Job description About the Role
The Men’s Studio Coordinator is a hands-on, studio-based role that supports the daily operations of the art centre by working closely with Yolŋu artists and artworkers. The position focuses on practical delivery, including coordinating studio activities, bush trips and material collection, maintaining a safe and organised workspace, and ensuring all tools, equipment and facilities are well managed. The role supports artwork production, documentation, packing and freight, while also assisting with visitor experiences, workshops and logistics. Working alongside the Executive Director, the Coordinator helps build skills and confidence among Yolŋu staff, ensures artists are supported and paid accurately, and contributes to a culturally respectful, well-functioning studio environment grounded in Yolŋu knowledge and practice.
To be successful in this role, you must be hands-on, reliable and proactive, with a strong ability to work both independently and as part of a small team. You must be able to build respectful working relationships with Yolŋu artists and staff, communicate clearly across cultures, and support a positive and organised studio environment. Strong practical skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential, along with a willingness to take initiative and adapt to the changing needs of a dynamic workplace. You must also demonstrate a commitment to cultural awareness, safety and ethical practice, ensuring all work is carried out in a way that respects Yolŋu knowledge, leadership and community protocols.
Men’s Studio Coordinator – Key Responsibilities
* This role is primarily hands-on and studio-based, working closely with Yolŋu artists and artworkers to support daily activities, cultural practice and artwork production.
* The Men’s Studio Coordinator works alongside the Executive Director to keep the day-to-day operations of the art centre running smoothly, with a strong focus on practical delivery. They support the coordination of studio activities, bush trips and material collection, ensuring artists have what they need to work on Country and in the studio.
* They take responsibility for maintaining the studio environment, including cleanliness, safety, organisation of materials and supplies, and ensuring all tools and equipment are in working order. This includes overseeing the care and maintenance of vehicles, yard and buildings, and ensuring OH&S requirements are followed in everyday practice.
* The role works closely with and supports Yolŋu Art Workers, providing on-the-job guidance and helping to build confidence and skills through practical work. They assist with screen-printing and other studio activities, and support the documentation of artworks, including photography, cataloguing in SAM, and recording artist details.
* They are responsible for the careful packing and freight of artworks, and for ensuring artworks are stored, handled and displayed respectfully within the art centre.
* The Men’s Studio Coordinator also supports visitor-facing activities, including Outback Spirit Tours, workshops, artist demonstrations, transport logistics and accommodation upkeep, helping ensure a positive experience for visitors and artists alike.
* The role supports the documentation of work and activities to ensure artists and Yolŋu staff are paid accurately and in a timely way, recognising the value of their cultural knowledge, time and contribution.
* While primarily operational, the role also supports the Executive Director with events, travel and special projects, and may step into broader responsibilities when needed. Above all, they work in a way that respects and supports Yolŋu culture, language, knowledge systems and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property protocols.
* The Mens studio coordinator may also be required to undertake other duties as reasonably directed to support the operations of the art centre. Due to the nature of the role, some out-of-hours work or overtime may be necessary from time to time, with any additional hours to be accrued and taken as time off in lieu (TOIL) in accordance with organisational policies.
Bula’bula Arts Aboriginal Corporation
Bula’bula Arts Aboriginal Corporation (BAAC) is an internationally renowned, Aboriginal-owned and governed art centre located in Central Arnhem Land, 400 kilometres east of Darwin. Bula’bula Arts is led by a board of Yolngu Directors who meet bi-monthly to work with the Executive Director to ensure the preservation and fostering of Yolŋu culture and its role within the community, as well as maintaining a strong artistic profile and program of exhibitions and projects. The art centre is an iconic tropical, elevated building in the heart of the Ramingining community on the edge of the heritage listed Arafura Wetland. www.bulabula.com.au
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential:
* Work experience or equivalent qualifications in grassroots community development, small business, hospitality or similar.
* Reliable and well-organised, with high levels of initiative and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
* Highly developed interpersonal, oral skills, which can include cultural competency and the ability to communicate in an intercultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
* Ability to work in a small team and perform in a high-pressure environment, responding to situations in a flexible, practical, and culturally appropriate way.
* Proficient IT and digital skills, including experience working with images and visual content using programs like Adobe Photoshop and the wider Adobe Creative Suite, along with basic video editing (eg CapCut). Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook, with the ability to confidently manage digital files, images and documents as part of everyday work tasks.
* Current driver’s licence (manual), willingness and experience in remote area driving.
Applications that do not address the essential selection criteria will not be considered.
Highly desirable:
* Experience working with Aboriginal people and the ability to work in an inter-cultural setting.
* Experience training and supervising staff within a dynamic work environment.
* Experience and knowledge of the visual arts sector.
* Screen-printing experience and basic Adobe Photoshop skills.
* Wood working skills