Fiona Doring has enjoyed working with creatives since she joined Impact Arts two years ago, and approves of the Christmas parties they organise
What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
On Monday mornings I’m in early along with most of the team so it’s good to catch up with everyone about their weekends but on other days I arrive in later post school drop so it’s straight down to work.
What makes a good day at work?
There’s no better day than being at the finale of a project- a performance, exhibition or event - that was once just an idea discussed around the table with colleagues and seeing the effect that it has had on those involved, be it participants or Impact Arts team.
How often do you socialise with colleagues outside the Christmas party?
Not enough. I live in Edinburgh whereas most colleagues are Glasgow based. The last bus home holds fearful memories for me so limits my socialising. The Impact Arts Christmas party is another matter entirely though, creatives know how to plan a good party.
Is it better to work for a big charity or a small charity?
How about a mid-sized one? I moved to Impact Arts from a smaller charity and one of the things I have loved most is the scale and breadth of our delivery yet the organisation remains small enough so I know the staff team well and regularly meet many of our participants and hear their stories.
What do you enjoy most about working at Impact Arts?
Our unique combination of arts and social impact – I couldn’t live without either of them. And knowing that our passionate and brilliant staff team feel exactly the same way.
What’s your favourite book?
I tend to be less obsessed with one book and more obsessed with authors. Recent notables are Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche and Maggie O’Farrell.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
My 16-year-old self would have loved that I work each year surrounded by over 100 artists, makers and creatives however I’m not so sure they would have been impressed with my role – I wanted to live in a tepee in the hills making candles.
Which do you prefer and why – Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin?
Twitter. I love the fact that my Twitter feed is a crazy mix of work related, political and arts news with the odd celebrity opinion flung in.
What’s your perfect weekend?
Early mornings at the football pitch watching my boys play and getting outdoors in the countryside for a family walk and some den building. Followed by an evening watching Scandi Noir on the TV with my husband Luke and a glass of red wine.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Being in TFN Chief Encounters surely?! Otherwise having played a part in raising three beautiful, funny and smart children.
What was your first job?
Scrubbing mountain bikes clean in a burn at Glentress in the days when there were only a handful of bikers there.
Is the third sector a calling or an accident?
It certainly wasn’t where I consciously planned to be when I was making career choices. However now I’ve found my way here I could not imagine working anywhere else. Impact Arts strives to support more young people to gain employment in the third sector because it’s such a supportive work environment.
Which Brian Cox do you prefer?
I’m catching up on Shetland just now so would have to say actor Cox, that said I don’t know how it’s going to end so could be subject to change.
Fiona Doring is director of Impact Arts and recently joined the board of the Scottish Contemporary Arts Network (SCAN).
