Nel Adkins - University of Worcester Placement Student

About me and my placement opportunity

Hi, my name is Nel, and I am going into my third year of Theatre Acting and Performance at the University of Worcester. When the time came to prepare for our work experience module, I jumped at the chance to work with Severn Arts.

From the start, the process was tailored to me and what I wanted to gain from the experience. Elaine co-ordinated my placement based on what suited me best and paired me with freelance creative producer, Katy, to assist with the community-driven Worcester Carnival.

Before diving into the practical side, I met with Katy to chat about what I was most excited to be involved in and what I hoped to learn. She was amazing at fine-tuning my placement to make sure I could get the most out of every moment.

Worcester Carnival brings together a variety of people and organisations to create floats for the parade, and Katy oversaw the creation of three eco floats for this year’s ‘Myths and Legends’ theme. Each one created by a different community with the guidance of an artist.

My experience

On my first day, we visited a local school where I assisted in facilitating a craft workshop to bring the students’ mythical creature drawings to life. In this workshop I was well supported but was also given the chance to work independently. Being trusted to take responsibility and lead my groups gave me a confidence boost and made me feel involved and part of the team.

I also got the opportunity to see the admin side of Katy’s role – looking at risk assessments and budgets. I was super keen to gain a rounded understanding of what a creative producer does so it was valuable and interesting to see the logistics and planning that happens behind the scenes of events like this.

Throughout the placement, I visited a local therapeutic learning provision, and a Worcester based community centre where I helped run creative sessions to make their floats. This was such a lovely way to connect with the communities, meeting new people and making art. I found it particularly special seeing the passion the individuals seemed to develop throughout the sessions as they became more comfortable with us and connected with the project.

In the two days leading up to the carnival I worked alongside the artists in Arch 27 to put the floats together. This involved, painting, problem solving, and a whole lot of sequins! I enjoyed spending this time in such a lovely space surrounded by such creative passionate people and talking about the ever-growing arts scene here in Worcester. This experience really made me feel like I’d found the kind of environment I would like to work in.

On the day of the Carnival, we did the final touches on the floats and then took them over to the carnival grounds before joining the parade. I had the opportunity to pull the float and be part of the celebration – it was amazing seeing so many people watching the parade and getting excited when they saw the fabulous floats.

Reflection

This placement gave me a real insight into what it means to be a creative producer. From community engagement and artistic collaboration to admin duties - each day was different. I have gained confidence in my skills, and it has made me so excited to pursue this career, I am so grateful to have had a placement that gave me so much support and inspiration. Katy was amazing to collaborate with, and I cannot wait to work with her again.

Thank you so much to Elaine, Katy, and everyone I worked with throughout this brilliant experience. I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.

My highlights

Chatting to the ladies at the community centre and watching them grow more confident throughout the session.
Looking at the floats and knowing I played a part in the creation of them - this gave me so much pride.
Engaging with the artists and being inspired by their passion and knowledge.
Feeling like part of a team and having a huge sense of belonging.
Experiencing the positive impact the carnival has on the community.
Finding a passion for a career I may not have had the chance to pursue otherwise.