Shauna-Kaye Brown

Contemporary Arts master's student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology

Shauna-Kaye Brown is a critically thinking Creative whose passion is collaborating with other Creatives to achieve common goals. Over ten years of professional experience has shown that she truly enjoys watching thoughts, ideas and concepts come to life. As an employee, subcontractor or freelancer, Shauna-Kaye has been an Entertainment Policy Analyst, Entertainment Administrator and Music Business Executive. Her vocational pursuits have also seen her planning and producing micro, medium and large music events as well as the production of medium and large-scale music festivals in Jamaica. Shauna-Kaye holds a BA in Entertainment and Cultural Enterprise Management with a Minor in Music from the University of the West Indies, Mona. Shauna-Kaye is most interested in exploring Gig Economies, Entertainment Policy (in particular a creative approach to Arts Policy), Creative Cities, as well as continued work in the Arts sector. She is also motivated to participate in general Arts related research.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU because of the expansive academic offerings within my discipline as well as the supportive faculty. I interacted with about 5 Universities during my search for the best program for my research interests. After an initial informational email exchange with Dr. Laura Marks, I decided that I had to come to SFU. Once I got in, I experienced the same level of support from Dr. Dickinson, Dr. Eigenfeldt and the SCA staff.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My research looks at situating Arts Administration as an artistic practice. This is the first step towards deconstructing the established methods of Arts Policy development. I hope to suggest a more creative and integrated approach for the development of Arts Policy.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

The facilities and amenities are amazing at the School for the Contemporary Arts. However, the most enjoyable aspect of my studies is the human resources available. I am abundantly grateful for the opportunity to interact with the SCA's truly brilliant students, faculty and staff. There is a very good balance within the department that has made the journey very enjoyable.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I've received a Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship which was a huge surprise. This scholarship brought quite a bit of light/joy to a very tumultuous period that was riddled with a myriad of challenges. I am grateful that I was afforded the opportunity to focus on other issues and while honouring my academic obligations.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

If you are an arts practitioner, researcher and/or both, the SCA is the perfect place to call home. This is an environment where Arts based research and practice can truly thrive. The SCA is a largely enabling and intelligent environment where most people are helpful, supportive and abundantly kind. You are destined to excel once you remain focused and put in the required effort. There is also the added benefit of having access to truly brilliant scholars and academics that facilitate a true exchange of knowledge in most cases. Also, there are not many Arts environments that facilitate interdisciplinary research and studies.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE?

In the words of the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey ONH: “I trust that you will so live today as to realize that you are masters of your own destiny, masters of your fate; if there is anything you want in this world, it is for you to strike out with confidence and faith in self and reach for it.”

Contact : shauna-kaye_brown@sfu.ca

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