Roberta Harrison

About Roberta

Current role: Assistant, Grant Management - Arts Council England 

Degree studied: MA Art Museum and Gallery Studies, 2017 (newer equivalent is MA Curating Art)

Did your degree help you find work in the sector?

Yes. My degree prepared me for working in the sector and gave me an understanding of the cultural climate in which arts organisations operate. The course also gave me an insight into areas of the sector I did not know about or necessarily think were for me. When I was ready to make applications for jobs in the arts I had a lot of experience and knowledge to draw upon from my time at Newcastle University.

What skills and knowledge have you found useful in your career?

Yes. I developed strong research and evaluation skills, knowledge and understanding of managing projects and gained valuable hands-on experience with exhibitions. I have been able to apply the learning from the course to my work in arts fundraising and grant administration.

Studying at Newcastle

How would you describe your time at Newcastle?

I enjoyed my time at Newcastle University and found the experience both varied and rewarding. The year-long course provided me with an understanding of the arts sector through lectures and interactive seminars but also gave me practical experience of managing exhibitions and engaging audiences. 

What did you enjoy the most?

My placement at the Pier Arts Centre in Orkney. I worked with a small team over two exhibitions including artworks by local artists and British Modernists.

I also helped with the learning and engagement programme. A highlight of my placement was applying learning from lectures and seminars to carry out independent research for my dissertation. This included learning from the Pier Art Centre team, artist studio visits and interviews.

Advice for new students

What advice would you give to students starting the course now?

Newcastle is a very welcoming city with lots going on in the arts scene. I enjoyed hearing from a mix of creatives working in the sector during the course and meeting students in other departments.

Take advantage of connections with academic staff, researchers and peers to open up your own creative network. Join mailing lists, go to exhibition openings and get involved with events or projects that interest you outside of the course too. The University can be a great anchor for this. 