While she had a well-established career in Arts Management in Canada, Rayanne Haines knew that in order to progress in the industry she would need a qualification to make her stand out. That is when she decided to pursue the MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management at Queen Margaret University.
In this Student Story, Rayanne tells us all about her time at QMU, the challenges the pandemic presented during her studies and how the University supported her during difficult times. She also fills us in about what she's been up to since graduating, including her teaching position in Arts and Cultural Management at MacEwan University in Canada, as well hosting a podcast, which started off as part of her dissertation at QMU!
Why did you choose to study at QMU and what attracted you to the course?
As an adult learner with a long career in Arts Management, my decision to study at QMU came from a desire to earn my MA so I could take my career to the next level. I’d already directed small festivals and produced cultural events, and I had a strong literary career (with several published books of poetry and commercial fiction). However, having a stable career in the Arts in Canada comes with many challenges. I knew that in order to move into positions with larger organizations or to pursue a doctorate in cultural studies, I would need the MA in Arts, Festival and Cultural Management. QMU has a relationship with MacEwan University where I previously studied, and after meeting both Anthony and Greg, this felt like the right place for me to attend. The idea of living in Edinburgh, Scotland for a year while pursuing my degree was also a bonus!
What did you enjoy most about your course?
This is challenging because COVID ended up derailing most of my in-person opportunities and I completed much of the degree online. However, I did travel to Edinburgh for a few months when the courses opened to in-person study. Anthony Schrag is an amazing professor. He went above and beyond in ensuring I had support during my time in the course, both online and while in Edinburgh. I also loved being able to study with students from across the UK, Canada, Spain and elsewhere. This really deepened the learning experience and let me see other good ways of being and doing in cultural spaces.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
I especially enjoyed the Designing Qualitative Research class. Having been out of school for such a long time, I found this class particularly enjoyable and I loved learning about Qualitative Research and the ways this shaped my own Arts Based Research.
What challenges did you face with university life and how did you overcome them?
Being the first cohort impacted by COVID was highly challenging as we all quickly shifted from a fully in-person course to an online course. This meant the instructors had to switch almost all the ways they would have normally taught. In most ways it felt like students and instructors were learning this new way of being at the same time. This meant field placements and filed trips were no longer an option as well. Instructors worked hard to set up virtual trips and talks with outside organizations. I did end up travelling to Edinburgh when the world thought COVID was going away only to end up in lockdown in Edinburgh and this affected my mental health.
"The University stepped up and supported me with counselling. Anthony [Schrag] himself became a bit of a lifeline going far above and beyond his role as lecturer."
Did you use any of the University services to support you through your journey?
I used the counselling services during my time in Edinburgh to support mental health challenges due to lockdown and family/personal health.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
I’d suggest ensuring effective time management and scheduling are embedded in a student’s plan from day one. This is very compact course and managing time effectively will be the difference between success and struggle.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Time management is vital! Connect with your class cohort – Being part of a team rather than going it alone will save your sanity. I stay in touch online with many of the people I met at QMU and love seeing what everyone continues to be up to.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
I learned about the gift of learning and research! What a thing it is to be able to expand your knowledge to expand not only your own life goals, but the arts industry as a whole.
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
During my time with QMU, I was offered a sessional teaching position with MacEwan University in Canada, in the Arts and Cultural Management BFA Program. In 2023, the University hired me on full-time and I am now a tenure track Assistant Professor. This 100% would not have happened without my Master’s Degree from QMU. I also host a literary podcast called Crow Reads, which was originally developed as part of my dissertation work at QMU, and I am the President of the Board of Directors for a national literary organization. I also continue to write, and my seventh book, a poetic memoir titled What Kind of Daughter, is coming out this Fall with Alberta Publisher Frontenac House.
