Job description About Milingimbi Art and Culture
Milingimbi Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation (MACAC) is a Yolŋu-owned art centre on Yurrwi (Milingimbi Island). We support a large group of highly skilled weavers, painters, carvers and emerging artists. MACAC plays a central role in cultural maintenance, using locally harvested materials for all works. We work closely with senior knowledge holders, clan groups, and a growing cohort of younger artists to deliver high-quality artworks to exhibitions and collections across Australia and internationally. MACAC is unique as an art centre in that it has an established Keeping Place, working with historical collections material to maintain cultural integrity and support contemporary practice.
ABOUT THE ROLE
MACAC is seeking a capable, friendly and organised Studio Coordinator to support daily studio operations and artist development. Working under the direction of the Art Centre Manager, the Studio Coordinator ensures the studio runs smoothly each day, materials are prepared, artworks are documented to a high standard, and artists receive consistent support across all stages of production.
This role is hands-on and community focused. It involves working closely with senior and emerging artists, supporting intergenerational learning, and contributing to the development of new exhibitions, programs and creative projects. The Studio Coordinator must uphold and promote Yolŋu cultural integrity in all aspects of the work.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a strong and creative Yolŋu community, contributing to an art centre with national cultural significance and a dynamic forward program.
Employment type
* Full time (12-24 month contract, with possibility of extension) Location: Yurrwi (Milingimbi Island), North-East Arnhem Land
* Salary: $80,000 – $85,000 plus super (depending on experience)
Benefits
* Accommodation with utilities included (water, electricity, rates)
* Six weeks annual leave plus leave loading
* Public Benevolent Institution salary-sacrifice benefits
ABOUT YOU
This role suits a self-motivated, organised person with the ability to work respectfully in a cross-cultural environment. Someone who enjoys hands-on creative facilitation, is adaptable in a busy studio environment, and is committed to supporting Yolŋu artists to develop strong voices and practices. They will be comfortable living and working in a remote island community. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, good communication, patience, and a willingness to build trust and long-term relationships with artists, elders and community. They will be passionate about community, art, and Indigenous peoples.
Key Responsibilities
The Studio Coordinator is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the MACAC studio and delivering high-quality artist development. Responsibilities include:
* Supporting Yolngu artists to produce high-quality work with a focus on strong craftsmanship
* Support arts workers to harvest, manage and prepare art materials including bark, natural timbers, pandanus, plant dye materials, ochre and more, used in paintings and weavings.
* support arts workers to photograph and catalogue all artwork using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
* Working with artists individually and in groups to support project and exhibition timelines.
* Managing art materials, tools and equipment, including ordering supplies
* Maintaining updated artist biographies, digital files and internal records, including website
* Travel support for exhibition and collections travel
* Assisting with maintenance of car, boat and all assets
* Develop and maintain strong, respectful working relationships with artists, knowledge-holders and their families packing artwork for freighting
* Assisting with gallery display, visitor engagement, sales management and general administration as needed.
Selection Criteria
Essential:
* Background or demonstrated experience in the arts, including Indigenous arts or related fields.
* Ability to work professionally, calmly and positively in a dynamic cross-cultural environment.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with Yolŋu artists, staff, visitors and partners.
* Demonstrated experience supporting or coordinating creative projects, programs and exhibitions.
* Highly organised, with the capacity to work independently, manage time and use initiative.
* Confident use of digital tools for cataloguing, marketing, social media or online sales.
* Adaptable, resilient and resourceful in a demanding work environment
* Familiarity with or ability to learn Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop programs, Microsoft Suite
Highly desirable:
* Experience working in remote Indigenous communities.
* Knowledge of Yolŋu art, culture and/or traditional materials such as pandanus, ochres and timber.
* Knowledge of or background in museum and gallery collections and processes and/or working with academic institutions
* Experience in art handling, installation or condition reporting
* Experience working in remote, isolated or other logistically and environmentally challenging locations
* Previous collections work or experience working with academic institutions and or museums
* Grant writing and reporting to funding bodies
* Car and boat operation and maintenance
Requirements
* Manual driver's license (4WD experience highly regarded)
* Ochre Card (Working With Children Clearance)
* National Police Clearance
* Relocate to Milingimbi Island, North East Arnhem Land
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.