Rebecca Marr, Development Coordinator, engage Scotland

I did think about being a prison psychologist, but I always wanted to be in the arts. At school I enjoyed Art and English and spent most time in the art department in the darkroom. I went on to study Media Studies at Inverness College and then took a degree in Photography at Napier University.

My first job (unpaid) was as an assistant in a graphic design company. My first paid job was as a photographer / photographic assistant. I first worked with galleries as an arts worker. I came across gallery education after I had been working in outreach for some time e.g. community work, hospital arts – I became aware of gallery education through this work. I also worked in hospitals as a gallery programmer and was involved in education work around this.

Since then I have been involved in a range of project work, and arts work, freelance educational work, programming and project planning. In 2001, I went to work at Collective Gallery, Edinburgh as an Education Intern. I continued with freelance community, outreach and gallery work, and in my own work as a photographic artist. Then in 2003, I became (acting) Co-ordinator for engage Scotland and in 2004, Co-ordinator. This is a part time post, and I continue to work as a freelancer.

What I most enjoy about my role is that it is varied and stimulating, however the range of work can add to the pressure on my time. In terms of future plans, at present, I would like to remain involved in the visual arts and education.