Express an Interest

Targeting:
Females, People with Disabilities, Seniors/Retired People, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, English as an additional language or dialect, LGBTQI

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 several 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.

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. 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 regulationsb)    Ensuring M16 pursues its not-for-profit objects as defined in its Constitutionc)     Ensuring M16 uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its not-for-profit objectsd)    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 targetse)    Safeguarding the reputation, code of conduct and values of M16f)      Ensuring the transparent, effective and efficient administration of M16g)     Ensuring the financial stability of M16h)    Protecting and managing the property of M16 and ensuring the proper investment of its fundsi)      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 M16b)    Attend and participate in any annual planning sessionc)     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 resolutionsd)    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 monthse)    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 2025-26 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 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 

• 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 elected at the AGM on 31st March 2026 5.30pm - 7.30pm. 

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 m16board@gmail.com by 5pm 10 March 2026. All nominations will be reviewed and considered for endorsement by the current Secretary if not already endorsed by another current Board member. 

Endorsed nominations will be provided to M16 members at the AGM being held 31st March 2026 5.30pm - 7.30pm at M16 Artspace. Board nominees are strongly encouraged to attend the AGM in person to meet with members and to speak to their expression of interest so that members are confident in who to elect to the Board for the 2026-27 term. 

Contact

Lucy Chetcuti, General Manager E: generalmanager@m16artspace.comFor general enquiries phone (02) 6295 9438

Duty Statement: Australia