There have been a few tearful goodbyes at Barn HQ recently, as some of the established team moves on to sunnier climes, bigger cities and pastures new. But the seats in the office are never allowed to get cold, and everyone looks forward to the prospect of new faces and fresh ideas.
The freshest face in the office at the moment is Dawn Hawkins, the new Marketing Manager. I met Dawn to find out where she comes from and what her first impressions were.
‘I’m from a background in Marketing and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), working down south for companies like Fitness First, The Body Shop and Thomas Cook Holidays. I come from Manchester, but met my Dundonian husband when we both worked for Sea Life. We moved to Banchory two years ago with our children who are three and five, and I really didn’t think there would be a way for me to get back into marketing part-time. Then I saw the Marketing Manager job at the Barn advertised and I couldn’t believe how perfect it was – I just had to apply!’
Needless to say, Dawn got the job and she can’t wait to get stuck in. ‘I’m not from an arts background, so I think I can really help to bring a fresh perspective to things, and I’ve got loads of ideas! I’ve written them all down so that even when I’m established in the role, I can look up my list and get inspiration. At the moment I’m in the midst of the new brochure, so I suppose you could say that is in at the deep end, but I love it.’
‘I was so delighted to discover the Barn on my doorstep when I moved to Banchory. We are so lucky to live here, where we can get outdoors into the countryside in minutes, and our children have a safe and happy environment. Having the Barn is such a bonus, and it is my mission to spread the word further about the huge variety of events we have here, from children’s festivals and workshops to live screenings, films and exhibitions.’
‘As well as the brochure three times a year, I also manage the Email and social media campaigns, the website and promotional material. We were recently able to get leaflets for Minifest into local children’s schoolbags, I’m constantly on the lookout for new ways to get information out to people.’
Dawn works Monday to Thursday 9.15am – 3pm
marketing@thebarnarts.co.uk
