M16 Drawing Prize 2023
Board Call Out for M16 Artspace 2026-27 Term
EOI Deadline: 30 September
M16 Artspace operates on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We honour and pay our respects to its traditional custodians. We acknowledge this land ‘always was and always will be’ the country of Australia’s First Nations People. Sovereignty was never ceded.
About the organisation
Founded in 1985, M16 Artspace (M16) is an inclusive organisation that supports a thriving arts community of emerging and established artists, writers and curators of any age, background or culture. Today, M16 Artspace runs 3 gallery spaces, manages 31 artist studios and houses five community arts organisations and ‘Chutespace’ located in the old book return chute. Through our gallery program we aim to present high-quality exhibitions from both emerging and established artists and curators from Canberra, interstate and overseas. We are supported by the ACT Government and a number of local businesses.
M16 Artspace is registered as a not-for-profit Association with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). M16 is governed by a volunteer Board comprising up to three tenant members and up to eight other members include three officers (Chair, Secretary and Treasurer). The three officers (Chair, Secretary and Treasurer) are elected by Board members and hold office until the close of the next annual general meeting. All other members are elected by members. Board members serve a term of 12 months between the annual general meetings during which they can renominate for their positions for a new term.
About the Role
Board Members are responsible for providing oversight to the various activities of M16. The Board comprises up to 11 members who meet formally at least 6 times a year. Collectively the Board should possess expertise in key areas related to the governance and working arrangements of M16, including, but not limited to: law, government relations, financial management, sponsorship and fundraising artistic direction, business development, audience development and research, marketing and communications.
The term will be until the next annual general meeting to be held on 31 March 2027, during which all Board members can renominate for their positions.
All Board members are responsible for:
a) Ensuring the Board of M16 complies with its Constitution and the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 and all relevant legislation and regulations
b) Ensuring M16 pursues its not-for-profit objects as defined in its Constitution
c) Ensuring M16 uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its not-for-profit objects
d) Contributing actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to M16 – setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
e) Safeguarding the reputation, code of conduct and values of M16
f) Ensuring the transparent, effective and efficient administration of M16
g) Ensuring the financial stability of M16
h) Protecting and managing the property of M16 and ensuring the proper investment of its funds
i) Appointing a Manager and any other paid staff or contractors and monitoring their performance
All board members are expected to participate fully and share in the strategic governance of M16, on behalf of its members.
Board members are expected to:
a) Engage with Association’s tenant members, represent their needs and involve them in the activities of M16
b) Attend and participate in any annual planning session
c) Participate in board meetings including:
(i) preparing for meetings in advance by submitting and reviewing resolutions, financial statements, proposals and status reports
(ii) providing input to topics requiring decisions
(iii) voting on resolutions
d) Assist in succession planning by:
(i) identifying and encouraging qualified candidates to stand for election
(ii) reviewing and revising role statements
(iii) conducting transition sessions with incoming board members who will replace them at the end of their term and supporting the new board member for up to 3 months
e) Use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions which may involve:
(i) analysing board papers
(ii) strategising around key issues
(iii) providing guidance and leadership for initiatives undertaken by the M16 Manager and staff
Who we are looking for
M16 Artspace is looking for passionate and committed individuals to join our Board for the remainder of the 2026-27 term. M16 is seeking to identify candidates who:
Are able to contribute to, and participate in, well-considered and informed collaborative decision-making across all areas of the Board’s scope of responsibility and with M16 staff
Have a genuine interest in and enthusiasm for the Arts and Canberra arts community
Are able to contribute proactively to the good governance, fundraising and management of M16 Artspace, including by having an understanding of directors’ duties within the Australian regulatory context
We welcome and strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
This is an opportunity to join our team and contribute to M16 Artspace’s success and support the ACT arts community. Nominees who have experience and/or relevant areas of expertise in General Law, Commercial Law, HR and Employment Law, Curating, Government Relations, Policy Advocacy, Sponsorship, Grants, Fundraising, Accounting, Governance, Stakeholder engagement, Arts Administration, or Secretariat, will be well placed to contribute to the M16 Board.
Terms of Board Members Engagement
Board Members are engaged on a volunteer basis for a term period and are expected to commit the necessary time to:
Attend at least 6 formal meetings each year
Attend nominated M16 Artspace exhibition openings and other key community engagement events through out the year
Participate in annual planning in partnership with M16 members and staff
Attend the AGM and any Special or other General Meetings as called
For further details on how the M16 Board works, please refer to the M16 Constitution.
M16 Artspace offers an opportunity to develop your governance skills, collaborate with professionals from other sectors, and be part of an engaging and creative community.
How To Apply?
All Board nominees must be a financial member of M16 at the time of being elected. Please ensure that you complete and pay for your M16 membership at the same time as applying so that you are eligible to be considered for the position.
Please submit a short expression of interest statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe you will be a good candidate for the M16 Board, along with your CV (max 2 pages) to generalmanager@m16artspace.com . All nominations will be reviewed and considered for endorsement by the current Executive Team if not already endorsed by another current Board member.
Contact
Lucy Chetcuti, General Manager
E: generalmanager@m16artspace.com
For general enquiries phone (02) 6295 9438