Art, Community, and Placements

Eleanor started her work placement with us at Radiate Arts at the end of April, she has now completed her five-weeks here and agreed to do an interview to tell us about her experience working alongside us.

Some of Eleanor's work during our session with Live!

What were your initial expectations going into working with Radiate Arts? 

I expected a lot of art, of course; I had done some research on you guys and seen what you had to offer in your projects and was really into the ‘artsy’ vibe you had.

I came here to do my work placement for Uni, obviously, and I wasn’t expecting it to be as welcoming as it has been. I never feel scared to ask for help, as I know you guys will always be willing to help me out which has been really comforting.

What were your initial desires for working with Radiate Arts?

Initially, I wanted to do the work I was used to at Uni – graphic design, getting to know brand guidelines and gain experience in creative fields that was outside of just my own personal work.

Safe to say, I got a lot more out of the job than I expected. It has been a lot of fun getting to assist workshops as I was convinced I would be staying in the office working on social posts and the brands appearance; instead I have been able to do a lot of creative things I have never done before and may never have done without being offered the opportunity by Radiate Arts.

How has your experience at Radiate Arts been overall?

Really informative! I’ve learned so much about art, both within graphic design and all kinds of other mediums. I got to help out with setting up an exhibition symposium which was cool, I definitely didn’t expect that. I’ve also gotten the opportunity to meet some really interesting people within the groups we’ve visited that have had so many interesting stories to tell that have really made an impact on me.

Do you feel you have learned useful career skills? What specifically?

I would definitely say so. I feel I’ve really improved in understanding media literacy as I’ve learned how to navigate and create on various different platforms which I think will be really beneficial for my future. I’ve also seen a lot of improvement in my planning and organisation skills as I’ve really had to put myself on a schedule here, one day can be relatively calm with the odd task to do, whilst the next can be a lot busier!

A skill I was really surprised to have developed is some leadership skills as I was able to plan and organise my own workshop for one of the Youth Voices in Action groups, allowing me to really trust in myself and what I could offer in a workshop.

Which projects have you taken part in?

I was mainly assisting the Youth Voices in Action workshops, working with various youth groups to create art and learn to express themselves and their wants in life creatively. I also did a lot of work in admin too, working on creating a brand guidelines booklet to help out new employees and volunteers in the future, and creating social media posts and layouts for the brand.

It was really fun to get to assist some other projects too, like Hidden Histories where I got to listen to some really interesting life stories, Teatime Tuesday where I learned some new cooking skills, True Colours where I took part in sewing and book making, and Reimagining Recovery where I got to help set up the symposium and deliver a drop-in workshop for people to join.

More work during another Youth Voices session

Would you say you have felt an improvement in confidence and/ independence?

Yes, absolutely; I have really had to push myself out of my comfort zone, it has been really nice getting to know the participants though and learning how best to handle each groups dynamic.

What are your plans following the end of your placement at Radiate Arts?

I’m definitely planning on becoming a volunteer here, I really enjoy being a part of this workplace and feel it has taught me a lot about not only possible careers but also community, self-expression, and all the other wonderful benefits of art and art spaces such as this one.

What would you say your most meaningful experience has been?

I think getting to know specific groups has been the highlight for me. I’ve had a lot of fun with some of the youth groups but also a really emotionally inspiring time with the Hidden Histories group; it was really lovely to get to hear people’s life stories and hear about all the wild things they had done over the course of their lives.

Getting to watch Fallen Angels dance during the Reimagining Recovery symposium was also brilliant, they told such an inspiring and emotional story just by dancing. Their stories were also really beneficial to hear; I think it’s so good to hear how other people have lived and what they have to share with the world because of their experiences.

Have you met any new people or made new connections? 

Yeah, loads. Not only through all these groups I’ve assisted, but also with my co-workers who have really helped me out.

Would you consider ever continuing to work/volunteer with Radiate Arts?

Absolutely. I can’t believe my placements already over to be honest, it’s gone so quickly but I’ve had a great time here.