AMPP alumni

Programmes Co-ordinator (Cultures, Histories & Heritage), Arts and Humanities Research Council

Course: MA Arts Management, Policy, and Practice, Full Time, 2011-12

I studied Arts Management at the University of Manchester in 2011-2012, coming straight from my undergraduate in Art History from the University of Leeds. The Arts Management course was a big learning curve for me, and I became especially interested in the business practices of arts organisations. The module on business models in the arts was greatly beneficial, and gave me a depth of understanding in how to put together financial statements, marketing strategy and fundraising and development plan.

My dissertation focused on individual giving in the arts, and I was able to talk with many arts sector professionals about the opportunities and challenges for individual giving that faced their galleries and museums. I especially valued the placement I undertook at All About Audience as a Business Planning Intern, it was an exciting time given they were becoming The Audience Agency. My placement, along with a number of other voluntary and paid positions gave me a great level of skills and experience.

I currently work for the AHRC as a Programmes Coordinator for the Cultures and Heritage team, having progressed from the position of Programme Support Officer. I work on a variety of funding schemes, notably Care for the Future: Thinking forward through the past, and I constantly use the skills and knowledge that I gained from the Arts Management course in my working life.

Delphi Outreach Coordinator, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Course: MA Arts Management, Policy, and Practice, Full Time, 2011-12

I travelled from the United States, to study at the University of Manchester. Having previously studied abroad in London while earning my undergraduate degree, I decided to return to a place in England comparably diverse in culture and art, yet the cost of living would be a little less day-to-day.

My pursuit of a career in the arts began after completing my undergraduate studies in Studio Art at Millersville University in 2009. Following that, I worked as an intern, and later an employee, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Division of Education. The Arts Management, Policy and Practice course was an excellent follow-up to the work I was doing at the Museum. It brought to light many of the issues surrounding policymaking in the arts, as well as demonstrated various practical educational, managerial, and business related techniques to be used in the arts.

Overall, the structure of the course enabled independent exploration and research in my own particular areas of interests. The Arts Management module influenced me to research methods used to develop Teen Attendance in museums. While the Creative Learning modules stimulated my interest of alternative education strategies, such as child-led learning.

I am currently working as the Delphi Outreach Coordinator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I am responsible for the development and implementation of middle and high school outreach programs funded by the Delphi Project Foundation.

Project Manager, Rapiergroup: Live Communications Agency

Course: MA Arts Management, Policy and Practice, Full-Time, 2011-12

My highlight of studying on the Arts Management, Policy and Practice MA was the work experience module. The course offers a rich selection of work experience placements across the arts. I worked part-time on a 5 month placement at Un-Convention: the UK based global music network and development agency. As an intern, my duties focused on delivering the 'Un-Conventional Women' event, which was part of Manchester's City Council’s celebration of International Women's Day 2012. I played a key role in assisting speaker and artist liaison alongside coordinating the event’s print programme and running order.

Held at Manchester Town Hall, the event involved an album being recorded, produced and released within a day, panel discussions that explored challenges for women in the music and media industry and various free fashion, photography and digital workshops for the community. Seeing the event come to life was a moment that I felt extremely proud of. My experience at Un-Convention, alongside the academic skills that I developed on the course, undoubtedly assisted me in securing my role at the event and exhibition agency Rapiergroup.

AMPP was very flexible in enabling you to cater your study requirements towards the professional direction that you are interested in. My dissertation involved a qualitative study of small to large-scale arts festivals in the North-West. This research widened my experience and understanding of the festival industry and enhanced my employability in the events sector.

Senior Project Co-ordinator, National Museums Liverpool

Course: MA Arts Management, Policy and Practice, Full-Time, 2011-12

I arrived to study at the University of Manchester with a distinctly contemporary art background.

Graduating from Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University in 2007, I spent the next several years balancing my own artistic work with various positions at cultural institutions including the Bluecoat and Liverpool Biennial.

I also gained practical experience of organising artist-led projects and co-directing Arena Studios and Gallery. These dual experiences cultivated my interest in the practicalities of arts management and were driving factors in my application to study Arts Management Policy and Practice.

The course proved to be a brilliant professional experience; I found the diverse mix of professional interests and perspectives on the course to be particularly refreshing. Key skills I developed during study, such as independent research, business planning and presenting / pitching during the stimulating Business Strategies for the Arts module, continue to greatly inform my professional activities.

My dissertation, an analysis of London Underground's Art on the Underground programme, has blossomed into a core research specialism that I continue to develop at an academic level. Since graduating, I have given lectures and written articles regarding the subject.

I am currently employed as a Lecturer in Fine Art at Liverpool Hope University, where I lead the second year Professional Practice module, alongside regular freelance work as a researcher, writer and artist. Undoubtedly, my experience studying AMPP has had a significantly influential – and positive - impact on my career trajectory.

Senior Strategic Development Officer at NHS Health Scotland

Course: MA Arts Management, Policy and Practice, Full Time, 2011-2012

I found the MA Art Management, Policy and Practice to be an excellent opportunity to gain an understanding of the arts and cultural sector. The range of assignments and coursework which included individual research, field trips, group work, guest lectures and presentations meant that one the one hand I quickly got to know the cultural landscape in Manchester, but also that our course became a very tight-knit group. The extent of independent study definitely proved a challenge throughout the course, but tutors were very supportive and it encouraged us develop our individual research interests – the range within the group really was incredibly diverse.

As part of the second semester, we had the opportunity to undertake a work placement – which turned out to be a fantastic experience. The coordination of the work placement module was really well organised by the Arts Management programme team and there was a huge amount of interesting placements to choose from. During my work with an arts marketing agency I had the chance to research new ways for audience research – this practical experience in combination with the research, data analysis and interpretation skills I acquired during the MA, were vital in my initial appointment for role of Projects Assistant with an educational publishing consultancy.