Art Centre Manager

Since 1948, artists at Ernabella Arts have been creating artworks, sharing stories and passing knowledge between generations. Today it is Australia’s oldest continuously operating Indigenous art centre – and we are looking for an experienced, culturally grounded leader to guide its next chapter. Based in the Pukatja/Ernabella community on the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatgera (APY) Lands in the northwest of South Australia, Ernabella Arts is a cultural, social and economic hub for the community. It provides employment, training and income for artists and the wider community, and works within Aṉangu cultural frameworks, respecting Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara language, culture, Traditional Law and leadership.

The Opportunity

As Art Centre Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operations, finances, artistic development, sales and marketing, governance and strategic direction of the Art Centre, working closely with the Directors, artists, arts workers and community. Highlights of the role include:

• Growing the artists’ profile and markets – building relationships with galleries, collectors and institutions, and developing exhibitions, projects and prizes locally, nationally and internationally.
• Supporting artistic excellence – running a well-resourced studio, facilitating bush trips on Country, and protecting artists’ copyright and cultural rights.
• Strengthening governance – supporting Directors and members, and bringing together traditional leadership with corporate governance.
• Developing people – mentoring Indigenous staff and arts workers and encouraging Indigenous employment.
• Keeping the Art Centre sustainable – managing finances, funding submissions and acquittals, and long-term strategic planning.

The role, together with the Studio Manager is due to commence on 1 February 2027 and include a 1 month handover to support the transition.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience in arts administration, arts management or business management, including running day-to-day operations.
• Sound financial management and budgeting skills, and experience with funding applications and acquittals.
• Experience leading staff and building partnerships across a broad range of stakeholders.
• An understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art sector, cultural protocols, and cultural and intellectual property rights.
• The ability to work respectfully within First Nations cultural and governance frameworks, and to live and work well in a remote community.
• A current (manual) driver’s licence and a police check (or willingness to obtain one).
• Experience in a First Nations art centre, knowledge of the First Nations art market, or an understanding of Pitjantjatjara and/or Yankunytjatjara language and culture will be highly regarded.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience with salary sacrifice options
• Onsite accommodation
• Relocation assistance
• Travel allowances for exhibitions and industry events
• Attendance at national exhibitions, art fairs, conferences and industry events
• Professional development and training in arts management and governance
• Opportunities to build relationships across the Australian Indigenous and contemporary art sector
• 4WD training for safe remote travel

Please note: Pukatja/Ernabella is a remote, alcohol-free community. Some evening and weekend work and regular travel are part of the role.

Applying as a couple? This role is being advertised at the same time as our Studio Manager position at Ernabella Arts, and may suit two people who would like to apply together. Ernabella Arts is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and transparent selection process.

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