Kelsey - Education Coordinator

Kelsey found that her passion lied in arts access, and she enjoyed exploring ways that the GLAM sector can engage people from various backgrounds

I completed my Master of Museum and Heritage Practice (MMHP) over 2017-2018, moving to Wellington specifically to do the course. Before this, I had worked and volunteered in numerous museums around Auckland, but always wanted to further my learning in the field, and gain a deeper understanding of current museological thinking and practice in Aotearoa. I had the MMHP recommended to me by various sector professionals I met in Auckland, so applied for the course and was accepted in 2017.

I came into the course with the aim of learning more about working in collections and had a vague idea that eventually I would want to work in a curatorial capacity. However, as the year progressed, I found that my passion lied in arts access, and I enjoyed exploring ways that the GLAM sector can engage people from various backgrounds, particularly minority groups.

My main focus turned to arts access for people living with various physical and psychological impairments, and was able to hone in on this area during my MHST 512 placement at Hastings City Art Gallery in the Hawkes Bay. After completing my placement, I was adamant that I would continue my career in the field of accessibility, education, public programming and community outreach. Not only was I able to bring this point of view of arts and accessibility to my studies, I was also able to complete academic writing on the subject for the MAQ (Museums Aotearoa Quarterly).

One of the factors that drew me to the MMHP specifically was the mixture of theory and practice. I enjoyed reading, researching and writing about theory, and then applying that theory in workshops, my placement, and my internship. Getting that hands-on experience was instrumental to my learning goals and professional development. I also loved living in artsy, windy Wellington!

Halfway through my internship at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts in Pakuranga, Auckland, I was offered a job at my hometown in Papakura, and I have been working here ever since. I am employed as the Education Coordinator at Papakura Museum, and my role is primarily to develop and deliver engaging education programmes to tamariki and rangatahi. I also am responsible for creating interactive public programmes, and delivering these to the community as well.

As I work in a small institution, I wear a number of different hats. Not only do I work on education and programming initiatives, I also do all the social media, marketing, guided tours, assistance with historical/family research, assistance with collection care, condition reporting, exhibition development, writing for the Museum blog, management of volunteers, outreach, relationship building and more! It is a fantastic and varied job, and no day is ever the same.

The MMHP made me well-equipped for this role, and so often I am bringing knowledge to the table that I gained during my time with the course. The ongoing support and assistance from the teaching staff also helped me realise my academic potential, and develop personally as well as professionally. To anyone considering taking the course - go for it! I couldn't recommend it enough.