Studio Technician & Field Officer
Warlayirti Artists
Location: Balgo Community, regular travel to Mulan and Billiluna
Hours: Full time
Base Salary: $60,000 – $65,000 pro-rata (depending on experience) plus superannuation and salary sacrifice packaging is available
Contact: director@balgoart.org.au
Organisation Background
Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation (WAAC) is in Wirrimanu (Balgo) WA, a dry community 860kms northwest of Alice Springs along the Tanami Track and 270kms south of Halls Creek. Warlayirti Artists supports the art and culture of Indigenous people in the Kutjungka region (Wirrimanu, Kururrungku and Mulan), generating social and economic benefits that flow from the production and sale of their art. ‘Balgo Art’ is an important brand in the national and international art market.
Over the last 30 years WAAC has developed into a nationally and internationally acclaimed centre for Aboriginal art that provides opportunity for many local artists to produce and sell fine art that is highly valued in the art market. Warlayirti Artists operates from a community development framework implementing community development principles and processes to maximise the participation of the Aboriginal staff, Board of Directors and artists in the organisation. It is a 100% Aboriginal-owned corporation, incorporated under the Corporations Act (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 2010).
Warlayirti Artists is a significant and dynamic remote arts business, which demands a commitment to the aims of the organisation:
• Promote, preserve and enrich cultures in the region
• Provide appropriate economic opportunities for community members
• Nurture and develop artistic and commercial excellence
• Diversify creative learning opportunities for community members
This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an arts worker who would like to experience life in a remote Aboriginal community. They will need to be highly motivated, have sound technical and practical skills, a strong work ethic, motivation and highly developed listening and communication skills. Respect and understanding of cross-cultural environments is essential, knowledge of contemporary Aboriginal art is desirable. Previous experience in a similar role will be highly regarded.
Position Overview
The Studio Technician is responsible for maintenance of studio space in art centre, preparing materials for artists and undertaking regular field trips to neighbouring communities, Mulan and Billiluna. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of the art centre, supervise, and train Aboriginal Arts Workers. You will be required to work closely with and assist the art centre manager in the preparation and delivery of the exhibition program of Warlayirti Artists. The ideal applicant will possess strong visual arts skills, exhibition / project management skills, and the ability to live and work in a remote Aboriginal community. You will be required to travel interstate supporting the artists to attend industry events. This is a challenging position that requires a person with patience, flexibility, strong interpersonal and communication skills. We welcome applicants with a passion for Aboriginal art and culture. A working knowledge of the contemporary Australian art industry, gallery/museum and/or curatorial experience would be a great asset along with any experience living and working in a remote Aboriginal community. The successful applicant will have the ability to work with people of all ages, physical abilities and varying artistic experience.
Salary Package Includes
• Furnished accommodation and utilities provided
• Flight subsidy and relocation allowance will be offered to the successful applicant
• Other competitive allowances and entitlements are also offered and will be discussed at the interview
• Four weeks leave with 17.5% leave loading
Role duties and responsibilities
Arts development and studio
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Warlayirti Artist studio for use by artists of multiple age and experience
• Coordinate the arts development program for Warlayirti Artists and organise related workshops and training
• Support artists to produce, market and sell high quality work
• Work with artists one-on-one and in groups to ensure completion of works for exhibitions and events
• Supervise Arts Worker team
• Advise artists and arts workers on best practice use of quality art materials
• Travel with artists as required to attend exhibition, events and bush trips
• Coordinate the supply of artist materials
• Photograph and catalogue artworks, collate artwork stories, capture artists bios
• Maintain the SAM database and related stock management
• Ensure safe work practices are observed always
General
• Work with the Manager to plan annual exhibition program, art awards and art fair/industry events that support established and emerging artists
• Provide administration assistance to the manager as required
• Assist with other day-to-day operational tasks at the art centre when required (assist with gallery display, cataloguing, pack and freight, tour groups and visitors, general administration, driving etc)
• Support sales and marketing to local buyers and tourists when required
• Participate in meetings and report to the manager and Board of Directors as required
Essential Selection Criteria
• Demonstrated understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultures, ability to work in a crosscultural environment and live in an isolated/remote area.
• Experience in arts studio practice, fine arts teaching, gallery technician or similar
• A highly developed aesthetic sense and proven ability to constructively assess artworks.
• Strong organisational skills with experience in coordination and delivery of multiple projects with demonstrated ability to work to strict deadlines
• Ability to work independently & collaboratively in a remote, isolated setting
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and other relevant digital technologies, including digital SLR photography and Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop.
• Ability to sustain physical & mental complexities of the position, including self-care & strong boundaries.
• Current manual driver’s license with experience in remote area travel, and the ability to travel extensively in support of Warlayirti Artists’ activities.
• Valid Police clearance check and Working with Children Check.
Please email your application to Warlayirti Artists board of directors: director@balgoart.org.au
They will access & interview candidates as the applications are received, if you are interested in the role & believe you have the right skills please apply as soon as possible!