Location: Cardwell, Cairns & Far North QLD
Job Type: Full time
Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 per year
BACKGROUND OF THE GIRRINGUN ARTS:
The Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, established in 2001 to support the nine Traditional Owner groups of the Girringun region: the Nywaigi, Gugu Badhun, Warrgamay, Warungnu, Bandjin, Girramay, Gulngay, Jirrbal, and Djiru peoples. The centre was founded with the goal of providing Indigenous artists from these communities with a platform to showcase their work, foster creativity, and preserve and transfer cultural knowledge across generations.
It has since become a vital space for the promotion of both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art forms, such as painting, weaving, carving, textiles, ceramics and printmaking.
The centre’s history is rooted in empowering local artists by providing professional development, marketing, and exhibition opportunities. Over the years, it has played a key role in securing national and international recognition for Girringun artists, offering them visibility in prestigious exhibitions and allowing their works to be displayed in prominent galleries and cultural institutions.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the CEO, the Art Centre Manager oversees the Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, including the Arts Program, Museum, and Keeping Place. The role manages daily operations, staff, and the delivery and maintenance of arts activities across the Girringun Region.
The position requires strong communication and community engagement, coordinating on-country meetings, workshops, and activities with the nine Traditional Owner groups. The Manager supports the development and implementation of arts initiatives aligned with the GAC Operational, Strategic, and Arts Plans, promoting Indigenous culture, creativity, community participation, cultural preservation, and sustainable arts programs across the region.
POSITION INTERACTIONS:
Internal Relationships
External Relationships
Reports to: Girringun Chief Executive Officer
Engages with: GAC Members, GAC programs & staff, Registered Native Title Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC’s/RNTBC’s) representatives; GAC partner agencies, Peak bodies, other organisations and general public
Supports: Artists and members of the Nine Traditional Owner groups
Provides reports: GAC Board, Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support (IVAIS) and Arts QLD (AQ)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
Management & Operations
· Oversee daily operations, staffing, scheduling, facilities, and OH&S.
· Maintain all GAAC assets, equipment, and resources.
· Research and develop Museum and Keeping Place exhibitions.
· Implement Art Centre policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
· Maintain administrative and financial systems, records, reporting, and compliance.
· Manage the retail gallery, studios, and equipment.
· Ensure fair, market-aligned artist payments and adherence to cultural protocols.
· Support Girringun Aboriginal Corporation operations.
· Coordinate staff training and professional development.
· Work with government bodies on cultural policies and protocols.
· Develop and implement the Art Centre business plan.
· Curate exhibitions, manage gallery programming, and support a sustainable artist supply.
Artist Support & Cultural Development
· Support artists’ creative practice, professional development, and participation in programs.
· Uphold cultural protocols and cultural authority across all activities.
· Facilitate intergenerational cultural knowledge transfer.
· Develop and maintain artist contracts and related documentation.
· Collaborate with staff and the Board on artistic programs and artist support.
Business Development & Marketing
· Grow art sales, commissions, partnerships, and revenue streams.
· Manage marketing, including social media, website content, newsletters, and media.
· Coordinate exhibitions, markets, festivals, and cultural tourism events.
· Build relationships with galleries, collectors, curators, and industry partners.
· Implement sales and marketing strategies and promote Girringun artists and exhibitions.
Financial & Funding Management
· Oversee budgeting, cash handling, invoicing, and financial reporting.
· Prepare grant applications, acquittals, and project reports.
· Identify and secure funding opportunities with full compliance.
· Manage stock control, sales records, artist payments, and consignments.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
· Maintain strong relationships with community members, Elders, Traditional Owners, artists, and partner organisations.
· Represent the Art Centre at events, meetings, and industry forums.
· Collaborate with schools, cultural groups, and tourism bodies on community arts programs.
· Investigate opportunities for the Art Centre to utilize the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
KEY CAPABILITIES:
· Knowledge and respect for Indigenous cultural practices and protocols.
· Ability to develop and implement cultural policies, business plans, and long-term strategies.
· Skills in curating, managing, and reconfiguring gallery spaces and exhibitions.
· Expertise in building relationships with artists, offering mentorship, and ensuring fair compensation.
· Understanding of pricing artwork, securing funding, and managing financial resources.
· Ability to design and execute sales, marketing, and promotional campaigns for art programs.
· Strong skills in writing and securing grants, sponsorships, and donations.
· Expertise in managing multiple projects, from exhibitions to trainee programs, with attention to deadlines and resources.
· Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders, artists, and the community.
· Ability to lead teams and mentor Indigenous trainees in their professional development.
· Knowledge of website management and digital content creation to showcase artwork and cultural narratives.
· Ability to advocate for Indigenous arts, ensuring visibility and cultural awareness.