ArtsProfessional reveals the career paths of the sectors senior managers
Director, MMT Digital (since 2005)
Fate, luck, a lot of fun (sorry, hard work) and a few good decisions have led me to a fascinating job running an innovative digital production company. I work with a team of designers, digital programmers and video editors, capable of producing pretty much anything for websites, CD-ROM and DVD; and I work with diverse clients to devise digital projects, which help them to communicate effectively. This could be an education website for the Royal Albert Hall, a CD-ROM for Scopes Time to get equal campaign, or a recruitment CD-ROM for Keele University.
Director, Openplay (20012005)
Setting up an enterprise had always appealed. I had produced CDs to promote festivals at the Barbican, so it seemed to me that an audio promo was the way forward much more immediate than a series brochure and actually no one else was doing it& so I started Openplay. The company produced a body of work that included two CBSO CDs and a stunning virtual tour of Trinity College of Music. The opportunity to merge with MMT opened up massive opportunities and the chance for me to develop professionally, whilst retaining former clients and services.
Concerts Administrator/Music Events Co-ordinator, Barbican Centre (19972001)
I couldnt have had a better place to learn how to run events, to work with some of the best artists in the world, and to build a network of colleagues, friends and clients for my future business! Highlights included running the Caetano Veloso gig that opened the Brazil festival, The BBCs Kurt Weill weekend, and the Cuba-Presente festival CD, given to every member of the audience, and every bit as good as the Buena Vista Social Club!
Orchestra Manager, Sinfonia 21 (1997)
Although this was a short-term post, it that taught me quickly how tough it is to fix, budget and manage an orchestra, let alone get them on stage!
Artist Manager, Ingpen & Williams (19961997)
I learnt a lot from David Sigall, especially when after six months he said I dont think this jobs for you, is it? He was right!
Event Manager, City of London Festival (19951996)
A university friend invited me to be a House Manager at the festival a good way to spend the summer after graduating, I thought. The Event Manager duly left and I walked straight into the job. Green and clueless, I was handed the task of running 80 events at the 1996 festival. I even programmed my own series of lunchtime street theatre. Festival Director Cecile Latham-Koenig put a great deal of trust in me: I had to learn fast and I have a lot to thank her for.