing and screen printing, it is one of the oldest Aboriginal arts organisations in Australia. Bima Wear experiences strong local support and good external market recognition of its products. It operates in a well-equipped workshop, office, and small retail space located in the centre of the community.

Bima Wear commenced in 1969, an initiative of Tiwi women and a Catholic Sister from the local mission. The organisation achieved independence in the late 1970s and today, Bima Wear is still proudly owned and operated by local women, including some of the original artists. Our objective is to offer social, cultural and economic opportunity to Tiwi women and girls. We design, print and sew casual, special occasion and ceremonial wear that celebrates our distinct language and culture. Our fabrics feature traditional designs and environmental representations that are central to Tiwi life.

Wurrumiyanga is the largest community on the Tiwi Islands, with a population of around 2,000 people. It has two small supermarkets, schools and medical services, a police station, child care centre, aged care, social club and church. Access is via regular plane, passenger ferry and barge services operating from Darwin.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Workshop Coordinator’s primary responsibilities are to supervise the day to day operations of Bima Wear workshop and retail outlet and to support the Bima Wear Manager in the financial, administrative, artistic, strategic, and operational management of Bima Wear.

This is a hands-on position coordinating all aspects of a creative workshop including:

• Supporting the artistic and professional development of artists and arts workers
• Provide art centre administration support and social services
• Provide workshop management and project support
• Have a genuine commitment to Indigenous self-determination
• Highly developed sense of aesthetic and;
• Assist in the marketing of art centre events and achievements

For full range of duties and responsibilities, see the attached information pack.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

• Experience in Indigenous visual arts, community enterprise development or other arts-based organisation.
• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent industry experience and practical skills in clothing design, pattern-making, screen printing and/or sewing.
• Proficient IT skills, and proven administrative, written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in retail sales and/or arts marketing.
• Professional experience or knowledge of contemporary Indigenous textiles/fashion and/or the broader visual arts industry.
• Ability to live and work in a remote cross-cultural environment and respond to situations in flexible, practical, culturally appropriate ways.

Desirable:

• Cultural fluency, and a sound understanding of issues impacting Indigenous cultural rights and economic independence
• Tertiary qualification or industry experience in screen-printing will be highly regarded.

ABOUT YOU

The successful applicant will know how to communicate respectfully and effectively with the women of Bima Wear, as well as develop and maintain productive relationships within the Tiwi community. You are adaptable and thrive in an inter-cultural environment where a calm manner and resourcefulness are useful attributes. You effectively manage competing priorities. You will understand that you are on Tiwi country as a guest and are motivated to observe, learn about and respect Tiwi culture, language and history.

A current Drivers Licence is required for this position. The successful applicant will hold Valid Australian work rights and will be required to obtain a National Police Clearance and Working with Children Clearance. The successful applicant will be required to live and work in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island. Evidence of qualifications will be required upon shortlisting.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Total remuneration package $80,000 p/a. Base salary from $70,000 p/a, negotiable according to qualifications and experience, plus 11.5% superannuation. 6 weeks annual leave and 10 days sick leave are included. Semi- furnished accommodation is provided. The position is eligible for the special area tax rebate.

Any further questions regarding Bima Wear may be directed to Nicola Skill (Bima Wear Manager) at [email protected] using the subject line: Workshop Coordinator - Wurrumiyanga enquiry via EthicalJobs, or 0480 485 311. If you meet some, but not all the selection criteria, please consider applying as growth and adaptability are important aspects of this position.

A position description is attached.