Alex Houghton - BA Visual Performance

Find out as much information about the course as possible.

I come from a middle class family, both my parents worked - my mother as a teacher and father as a manager of a food company. I went to secondary school, and then further education college, in Poole in Dorset, and now live near Salisbury. I went to Dartington College of Arts to study BA Visual Performance. Now I work as an Exhibitions Organiser within broadcast, film, video and interactive media.

My first job after my course was as a Gallery Assistant, which was mostly carrying out general administration for a commercial gallery and sculpture park

I started at Dartington when I was 18 and graduated in 2000. I took A/AS levels (or equivalent) before going to Dartington. I went to University because it seemed like a natural progression. The best thing about it was the environment – the worst was the lack of organisation within the institution.

I chose my degree subject because it was an art degree that didn't require a foundation and so appealed. It was also recommended to me. My advice to others who are thinking about going to university is to find out as much information about the course as possible.

My financial advice to others is to plan ahead and be strict with yourself. Don't be influenced bt others who don't manage their money as well.

My hopes for the future – to become an exhibitions organiser for a larger institution/ museum. In my current job at the New Art Centre, near Salisbury, I'm responsible for press, publicity and sales for a commercial gallery. The best thing about it is the range of responsibility I have been given within a small environment. The worst is the lack of structure for progression.

My advice for anyone wanting to get into my line of work is to persevere, it takes time.

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