Case studies: Assistant officer at Arts Council England: Laura Simms

Laura has a BA in Interactive Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University. She graduated in 2006 and after building up experience in administrative roles and by doing voluntary and paid work at various art festivals she secured a position at the Arts Council England as an assistant officer.

I left university and struggled to find work, so I put my CV about and got office experience from a number of temping jobs. I also worked as a temporary teaching assistant at a number of schools in Greater Manchester and spent time running summer play schemes.

I got voluntary and paid work at a number of festivals across the UK and Ireland, where I ran the mask-making, costume and shadow puppetry workshops with children. In my spare time I produced artwork and exhibited at a number of shows with fellow graduates, worked as a DJ at club nights and played in a band. In addition I volunteered with a local arts organisation working on their costumes for an upcoming performance.

I sought out a variety of experiences, and through an agency I was offered temporary work at the Arts Council North West office covering reception. From there, I built up experience at the office doing data entry, financial and general administration in different departments, gradually leading to a permanent position.

I wouldn’t say a particular degree was needed, although a strong interest in the arts is essential, as well as administrative experience. Strong communication skills (both oral and written) are crucial, plus basic financial skills. Where I work now, staff are also required to work well under pressure, work independently and as part of a team, and attention to detail is necessary.

A typical office-based day would involve checking my emails and phone messages, as well as taking minutes at meetings with arts organisations. I provide advice and feedback to grant applicants, and review information used for conditions of payment for both our grant recipients and the organisations that we regularly fund. Often I will visit arts organisations with another member of staff for meetings, or deliver advice sessions with potential grant applicants. Sometimes I help with the running of large Arts Council events in the region.

During my time here I have taken a number of day courses including an introduction to project management, how to give an effective presentation and working with local authorities.

I really love discovering more about the arts in the North West. I get to know early on about exciting events coming up in the area. Through my job, I’ve also learnt that I enjoy art forms that I had no idea I would like. It’s also really satisfying knowing that an interesting project you have given advice on or assessed has been successful in receiving funds, and later seeing how this funding has helped develop them as an artist.

Sometimes, however, we receive calls from unsuccessful grant applicants which can be difficult as they are obviously disappointed with the outcome. You just need to distance yourself emotionally, take control and give feedback when you have reviewed their application again, and remind them that it is a hugely competitive process. This way you give much more useful feedback, rather than having to be reactive if they are upset.

My advice to anyone thinking of entering this area would be to get as much experience at university in shadowing artists/arts organisations as you can, and build up your experience in both administrative and art form fields before applying.