Not only have I been able to witness that the arts is a place that we can all meet and connect, but I was also able to share my love and passion for the arts. As well as have a sense of ownership over the events that I planned and the learning resources I created.
When I finished my history degree in May, I wanted to make the most out of the long summer before starting my masters. So when I saw the internship, I knew this was something I wanted to apply for.
I’ve spent the last two years of my university journey volunteering and working at Warwick Arts Centre on the Creative Learning programme. If I had to sum it up in one word, I would say it is magical.
So often are we caught up in those stressful moments of study, school and work, that we forget to unwind and allow ourselves to take a moment to breathe. This is exactly what the Creative Learning programme allows us to do.
Like seeing the faces of children light up as they run over to their parents to show them an artwork they’ve made. Or hearing students talk about how workshops are a chance for them to be themselves and de-stress from their studies.
These experiences made me realise the importance of creative learning and how much I wanted to be part of it.
Beneath all these magical moments of working on the programme, there was something I was curious about. As my history degree has taught me, be curious and ask questions. And so I did.
My question was, "what lies behind all these workshops and events that makes them come to life?" And the answer to that question was what I found in my internship.
Growing up, my mum would always tell me a Chinese idiom which translates as, "one minute on stage, ten years of hard work offstage".
Whilst in this instance, I may not be talking about a literal stage, it is very much a metaphorical one.
What the participants sees is only a tiny fraction of the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful event.
This internship shone a light on the behind-the-scenes process. The planning, the decisions, the passion, and the commitment that goes into creating something special.
During my internship, I split my time between working in the Creative Learning department and the Mead Gallery.
On my days with the gallery team, I was able to exercise the transferable skills of writing and presenting research which I learnt in my degree by helping to write a gallery guide for the Phantom Sculpture exhibition.
I discovered artists who I had never heard of and rediscovered ones who I learnt about at school. I searched through the web archives of all the exhibitions at the Mead Gallery from over twenty years ago until now.
I created my own sculpture trail inspired by the work in the upcoming exhibition. As well as brainstorming activities that children could take part in to understand the artworks around them.
My days working in the gallery reignited my interest in visual arts as I remembered how much I had enjoyed learning and writing about different artists at school.
Having gone to a very STEM-oriented school, I was encouraged to direct my interests towards maths and sciences.
When I found that I was more inclined towards the arts, I found little support and few opportunities.
What this internship has made me realise is that there is support out there, and there are opportunities for those interested in the arts.
In my time with Creative Learning, I could showcase my interest in the arts by creating social media content for the upcoming season’s programme.
I also assisted with workshops at Foleshill Community Centre and contributed to the creation of an access trolley to store ear defenders, fidget toys and other items that audiences can have access to during Relaxed Performances.
I presented my findings in the equality, diversity and inclusion working group and heard from others about relaxed performances and BSL training.
Learning about the Art Centre’s commitment to breaking down barriers and championing inclusivity was eye-opening and I was glad to be included in such a significant discussion.
Taking part in outreach workshops at Foleshill community centre was also important to me as widening participation lies very close to my heart. What I saw in these workshops was what me and my peers wanted and needed when we were younger, but never had.
To see Warwick Arts Centre seeking to strengthen connections with communities made me glad that communities’ voices are being heard and included.
I also helped to plan a Mid-Autumn festival lantern making workshop for Welcome Week.
This was special for me because it made me think back to my own Welcome Week during the pandemic, which also coincided with the Mid-Autumn festival.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Welcome Week events were all online and I missed out on the crucial element of meeting people and making friends.
The Mid-Autumn festival is one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar. A time that is often spent with family, which also makes it a time for homesickness to kick in for those living away from home.
I remember feeling lonely and homesick as I sat alone in my room having only moved onto campus days prior and never having lived away from home before.
Recalling the loneliness I felt in those moments made me determined that no fresher should have to sit alone in their room on what may be one of the most important celebrations of the year for them.
This was why it was so important and rewarding for me to be able to help plan this workshop that would give students the option to celebrate this important cultural festival, whilst being able to meet new people and enjoy the Welcome Week experience.
This internship has been an incredible learning experience and one which would not have been possible without the help and support of all the staff members I have met.
The staff were all lovely, helpful, and a joy to work with. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the arts shone through.
They went above and beyond to maintain the high standards of the Arts Centre and provide a welcoming and inclusive space for audiences.
Every staff member I met was friendly and supportive and I felt welcomed into the team.
I would like to say a special thanks to Becca who mentored me and supported me throughout my internship, giving me helpful pointers and invaluable advice that I will take forward in the future.
Going forward, I will be starting my MA in Global and Comparative History at Warwick this October. I'll also be staying on at the Arts Centre as a Creative Learning Assistant so I will still be very involved in the arts!
Looking back at everything I’ve done in the last six weeks has made me realise how much I’ve accomplished and affirmed the idea that when the arts meet, extraordinary happens.
