M16 Artspace (M16) operates on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We honour and pay our respects to its traditional custodians. We acknowledge this land ‘always was and always will be’ the country of Australia’s First Nations People. Sovereignty was never ceded.

Incorporated in 1985, M16 is an inclusive organisation that supports a thriving arts community of emerging and established artists, writers and curators of any age, background or culture. M16 presents high-quality exhibitions from both emerging and established artists and curators from Canberra, interstate and overseas. M16 Artspace runs three gallery spaces, manages 31 artist studios and houses five arts organisations that offer art classes.

M16 remains committed to supporting local Canberra visual artists as it enters into its 40th year in 2025. This includes aligning our exhibition program with key social and community values, placing a strong emphasis on increased representation of First Nations artists and showcasing artistic practices that resonates with the diverse community that makes up Canberra’s population. We recognise the important work ahead and are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community in Canberra.

The role

The General Manager of M16 is a newly designed role that will be responsible for shaping and supporting a period of consolidation and transition for one of Canberra’s leading contemporary arts organisations.

The General Manager will build and/or improve M16’s relationships with core partners and its community, including M16 members, Board of Management, artsACT, other ACT arts organisations (particularly those also earmarked to move to the proposed Kingston Arts Precinct).

This role requires proven experience in strategic planning and execution, financial management, program and project oversight, funding, sponsorship, philanthropy, and fostering community partnerships. It is desirable, but not essential, that candidates have an understanding of the Australian and/or Canberra arts sector.

Candidates who are able to demonstrate strong adaptability and resilience in navigating an environment of evolving strategic, creative, and financial opportunities with sound judgement and insight are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Details

• Hours of Work: 38 hours per week (negotiable). Some evening and weekend attendance will be required for M16 board and member meetings, exhibition openings, stakeholder events and programs.
• Term: The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract with an option to renew. This includes a six-month probation period.
• Reports to: Board of Management
• Supervisory Responsibility: M16 Managers, casual staff, interns and volunteers
• Location: Griffith, Canberra, ACT
• Salary: From $110,000pa plus 11.5% superannuation

Core Responsibilities

• Lead one of Canberra’s most well known arts organisations which provides studio, workshop and gallery space for contemporary local artists and other arts organisations through:

  • Strong and productive relationships with funding bodies, government agencies, tenants, key stakeholders, sponsors, partners and members, including through the design and delivery of M16 membership and community engagement activities.

  • Sound governance activities including leading the M16 Studio and Workshop Artists Group (SWAG) and supporting the Board of Management and Annual General meetings, development and maintenance of policies and procedures, acquittals, risk management, Worksafe ACT, legislative requirements and the M16 Artspace Constitution.

  • Operational and financial management of M16, with a particular focus on identifying and enlivening revenue increase and/or expense reduction opportunities through grants, sponsorship and philanthropy to broaden and strengthen the organisation’s financial base.

• Work in partnership with M16 members and the Board of Management to develop, manage and implement a new M16 Artspace Strategic Vision and related Business Plans, taking into account the expected transition of M16 Artspace to the planned Kingston Arts Precinct.

• Management and/or oversight of paid and unpaid staff to deliver:

  • Property and facilities for M16 studio artists and workshop tenants

  • Exhibitions and public programs

  • Communications and marketing

  • Retail and business development

Essential selection criteria

• Proven experience in successfully managing an organisation, preferably in the arts sector, including creative leadership, business development, strategic planning and budget accountability.

• Demonstrated creative and commercial acumen with an ability to develop, discuss and deliver strategic and annual business plans.

• A sound understanding, or the demonstrated ability to develop this, of the visual arts industries and the experience to identify, develop and maintain business relationships in the sector and beyond.

• Proven experience in sponsorship and fundraising and the ability to identify and submit successful grant applications.

• Sound stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively, both within the organisation and with key external individuals, organisations and government.

• Proven experience in representing an organisation to stakeholders and the general public

• Ability to forge or support innovative commercial opportunities for M16 and member artists and tenants to achieve revenue targets

• People management experience demonstrating a capacity to recruit, train, inspire, empower and motivate staff in a collegial, inclusive and team-based environment

• Marketing, media and communication experience and the ability to raise M16 profile both locally and nationally

Cultural competency

• Be curious, interested and engaged in the future of M16 from the perspective of its members and community

• Work as a close team to deliver the artistic program and business operations in a positive and safe workplace.

• Be supportive, flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.

• Strive to achieve environmentally responsible business practices and actively look to maintain a healthy work life balance.

• Productive and harmonious relationships with tenants, artists, audiences, partners and stakeholders.

• Commit to continuous improvement, using evaluation to understand effectiveness and areas for growth and review.