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I work in the Information Office and programme the music at Late at Tate Britain events at Tate Britain which take place once a month as a late opening with music, talks and themed events.
Has your role or job changed much throughout your time with Tate?
I started in 1993 as an information assistant. I have been a gallery assistant, art handler and security guard. I programme the music for Late at Tate Britain and have been a production manager for the Tate Triennial. I’ve done jobs through the whole gallery. Take anything to get into the gallery. Opportunities will arise and by doing all the jobs you can, even ones you dislike, you gain experience, which is essential.
What qualifications and skills do you need for your current job?
To programme live music you don’t really need qualifications, you need experience. To work in information you need art history – it comes in handy and crops up almost everywhere.
Where did you work before you joined Tate and what were the previous jobs you did?
I was an auxiliary nurse and an educational tour guide. I worked for five years at Tate Liverpool then moved to work at Tate Britain as a gallery assistant.
Describe a typical working day.
It is mostly office based, emailing people, phoning people, etc.
What attracted you to the job in the first place?
I had not been into an art gallery until I was twenty-three. When working as a tour guide in Albert Dock, I used to use the toilet in Tate Liverpool – that was my introduction to art! I had no aspirations to be in the art world but now I can’t imagine working in a place without art!
Describe the creative aspects of your job.
I put on bands and make set lists for the night. Sourcing the bands is important – finding acts that will bring the right feel is important for it to work.
Please describe a difficult or important decision you had to make in regards to your career.
My move from Liverpool to London meant I had to start again. I’d built a good network in Liverpool. London is so competitive – here there’s always somebody better than you, be it in music or in art, it is a constant battle and expensive to boot.
What are the most rewarding and most difficult aspects of your job?
I don’t see my life and my work as separate things but the rewarding side would be making something happen, creating it myself. I can’t describe any part of my job as difficult, there are challenges of course, but that’s life.
What advice would you give to young people who are interested in doing your job?
You need customer care experience. It is important to want to be involved with people. In terms of music in the gallery, this is an emerging career opportunity. It is new territory. There’s no written path but you need work experience and speak to someone in the field.
Do you have any advice, links, websites or places that you could recommend for people who are interested in your job?
Talk to people who do the job. Show them your CV, send emails, make phone calls, communicate. It’s an important part of the job, so get started. Feel free to contact me via email too: adrian.shaw@tate.org.uk
