“I first met Rachel about 9 years ago as a member of the National Portrait Gallery’s youth forum. Since then, she has tirelessly signposted opportunities and advocated for my progression into the creative industries. Her support, practical advice and belief in my ability to succeed has been invaluable and I can truly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.”
Tascha Von Uexkull, London-based Facilitator
“Having worked with Rachel Moss over several years, I have been so grateful for her vast insight and experience in the museum/gallery education sector. Rachel has helped guide our programmes for young audiences with thorough detailed evaluation, helping us move these programmes forward and improve them for our audiences. Rachel's abilities in programme organisation and project management are only exceeded by her commitment and care to connecting young people to the cultural sector and broadening their perspectives.”
Michael Irwin, Curator: Young People's Programmes at Tate
"Rachel worked with A New Direction to deliver our AND Advocates programme 2017/18. Her clear thinking, attention to detail and supportive approach was invaluable, and helped ensure that our programme participants were engaged in high quality activity throughout. Feedback to the programme was universally positive – we would not hesitate to recommend her."
Laura Fuller, Senior Programme Manager (Schools) at A New Direction
“Rachel covered our Head of Education’s maternity leave for a year and did a fantastic job, hitting the ground running to take on a very challenging, multi-faceted role. She has a wealth of experience, was a pleasure to work with and we were hugely impressed by her achievements during her time at the gallery.”
Margot Heller, Director at the South London Gallery (SLG)
"Rachel came into the SLG at a time of transition for the gallery, with a major development looming, new projects starting and changes in members of staff. As Head of Education, she managed the education team through this transitional time: supporting, mentoring and providing stability. I personally really appreciated her pastoral care and enthusiasm – and her understanding of the importance of a chat over a cup of tea!"
Heather Kay, School and Community Projects Manager at the South London Gallery (SLG)
"Rachel worked at the National Portrait Gallery, London, as Young People's Programmes Manager from early 2007 until late 2015. She developed a successful programme of cross-media events, sessions and projects for and with 14-21 year olds, including the Gallery's peer-led Youth Forum. Rachel was a passionate advocate for the programme, and was hugely committed to improving and increasing youth engagement here at the Gallery."
Justine McLisky, Head of Young People at the National Portrait Gallery, London
"I met Rachel when I was participating in 15/21 at the Serpentine Gallery when I was 17 years old. Since then Rachel has acted as a mentor, helping me by giving me advice and by putting me in touch with her contacts to enable me to gain first hand experience of working in museums and galleries. Thanks!"
Young Person from the Serpentine Gallery
"We worked with Rachel and members of the National Portrait Gallery's Youth Forum while running our Teen Tours programme offsite. Time and again, she proved herself passionate, sensitive and wholly committed to the views, needs and ideas of the young people involved. I wouldn't hesitate to work with her again."
Janice McLaren, Head of Education & Projects at The Photographers' Gallery
"You know that I have you to be thankful to, as when we first met I was homeless and sleeping on buses, however you inspired me and I wanted to be very much like you, and the more time I spent with you, the more I was motivated to better myself. So I just want to say thank you very much for all your support and your positive influence and inspiration."
Young person from New Horizons Youth Centre, Camden
"I would highly recommend Rachel as a true professional who takes great care and attention in all the work she undertakes, having previously worked with Rachel and again in my current role on an ambitious, artist-led schools programme. Rachel has excellent organisational skills and delivers to deadlines, whilst establishing and maintaining positive relationships with and between artists, participants (of all ages) and partner organisations. Alongside her contemporary arts knowledge and passion, she has a strong understanding of engaging with schools and brokering the relationship between artist and teacher."
Louise Coysh, formerly Senior Curator at Art on the Underground
"Being involved with the National Portrait Gallery's Young People's Programme and being commissioned by Rachel to play the cello and sing for the Union Dance project was invaluable at a time when I was beginning to develop my career outside of school. Because of the connection I had with the Gallery, I then had the opportunity to stage a performance of 'Sojourner Truth's Story' as part of one of my final year projects for which I won the Trinity College of Music Vivian Prindl Outreach Prize upon graduating. Rachel is a true mastermind for creative projects."
Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Musician, www.ayannamusic.com/