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Jack Simpson

Category
Art
Art Gallery
Artist
Barriers
CLS Case Studies
Connections
First Generation
Freelance
Resilience
University of Leeds Graduate
Working Class
Date

Director - Programmer and founder of arts venues

PhD in Politics and International Studies , University of Leeds (2022)

"If you're doing what you can, that's all you can do"

What barriers did you face when trying to get ahead in the Creative and Cultural Industries?

I think a key barrier for myself and lots of people is starting with a lack of network & understanding of the etiquette of many that are key to running CCIs. I also had to develop my own businesses to have the financial resources needed to do it full time.

Looking back at your time at Uni, which experiences were most useful as you started to look for work and develop within your chosen profession?

I think meeting a wide range of people at Uni is so important. It helps break down your own preconceptions, and develops your ability to communicate with a wide variety of people. It can also help develop your confidence. To be in a class with people from a wide range of backgrounds and to develop a sense that if you work hard, you can do well in those environments is key.

How have you changed since finishing university and working in your current position?

I've changed immensely, I'm not sure I could capture that easily! But generally I feel more at ease with myself.

What have been the most challenging times since graduating?

I've found a lot of things challenging. Especially developing businesses, and building them through downturns / the pandemic. In terms of how I overcame them, I just kept going 🙂 In time, most things can be overcome and are not as bad as they seem. Likewise, if it's not possible to overcome them, well, what can you do!

What was your best failure?

I've failed at so many things, most ideas don't really survive well. I once tried running a venue that had poor transport links. No matter what I did, it just wouldn't work; learning that you sometimes have to give up on things that aren't working was an important lesson.

How do you deal with feelings of insecurity or imposter syndrome when entering the creative industry?

Nowadays, and post studying / businesses working I don't feel imposter syndrome. I think everyone is winging it at first, and some people feel more at ease / assured / entitled as they go through that. But I also just give myself a break - things fail, some things are beyond us... If you're doing what you can, that's all you can do.

What was the most useful piece of advice you’ve been offered during your career development? What advice would you offer students?

I'm not sure what the best advice I've been offered is. But I can't overstate how important effort is. I can have a young member of staff who's doing what they can, and we can stick together until things are where they need to be. People who don't commit from the off, are just frustrating to work with.