My Journey: Rachael Baskeyfield

Situations

After graduating from Falmouth University in 2015 with a BA in Fine Art I, like many others, was looking for the next step. Given my interest in online culture and socially-engaged visual art practice, I jumped at the chance to apply when the new position of ‘Digital Reporter’ became available at Situations, the Bristol-based public art producers.

This role was advertised as part of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries programme, a talent development initiative designed specifically for arts graduates from lower income backgrounds who would not otherwise be able to fund themselves through unpaid internships.

The application process for Situations focussed on my skills: I was asked to prepare a short article on a recent exhibition or cultural experience. Whilst daunting, and one of the first graduate interviews I had been invited to, I came away feeling much more confident and able to see how I had something to offer an organisation like Situations.

I’d hope that in a time of stretched resources the arts sector can keep its doors wide open for others from less privileged backgrounds

I was offered the position, made the move to Bristol, and the next twelve months unfolded at great speed. During this time, what became crucial were the connections and communications I was able to develop with other people in the city, as well as the growing network I had in the 40 other Weston Jerwood Creative Bursary recipients across the country.

I looked after the organisation’s digital activity, across its websites, social media and email marketing. Working closely with the Communications Manager and the curatorial team, I developed digital strategies for a range of public art projects, from a continuous 24-day performance to a permanent sculpture made from 10,000 species of tree. I approached the question of audience engagement in both real time, and in digital space. As the year came to a close, I had a real sense that my voice had been valued at Situations.

Bristol Biennial 

After the year was over, I joined the team at the artist-led Bristol Biennial as Engagement Coordinator. My role incorporated many skills that I’d developed in my previous job. I spent a lot of time developing communication with audiences across the city. It was a challenging task to be heard by audiences with many different localities and interests.

This was a temporary position and gave me time to consider my next move. Assessing my experiences at both Situations and Bristol Biennial, I felt I needed to find out more about a gallery context and what crossovers and challenges that would present. Having worked so closely with two curatorial teams, I was also interested in what I could contribute to this aspect of art production.

Chisenhale Gallery

Back to jobs sites, trawling Twitter and keeping an ear to the ground. I have to thank a mentor of mine, without whose well-timed encouragement, I wouldn’t have made an application to Chisenhale Gallery. I was invited to interview for their Curatorial Trainee programme and after my second interview the team offered me the role of Offsite and Education Assistant.

Since starting in the Curatorial Trainee position, I have begun to adjust to another arts ecology, navigating a host of new perspectives, and coming into dialogue with the unique set of conditions that London presents. Whilst a lot of the devices, strategies and approaches are the same from my previous roles, I am learning a lot about East London and about Chisenhale Gallery’s rich history and current work.

In my first three months I’ve taken part in studio visits, contributed to programming discussions, and have coordinated events, screenings, educational talks and workshops. I support the delivery of Chisenhale’s offsite programme, which focuses on collaboration and direct engagement with social and cultural contexts, as well supporting many of our education projects including the Stop Play Record commissioning strand for young people.

Looking back from graduation to the present moment, there were many points where my mentors showed faith in me at crucial decision points. I would recommend seeking out your champions. Whilst I am socially mobile, well-networked and more culturally educated than any other generation of my family – and have benefitted from the great work of various galleries’ young people’s projects, bursaries schemes and mentor programmes – I’d hope that in a time of stretched resources the arts sector can keep its doors wide open for others from less privileged backgrounds to operate at all levels. I hope that those mentors come forward, and continue to give young people like myself a vote of confidence.

Rachael Baskeyfield is Offsite and Education Assistant at Chisenhale Gallery.
E: [email protected]
Tw: @rabaskeyfield