Job Ladders

Job ladder

Joanne Orr reveals how she got where she is today.

Arts Professional
3 min read

Joanne Orr

CEO Museums Galleries Scotland
(2004–Present)
I have overall responsibility for the strategic direction and operation of a national museum and gallery development agency. It is a great mix of working at a national level with Government, pushing for more investment in the sector, and being able hear first-hand what is important to museums. It is an incredibly diverse job – but there is always the opportunity for creative thinking. 

Assistant Director Cultural Services Durham County Council (2002–2004)
I worked in a large local authority with a broad portfolio, with arts development taking up much of my time. I also had direct responsibility for archaeology and museums, and managing service level agreements with Beamish and Bowes museum. Community learning and working with prison libraries were completely new to me and so the role presented a steep learning curve. I also worked on authority-wide initiatives such as performance management, which developed my strategic planning skills.

Museums and Arts Director
Tullie House Carlisle City Council (1999–2002)
This was great experience as I had the chance to work with fantastic collections. The museum’s contemporary art collecting scheme started in the 1930s, so its twentieth century painting collections are particularly impressive. I was responsible for managing a high profile and controversial millennium project which was challenging but rewarding, as it resulted in public art that has stood the test of time. I particularly enjoyed working with a contemporary art programme and learned a lot from some very skilled staff, including Terry Bennett who is sadly missed.

Part-time Freelance Consultant (1997–1999)
This allowed me to continue to broaden my experience and honed my business planning and organisational skills.

Director Dalmellington and District Conservation Trust (1997–1999)
This was a large, open air, industrial site in rural Ayrshire. What was great about this post was the warmth of the people in communities facing incredible challenges. I worked in partnership with these communities increasing both community involvement and ownership of the site. We built interest and a sense of pride in the local history using mediums such as the ex-colliery silver band.

Director Wanlockhead Museum Trust (1990–1997)
This job was really my apprenticeship. For the first couple of years I had no staff and an office in a cottage in Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village. I learnt to fundraise, manage capital projects and then eventually run the new visitor facilities that we managed to develop with the help of volunteers. These have all been skills that I have used continually throughout my career.