I came on board as the Administrator in early 2007 and became the Independent Program Producer in late November the same year.  The best thing has easily been getting to meet so many wonderful artists and making many friends.

What made you interested in the Arts and how did you begin your career? Can you tell us a bit about your current role?

I was interested in the arts because I break out in a rash everytime I hear someone talk about ‘shareholders’.  I got involved in the contemporary visual arts and music scenes at night and figured that there must be a way to spend my days doing something similar. I started working on several projects with friends and then I went back to university to further my skills.  Currently I help run a festival with over 290 shows, consisting of thousands of artists at various stages of their careers.

What role (if any) did education play in helping you work in the arts? 

My undergraduate course was in Fine Art Photography.  Art School was like a brain explosion, particularly being surrounded by hundreds of individuals, all pursuing different ways of making their art.  My Post Graduate Arts Management course made me look better to potential employers.

Can you tell us about an arts project or moment that you’re most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of a feature length documentary that a few friends and I made.  We shot, edited, wrote and produced it.  It took up a few years of my life, yet it still entertains me today.  Seeing a thousand people queuing down the street on opening night was surreal.

What advice would you give to people wanting to be involved in the arts in Melbourne?

Simply get out there and do something. Volunteer at a gallery, go to a gig, organise something with friends, just simply turn up and talk to people and opportunities will arise.