Riah - 'Emerging Professionals' NZ Rep Museums Aotearoa

Riah enjoyed being able to apply what she was learning academically to the work she did in a range of practicums.

I came to Museum and Heritage Studies hoping to find a way into artwork conservation. During my Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) at Massey University I dabbled in first year chemistry. These prerequisite points meant I was able to incorporate a Heritage Materials Science elective paper during my Masters of Museum and Heritage Studies first year, to see if I really did want to go down that route. Over the two year course I was exposed to an enormous range of opportunities in the sector and quickly figured out that instead of being a conservator I was getting really excited about public-facing roles with a community focus.

The combination of theory and practice was a massive highlight of the course. I enjoyed being able to apply what I was learning academically to the work I did in a range of practicums at Te Papa Tongarewa and the Dowse Art Museum. I also took up volunteer positions alongside my studies at the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden and New Zealand Portrait Gallery, and these were excellent places to test the waters around what aspects of museum work appealed most to me. I also met a range of terrific people working in different institutions who have been invaluable friends and professional mentors as I’ve started my career.

Part-way through my final year of study I was offered the role of Programmes Officer at the Whanganui Regional Museum. The flexibility and support of Conal, Lee and Annie as well as my new workplace meant I was able to take up a very cool opportunity while still finishing my dissertation. The WRM has an awesome work culture (and amazing collection) and I was able to have a lot of autonomy in the delivery of public programmes, which was fantastic for my professional growth.

I am now at the Whanganui District Council as the Arts Facilitator, where my role has changed from one of programme delivery to one of coordination and management of community events, public art, and creative strategy for the whole district. I am also the Emerging Museum Professionals New Zealand representative on the Museums Aotearoa Board