My Experience as 'Artist in Residence' at Radiate Arts

My name is Georgia and I have been working with Radiate Arts as their first student

intern and ‘artist in residence’ for about a month and a half. On a whim I decided to

respond to an advert sent to me by the Careers and Employability department at the

University of Chester. I was then, much to my surprise, offered an interview, and then

the position itself!

Going into work with Radiate Arts I was very unsure and nervous. As a graduate, this

is most probably your first time working a role at this particular level; I won’t have

been able to say I was an intern before, nor will I know what to expect being one!

You could probably say the same about being in a volunteer position as well. It’s

always a challenge doing something new, and I knew I had to go into it with an open

mind- and the ability to say “sure, why not” to everything!

My first week was a total blur, but in a good way. It also completely knocked any

assumptions and expectations I had earlier built about what would be expected of

me. My first day is one I can definitely never forget; We braved probably the worst

rainstorm I’ve ever seen to go on a trip to Kingsway Allotments with a group from

DSN youth vibe! This group was taking part in our Creative Food project and were

visiting the allotments to learn about local growing and how the members manage

sustainable produce. I was so nervous upon arriving but that quickly melted away -

or was washed away, I guess - and I had so much fun walking through the

allotments, guessing what fruits and veg we could see growing and looking for bugs

amongst the plants! My boots and socks were soaked through when I got home, but

it was totally worth it.

I was also introduced to the admin side of things through the office accounts, where

files and communications relative to ongoing projects are organised.

In terms of projects, Pam assigned me to two; their 'Creative Food' project, working

with Deaf & Sensory Network (DSN) Youth Vibe and Dorin Park SEN school; and

'Youth Voices in Volunteering' in collaboration with Cheshire West Voluntary Action

(CWVA), producing a stop motion film highlighting the barriers and benefits of

volunteering for young people. I was briefed on what these projects entailed, and

what the projected outreach for them was. Both were similar in that they were closely

working with different community groups and facilitating workshops to promote

creativity and connection. This meant that across my internship I was responsible for

the majority of material for these projects; thanks to Alex I quickly became a master

at Canva and created a roster of postcards and posters featuring participants

artwork for our Creative Food project, as well as a video that featured on the big

screen in Chester Indoor Market! I even stepped up to do some voice acting for the

Youth Pride video.. (if you hear anyone trying not to laugh, it’s probably me!)

Here's me demonstrating how the airbrush can be used for stencilling.

I’ve also been a part of other projects- every week I’ve participated in True Colours

sewing making butterfly wings for Pride. I’ve never really known how to sew so it’s been really rewarding week by week to see myself improve, and get faster at my

stitching. I’ve also had the opportunity to use a sewing machine! While I’ve definitely

made both good and bad (and only a little ugly) it’s been so much fun. On a couple

of occasions I even had the opportunity to run my own demonstrations using my

airbrushing equipment, which gave others the opportunity to get to grips with the

basics of using an airbrush and making decorations for their wings with it, an

opportunity they might never have had before.

As my time with Radiate Arts draws to a close, I’m given the opportunity to reflect on

what I have learned- which trust me, is a lot. This whole experience has been really

eye-opening and refreshing, it’s been nice to just return to making and trying all

sorts of crafty things off the back of three years of uni critiques. The resounding

feeling I am left with is that I will definitely return as a volunteer where I can.

Volunteers are the grease to the cogs, so to speak. Every little contribution is

valuable, and appreciated, and it gives back to you in return; you’re left with valuable

skills and experience you might not have had elsewhere, and you’ll meet so many

amazing people and make connections with people and organisations all around

Chester. I know - I’ve seen it firsthand!