Eszter
University/Qualifications
Bachelor of Fine Art (Hons.)
Victorian College of the Arts, the University of Melbourne
Master of Art Curatorship
The University of Melbourne
Background
A combination of life experiences has led me to the public service. I've studied overseas and in Australia, I've had experience as an artist and I've worked and volunteered in art galleries focusing on collection and exhibition management and research. I applied for the DEWHA Graduate Program to primarily gain an understanding of how the arts are administered by government. However, since starting the program my mind has been opened to the amazing opportunities available throughout the department.
Placements
First Placement
In my first rotation I worked in the Private Sector Support section in Arts Development and Training. The section works with the Australia Business Arts Foundation, manages the Register of Cultural Organisations (ROCO) and conducts research on private sector support for the arts in Australia. My project involved conducting research in the area of sponsorship, focusing on business-arts partnerships and corporate social responsibility. In addition to my research paper I also assessed applications for ROCO.
Second Placement
During my second rotation in the Ports and Marine section in the Approvals and Wildlife Division I assessed Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) referrals and wrote an issues paper regarding Australia's international reporting obligations under the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and other Matter 1972 (London Protocol). In my role I was exposed to a range of international and national issues related to the marine environment.
Third Placement
In my third rotation in the Business and Governance section at the National Portrait Gallery I researched and wrote a volunteer policy issues paper and was a member of a working group developing an exhibitions procedures manual. My previous experience in art galleries had focused on collection management and exhibition delivery so it was invaluable to be able to contribute to policy development within the context of a national collecting institution.
'the best thing about working for us ... is the environment'