28 QMYOU / Where Are You Now ?
Adrian develops cultural carer with the Arts Council Malta
ADRIAN DEBATTISTA , from Malta , graduated with an MA Arts Festival & Cultural Management from QMU in 2015 . He started working as a research associate at Arts Council Malta just a week after finishing his final project at QMU .
Discussing his current role , Adrian said : “ The course was a determining factor in the success of my application . My role involves developing and managing the Council ’ s research programme through qualitative and quantitative research , whilst gathering statistics and data mining , analysing cultural practices and monitoring trends effecting or resulting from cultural participation , production and consumption .
“ I ’ m also responsible for ensuring quality control of research by setting up appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems . The aim is to produce a knowledge base from which effective policy recommendations can be made , whilst aiding cultural operators through more informed decision-making .”
Soon after Adrian started in the role , he was involved in writing the Council ’ s five-year strategy . He explained : “ I ’ ve been working on the formulation of data collection methods for internal evaluation of national cultural organisations , which came into effect in 2017 .
“ Some of the projects I ’ m involved in or manage include a national cultural participation survey , the impact evaluation of two funding programmes managed by the Council and an audience segmentation report for cultural organisations . In the process , I ’ m working with the research team at the Valletta 2018 Foundation , which oversees the Valletta 2018 European Capital of Culture programme .”
As part of his QMU course , Adrian undertook a work placement with arts organisation , Lapidus Scotland , to help manage its social media , write funding applications and develop the organisation ’ s new website . He said : “ My experience with Lapidus Scotland challenged some of my preconceived ideas about how relationships with the public and local authorities can be managed , and has helped me in my current position with the Arts Council Malta . I see these aspects as having a lasting influence on the way I reflect on myself and the environment around me as I progress in my career .” ❒
Culture director shares her career experience with students
LYNNE HALFPENNY recently came to QMU to share her experience of event management in the cultural sector with first year students .
Lynne graduated from QMU with a degree in Communication Studies in 1984 and has spent the last 30 years working in the cultural sector in Scotland , most recently in her capacity as Director of Culture with the City of Edinburgh Council . She began her career at the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games where she was part of the Artist Liaison and Marketing Team during a controversial Games , due to the anti-apartheid boycott by Commonwealth Countries . As Head of Culture and Sport in Edinburgh , Lynne managed a £ 21 million annual budget and lead a team of around 180 staff . Most recently , as Director of Culture , she has lead a transformation project to deliver savings , while ensuring that the integrity of the culture service was maintained .
Whilst at QMU , Lynne shared some top tips with event management students saying : “ When you enter a room , you should always be the light and never the shadow .”
Lynne was presented with the ‘ Legendary Luminary of Planned Events ’ award by Professor Joe Goldblatt , QMU ’ s Director of the International Centre for the Study of Planned Events .
Lynne is still in touch with friends made while studying at QMU . ❒
28 QMYOU / Where Are You Now ?