I am the Programs Coordinator for the Shepparton Art Museum!

My goodness. Where do I even start? Pinching myself maybe?

I have been in this role for 5 weeks now, and I have barely spoken about this incredible news to anybody outside of my immediate circle. Mainly because of my crippling imposter syndrome and thinking that maybe this opportunity is just too good to be true.

BUT IT IS TRUE.

I get to wake up, and work in a role that I really really love, that gives me so much fulfillment and purpose - AND I'M GETTING PAID FOR IT?! Nice.

It might seem pretty dramatic, but for as long as I can remember, I have been conditioned to believe that getting remunerated for work within the arts was a fantasy, a reality only for a selected few (and usually those who come from a lot of money).

Whilst I know now that this isn't a hard truth, I was prepared for it nonetheless:

Educationally: My BA and MA included several lectures on handling rejection, disappointment and preparing financially for a career filled with decades of volunteer work, unpaid internships (which are notoriously competitive) and grant applications. Necessary learnings, but ever so slightly uninspiring.

Socially:

*Responds to strangers asking about my career aspirations*

'You want to work in the arts? That's a bit niche isn't it?'

'Pfft, good luck!'

'Wait, you can actually make a career out of that? Like it makes you money?'

(Multiply by 103839020 different variations)

Politically:

And my favourite, personally:

'When you're working in Aldi once you have graduated, let me know so that I can tell you that I told you so!'

Aldi pays extremely well for today's economy, so that comment didn't really land as much of an insult as I think was intended.

Despite the different layering of systematic conditioning and preparation, I still felt anxious as the graduation of my MA loomed earlier this year.

Conversations with my fellow peers surrounding never-ending job applications and unanswered emails became more frequent.

As I was still working full-time in hospitality to support the end of my studies and the insanely expensive rent to stay living in London, I hadn't yet began this process, but to say that I wasn't looking forward to it was an understatement.

Even our MA tutors told us that there was no point staying in London because we weren't going to get jobs there. Ouch!

But hey, its what every graduate has to go through, right? And whilst getting to where I had in the arts already felt like quite the uphill battle, I accepted my fate.

I had studied the field for 6 years, volunteered for various institutions and signed up to numerous unpaid opportunities for 10, all whilst working in sectors that weren't the arts to sustain myself. What was a few more years?

I knew it would be worth it.

It is my purpose, my passion and my one true love - I can't imagine devoting a life-long career to anything else.

And I guess the reason why I am waffling on about all of this, is because I believe that arts workers, whether that be artists, educators, facilitators, conservators, curators and every role in between, deserve the utmost respect.

You will almost always find that the people within these roles are in them because they absolutely adore what they do, and its highly probable that they had to really fight to get there.

I have and would have continued to fight to get there, for as long as it would have taken.

And I am still fighting, but in a capacity where I can use everything that I have experienced and learnt in the last 10 years for a purpose much bigger than my own little bubble.

And that brings me to...

My new role as the Programs Coordinator for the Shepparton Art Museum!

Shepparton is a regional city in Victoria, Australia (yes, I moved back), located around 112 miles north of Melbourne. It has a population of 70,594 and is surrounded by towns such as Mooroopna, Dookie, Tatura, Merrigum and Murchison, making up the Goulburn Valley!

It is very well known for its agriculture, arts and cultural diversity, which include significant Italian, Greek, Indian and Afghan communities.

It is home to a vibrant First Nations community, including the Yorta Yorta people, who have an ongoing cultural and spiritual connection to Country here.

I have only lived in Shepparton for 5 weeks, but something that is very clear to me is how much the city values community and connection. The sheer amount of community events, festivals and celebrations that take place in the region attests to that!

Additionally, its support for arts, creativity and education, especially amongst young people is immensely strong, which is especially evident at the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM).

SAM is a pillar regional cultural institution in Australia, but especially Victoria and the Goulburn Valley. It displays an incredible ceramics collection, as well as an array of great Indigenous and contemporary art.

It is committed to providing educational and professional opportunities for artists and audiences of all ages, particularly within Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley. The museum has a gallery designated just for children, as well as a gallery that only shows works created by locals!

And that is where I come in!

As a Programs Coordinator, a large part of my role is to weave connections between the museum, its exhibitions, and the broader community.

I design, coordinate and deliver programs that engage diverse audiences, enhance understanding and appreciation of art, and help to strengthen SAM's cultural impact.

These programs could be anything from workshops, masterclasses, artist talks and panel discussions to seminars, tours, holiday art camps, performances and more!

Regardless of the type of program, my aim is to create meaningful, transformative experiences for visitors of all backgrounds, and play my part in making sure SAM continues to be an inclusive, inspiring, and accessible cultural hub for Shepparton and beyond,

Urgh. So, so, SO cool.

I cannot wait to learn, grow and be inspired in this role, and I could not feel more thankful for SAM in believing in me, and providing me with this incredible opportunity, and for the wonderful Shepparton community for welcoming me with such open arms so far!

I hope to express my gratitude through putting together an array of vibrant programs that touch every corner of the community, which in turn ignite imaginations and encourage formative connections.

All I can say is, watch this space!

As for this blog, I can't wait to explore other cultural organisations in and around Shepparton as well as the rest of regional Victoria, and share them all with you!

But for now, this is my last post of 2024. Thank you ever so much for reading, and being part of this journey of mine - I wish you and your loved ones an abundance of happiness, good health and laughter in 2025.

See you then!

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Shepparton Art Museum.