Established in 1969, Tiwi Design is one of the oldest and most artistically diverse remote art and culture centres in Australia. Located in the Aboriginal community of Wurrumiyanga on the southeast corner of Bathurst Island, about 80 km north of Darwin, it houses large art studios run by Tiwi staff, outdoor facilities, a retail shop and gallery, collection stores, a library, common rooms, office and some limited accommodation for visitors.

Artists at Tiwi Design produce ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood carvings, screen-printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze and glass sculptures as well as limited edition prints. Tiwi Design has an active membership of around 55 people and represents about 160 Tiwi artists.

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to live and work on Country and support a proud, intergenerational community of Tiwi artists.

Tiwi Design is seeking an experienced, culturally aware and community-focused Art and Culture Centre Manager to lead the organisation into its next chapter. Reporting to the board of directors, you’ll guide the centre’s operations, sustainability and strategic growth, supporting Tiwi artists to thrive in their practice and build a strong future.

This diverse and rewarding role includes team leadership, financial management, program management, marketing, exhibition delivery, partnership development and governance support.

You’ll work closely with the Tiwi Design board of directors to uphold cultural integrity, grow visibility for Tiwi art and foster wellbeing for artists and community.

What you’ll bring

• A strong track record leading visual arts or cultural organisations, ideally in regional or remote settings
• At least 3 years’ experience working cross-culturally, preferably with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities
• Skills in business management, stakeholder engagement and funding development
• Sound financial acumen and a commitment to transparency
• A respectful, grounded and collaborative leadership style

What we offer

• Salary packaging – PBI benefit
• Rent-free, furnished 3-bedroom housing plus utilities
• Relocation allowance to agreed amount, plus annual return travel to $1,500
• Six weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading plus 6 days’ time in lieu per annum

Location

Wurrumiyanga, on the southeast corner of Bathurst Island – just 80 km from Darwin – is home to a vibrant and welcoming Tiwi community. The art and culture centre offers a dynamic workplace embedded in a rich cultural context, with a legacy of artistic innovation and community empowerment.

recruitment guide and faqs

Click "Apply now" to submit your application.

Joint applications from 2 people for this role and the Studio Coordinator position are welcome.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

To have a conversation about the role, contact:

• Current Art and Culture Centre Manager Jason Canning on +61 499 200 563 (ACST)
• Arnhem, Northern and Kimberley Artists (ANKA) Aboriginal Corporation General Manager Bala Starr on +61 8 8981 6134 (ACST)

A recruitment guide and FAQs are attached.