Interview: Meghan Hawkes, Arts Marketing and Management

Meghan Hawkes grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and attended Florida State University where she attained a dual degree in Public Relations and Theatre. Following graduation she moved back to Tuscaloosa and attained a Master of Science in Marketing from The University of Alabama. Meghan began her career working for The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa County working as Marketing Coordinator and Assistant Manager at the Bama Theatre.

THE DAP

You're working more on the business and production side of the arts. Tell us a little bit about your job.

MEGHAN HAWKES

My job was formed after I interned with The Arts Council and worked in the box office and with concessions at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Alabama for about a year. The Arts Council not only serves the community but runs the Bama Theatre. The position is a combination of Marketing Coordinator for The Arts Council and Assistant Theatre Manager at the Bama Theatre. I spend a little over half my time in The Arts Council office updating our new website tuscarts.org and implementing our new branding. In addition, I maintain our social media and online presence. We are also in the midst of breaking ground and constructing The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center on the other end of the block where the Bama Theatre is located. I will be helping with fundraising and serving on the committee that approves the designs for the space. We also put out a biannual magazine called Jubilation for which I will be researching ways to utilize to the fullest. I work with the publicity position to publicize Bama Theatre events and member organization events. The other part of my job is in the Theatre, I set up for our film series and make sure events run smoothly for renters.

THE DAP

You spent years studying and performing theatre. What's it like being on the other side?

MEGHAN HAWKES

Performing theatre was a lot of fun, but I always liked the behind the scenes work, too. Being on the business side is fun because I get to coordinate events and make sure the show goes on.

THE DAP

How has your background in theatre made you better at your job?

MEGHAN HAWKES

At Florida State University I received a dual degree in public relations and theatre and then attained a Master of Science in Marketing from The University of Alabama. Overall, having taken both communication business and theatre courses I think my background in theatre has made me a lot more creative. Being involved with the arts helped me think outside the box, work with what I have and use it since funding is always slim. I think my background in the arts and performing made me more confident and able to complete a large overwhelming project. The arts made me a better business-person because I’m able to take something and run with it.

THE DAP

What's something surprising you've learned or noticed now that you're running art events?

MEGHAN HAWKES

I’m surprised that not only will something always go wrong but you just have to roll with it, especially in a historic theatre. Things break or leak or catch fire and you just have to figure it out.

THE DAP

You also work for the Tuscaloosa Arts Council. Why do you think it's important for cities' arts councils to be active?

MEGHAN HAWKES

I think an arts council is a great resource to its community. Having an active arts council combines all the arts organizations in town, fosters communication and growth among the organizations and offers them support. I think fostering growth and highlighting an arts presence in the community are the most important roles of an arts council. 

THE DAP

It's even harder for cities to promote the arts during this economy. Do you have any suggestions for strained arts councils?

MEGHAN HAWKES

It’s hard to know what to do, being brand new in this position I haven’t had time to really see what works and what doesn’t. I’m trying to get out consistent information through online sources that are free.

THE DAP

Where do you want to go next in your career?

MEGHAN HAWKES

I would love to continue working in arts marketing and seeing where it takes me, right now I’m really enjoying where I am and thanking my lucky stars I have a job that I love in this economy.

                                                      

Photos courtesy of The Bama Theatre.

Comments

[mkc]

Meghan's job sounds like a dream job. These pictures are really great. If ever in Bama, I'll have to stop by this theatre.