Name:
Grace O'Mahony
Role:
Finance Manager
Where are you from?
Douglas Road, Cork
What do you do at Crawford Art Gallery?
Along with my colleagues Catherine and Colette, I look after the finances of the Gallery from initial budget preparation through to managing expenditure, forecasting and reporting on finances to the budget holders, funders, management and the board. In the Finance department, we also look after all the day-to-day business of paying the wages, processing and paying supplier invoices on a weekly basis, managing the Gallery bank account, drawing down of funding and all the reporting and compliance issues that go with these functions.
Briefly describe your typical working day.
I check my email first to see what’s new in and what meetings and appointments are in the calendar for the day. There might be some preparation work to be done for meetings during the day, or reports to be prepared. Then there is the day-to-day work on payments, payroll, preparation of accounts and reports. We are heading into a very busy period in Quarter 1 this year, with our year-end and both internal and external audits scheduled, so there’s lots of preparation work to be done for these.
What do you like the most about working at Crawford Art Gallery?
I am very lucky to have such good colleagues and I’m really impressed by the dedication and friendliness of all of my colleagues so far. For me, it is a really refreshing experience to work alongside people like this and it makes the Crawford such a positive, inclusive and welcoming work environment. I love the building – from the moment of walking in the front door the impression is one of friendliness, warmth and welcome. The building itself is also a very beautiful place to work – from the staircase to the First Floor with all the fabulous artwork displayed on the way up, including the ‘Lonradh', stained glass window to all the artwork displayed in the galleries and hallways. The collection on display is always interesting and diverse and in addition to this, the series of temporary exhibitions and programmes add even more texture and interest to the permanent collection of artworks. I love the buzz of energy when the gallery is busy, especially with the school tours – it is great to see school groups taking an interest in the artworks and getting an opportunity to explore the diverse collection…and perhaps even gain inspiration from their visit.
Do you have a favourite artwork, exhibition or gallery space?
I don’t really have a favourite as there are simply too many beautiful artworks, objects and spaces to choose. I do walk through the Long Room on Floor 1 everyday, as it’s en route to my office space, and I love the current Menagerie exhibition. I also love John Lavery’s ‘The Red Rose’ at the top of the stairs on the landing – it is exquisite. The current exhibitions Rembrandt in Print and REMAINS – Brian Maguire are really interesting and thought provoking. The Library is also a great space when I get the chance to be in there. It’s almost like you have transported back in time with the book-lined walls, long reading table, old lamps and the beautifully panelled ceiling. With the windows open, it is an experience being in this old and beautiful space and yet hearing all the modern city noises drifting up from just below the window.
Do you remember the first time you visited the gallery?
It was several years ago when I came in to do a tour with members of my family, followed by a lovely lunch and coffee in the Café. It was an enjoyable day out and I have very fond memories of this. I remember going away feeling very impressed with the Gallery and wanting to go back very soon for another visit to see more. Little did I think I would be working here several years later.
What do you think people might be surprised to learn about the gallery?
The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make the Gallery a fantastic visitor experience at every level, from security, cleaning, health and safety, building maintenance, through to curators and management: it is a truly amazing effort from the Crawford team on an ongoing basis.
