Finding My Place in Arts and Culture Management: A Journey of Learning, Growth, and Purpose

We start a series of testimonials with the students and alumni of the Arts and Culture Management programme. In the story below, Emmanuel Berko, a Ghanaian graduating the programme in 2026, uncovers his academic and personal journey.   

I knew I wanted to improve on the information I acquired throughout my bachelor’s studies in Arts and Tourism Management, which is why I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Arts and Culture Management at HSE University. I had no idea how much this school would expand my knowledge of the arts and open my eyes to completely new possibilities.

I believe that enrolling in this program and studying in Russia were among my greatest choice.

My artistic experience before attending HSE University was primarily associated with museums and cultural establishments. I took part in several artistic and cultural events in Ghana and collaborated with the Ghana Armed Forces Museum. I believe I already had a solid grasp of the industry because of this background.

But the master’s programme soon demonstrated to me that the field of arts and cultural management is far more expansive than I had anticipated.

Finding topics that I had never considered to be related to the arts was one of the most thrilling aspects of my educational journey. Studying cultural law, for instance, fundamentally altered my viewpoint. In the course “Legal Environment of Arts, Culture and Creative Industries”, I discovered how laws, rules and regulation are crucial for managing cultural institutions, safeguarding artists and fostering the expansion of the creative industry. It helped me realize that creativity on its own is insufficient; it also needs a solid institutional and legal basis.

Each of the interesting and captivating courses gave me fresh perspectives on management and culture. I was able to relate theory to practical issues in the cultural sector in every class, which made studying relevant and useful.

The curriculum has broadened my vision for my future profession, which is what I love most about it. I now have the self-assurance to look beyond the roles I had envisioned for myself and to reach higher.

I want to work for important cultural organizations or government agencies that oversee Ghana’s arts and culture in the future. I want to start in a position related to research or policy, where I can offer suggestions and influence choices that benefit the cultural industry. I want to eventually advance into a leadership role where I can support artists, influence cultural growth, and assist in planning initiatives that have a lasting effect.

I have learned from my experience at HSE University that arts and culture management is more than just conserving culture; it is also about generating possibilities, fostering community, and influencing the future. This program has been more than just an educational opportunity for me; it has served as a springboard for a purposeful career.

 

Emmanuel Berko   

Ghanaian

Masters in Arts and Culture Management

HSE University, St. Petersburg