Before starting at Warwick Arts Centre, I had thought about working in festivals across the country.
This aspiration has changed dramatically since working here. I’ve seen how an arts centre is run and this has opened my mind to so many areas and positions that I didn’t know existed.
Seeing how so many people work together to make such a large building work is amazing, and I love the sense of pride every member of staff has. Its inspirational!
There is so much going on and I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the industry and be a part of the arts centre in many ways.
I have learned so much more about the arts in general as well as built my confidence.
Having always loved the arts growing up, my favourite class in school was Art. I would draw between lessons and do painting after school.
I went on to study a Fine Art BTECH full time at college, which was such an amazing experience.
I then went to university to study Fine Art, but unfortunately after a bad experience I left after my first year.
After coming home and getting a full-time job, I was terrified to pick up a pencil or paintbrush again.
When I found this apprenticeship at Warwick Arts Centre, I finally felt ready to step back into the arts.
Once I started, I knew this was the place for me; I feel as though I have gained my artistic side back.
I have been inspired by the space and surrounded by so many talented people on a day-to-day basis. Every day at the Arts Centre is never the same.
Currently, I work mostly in the Creative Learning department where my favourite thing to do is help out with workshops.
I’ll meet the artists, help them set up and make them feel comfortable in our building.
I also spend a lot of time in our Creative Learning Space planning and putting together materials for the workshops.
Every now and again, I’ll even get stuck in and make something myself!
I also do some admin for the Cinema, as I spent time working in this department early on in the internship.
Every few weeks I will upload our film titles for the following month to Artifax, our room booking system, making sure all films have the relevant information attached. Without this, our three cinema screens wouldn't be able to show any films!
Throughout my time at Warwick Arts Centre, one of the most memorable events I've worked on was the Venue Education Fund project.
We worked with a local youth group called Teenvine over 4 months, to help them put together a film screening event at the end of March 2022.
They chose The Addams Family as their film and had a black and white dress code– the atmosphere was spooky and very fitting!
I led on this project and what an opportunity it was. Seeing the difference made to the group’s confidence was amazing.
From this, I have also assisted with some workshops for local schools. Most recently I worked with a group of year-one students and Artist Betsy Bradley in our gallery's Making Space.
The students designed their own painting tools and collaborated to create remarkable artwork.
Again, seeing the looks on the children’s faces was the best part. They were all so grateful to be able to come in and see an artist in real life.
It's so important to give children the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom, especially in the arts.
Seeing the joy that art can bring made me feel so happy; it was such a pleasure to be able to see Betsy pass on her practice in a bright and fun way.
As I'm coming to the end of my apprenticeship, I'm helping to work towards an outdoor cinema event for my final project. It'll take place on 9 September at Prior Deram Park in Canley.
This event will combine elements from my time in both the Cinema and Creative Learning departments, and I couldn't be more excited.
The Canley Community, with whom we have been collaborating during our Annual Parade as part of Playing Out, will also be involved.
I am so thankful to have found this apprenticeship and be able work at Warwick Arts Centre. The knowledge and skills I have gained are like no other and I cannot wait to see where I go afterwards.
—Sophia Welby
