Susie Hall takes us through the steps of her career, joining her twin passions: children and the arts.
Head of Go Create! arts programme, Great Ormond Street Hospital (2013 – Present)
Go Create! aims to generate engaging and child-friendly surroundings and support creativity throughout a patient’s stay in hospital. This job has been a huge learning curve for me, but applying a fresh approach has been useful and I am loving it. From music performances on wards, artists in residence, staff culture clubs and large scale public art commissions, the role is incredibly challenging and varied. It brings together my twin passions: children and the arts, and the job satisfaction from seeing a very ill child smile when they take part is incomparable. I am very proud of the Go Create! programme and the place of the arts in this world class hospital. There are exciting projects in the pipeline and lots of opportunities for development and growth, so more young people can benefit.
Arts Manager, London Connected Learning Centre (2008 – 2013)
At London CLC I was part of a dedicated and entrepreneurial team. The work they do is innovative and effective, supporting schools and arts organisations to work together. While I enjoyed honing my skills, as a new mother working part time I felt my career was stalling. Luckily I managed to get myself on a Clore Leadership short course, which helped me get my mojo back and introduced me to some inspiring peers.
Founder, Day Fifty Films and Freelance Project Manager (2007 – 2008)
Time for an adventure! Inspired by social enterprise models, I set up a participatory film company and set off to a South African township for our first project.
Returning from South Africa I began to be offered freelance project work that eclipsed Day Fifty (and actually paid some money!). I worked on a variety of projects for Southbank Centre, London Children’s Film Festival, Look Ahead Care and Support, Arts Inform and the City of London’s children’s and young people’s service.
Education Manager, English National Opera (2005 – 2007)
Opera was a challenge. I often felt like a total outsider, but my uninformed approach got me noticed, with digital and open access projects. And working in the Coliseum was a theatrical delight. It was a real privilege to attend opening nights and marvel at the beauty and scale of performances.
Education Officer, Barbican Centre (2003 – 2005)
Being at the Barbican opened my eyes to the range of art forms possible and the different ways of engaging. I had done voluntary work with children and young people at university and offered to help out at the Barbican’s education events, so when a position came up I went for it. I realised this was what I really wanted to do: to open up the arts for audiences, and develop access and engagement. My boss really nurtured me and supported my training; I owe her a lot.
Audience Development Officer, Barbican Centre (2002 – 2003)
Straight out of university with a passion for the arts but not a clue what I wanted to do, I got lucky at the Barbican. Europe’s largest arts centre was a brilliant place to start my working life – the size, the variety and the fun! To be honest I didn’t really know what audience development was when I started, but I quickly learnt my trade under a very benevolent boss, and spent my evenings attending inspirational and quirky arts events.
Susie Hall is Head of Go Create! At Great Ormond Street Hospital.
www.gosh.nhs.uk/gocreate
Tw: @GoCreateGOSH
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