Jessica K
Home State
New South Wales
University
University of Technology Sydney
Qualifications
Bachelor of Communications (MEDIA ARTS PRODUCTION)
Background
I can happily say that I had a great 4 years at university watching art house cinema and editing student films. While a degree in Media Arts Production provided technical skills, it also fed my appreciation for the arts, Australian arts in particular.
During this time I discovered the ever-changing world of new media, the workings of the Australian Film Industry, the Sydney independent music scene, and a lot of good people who were doing amazing work.
After University I decided to empty my money box and go overseas to see what the rest of the world was doing. I experienced a world of adventure, hospitality, art and ancient ruins traveling from Belfast to Jerusalem.
What attracted me to applying for a job with DEWHA, was that not only is it the role of the department to encourage artistic excellence, its role is also to provide greater public access to Australian arts and culture.
Placements
First Placement
I spent my first rotation in the department's Regional Arts Section which administers regional programs which are primarily aimed at increasing access by Australians to cultural activities and material, especially in regional and remote areas. Some of these programs assist cultural touring to regional areas, while others are aimed at cultural development across regional and remote Australia. These programs include:
- Playing Australia, which assists the touring of performing arts, particularly drama, dance, music productions and circus acts;
- The Contemporary Music Touring Program, which assists tours by Australian musicians who play or sing their own compositions; and
- Festivals Australia, which supports new arts projects that extend regular, ongoing festivals.
'the best thing about working for us ... is the environment'