Living the dream: Cadetship opens the door to a career in the arts

When Sabine Jamieson learned she’d been offered a cadetship as a curator at Mosman Art Gallery in Sydney, she knew it would be a defining moment for both her career and her life.

“When I found out, I cried. I just thought this was such a pivotal moment and I never expected to have an opportunity like this. It’s been really transformative for me,” she said.

The cadetship – delivered by MRAEL (part of the IntoWork Group) in partnership with the Mosman Gallery – is the first program of its kind in New South Wales, designed to create new pathways for emerging talent.

An art school graduate herself, Sabine realised over time that her passion was less about producing her own work and more about championing the creative process of other artists. She found casual work in the industry in customer service and public-facing gallery roles, but it hadn’t yet occurred to her that curating could be a viable career path.

“I’m very interested in learning about other people’s stories and how artists communicate their own experiences through art,” she said. “I think an interest in art can expand people’s understanding about other people, about yourself and about the world we live in. Rather than being disinterested in other people’s experiences, I think being open to art can help foster empathy and compassion.”

MRAEL Employment Coordinator Cherylee Maybury says the cadetship has been the perfect bridge between Sabine’s passion and a long-term career in the arts. “Sabine’s recent Dean’s List Honor Award is a testament to her commitment and will help open pathways to future opportunities. The Mosman Gallery has been amazing in helping support Sabine’s development. I can see a long and productive future unfolding there.”

This month, Sabine is curating her first exhibition at the gallery — a milestone she describes as both surreal and deeply affirming. The opportunity feels even more special as her first show features the artist she has admired most throughout her studies and early career.

‘My first exhibition is with my favourite artist of all time! It’s such a dream come true. I’m just so grateful for the opportunity because I’m aware of how unique they are. These cadetships are few and far between and I think there should be more of them. It’s been so pivotal for my career,” Sabine said.

As part of her studies, Sabine also spent two weeks in China and Taiwan on a university field trip, where she connected deeply with her peers and local art communities, gaining valuable cultural insight and firsthand artistic perspectives. The experience left a lasting impact on her personally and academically, especially as it was her first time travelling solo and engaging so immersively in another culture.

Photo: Matt de Jongh.