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

Tiwi Design is seeking a hands-on, artist-focused Studio Coordinator to support the creation of high-quality artworks and deliver engaging, skill-building programs for artists at all stages of their careers.

This is a unique opportunity to work daily with Tiwi artists in a creative and culturally rich environment. You’ll help artists source materials, complete projects, deliver workshops and exhibitions and engage with visitors. You’ll also coordinate studio logistics, contribute to grant applications and manage art production workflows.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in studio coordination or management, including materials and equipment handling
• Practical art or design skills, with the ability to assist artists across a range of media
• Experience delivering workshops and creative development programs
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and a respectful, collaborative approach
• Administrative and digital literacy, including Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent
• Adaptability, patience and resilience for working in a remote community setting

What we offer

• Base salary: $80,000–$90,000 plus 11.5% super
• Salary packaging – PBI benefit
• Rent-free, furnished 2-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 Art and Culture Centre Manager 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.