My Experience as a Cultural Learning Intern
Cultural Learning Intern Cecilia Chard shares her experience of working at The Battery of Ideas…
Joining the Battery of Ideas as a Cultural Learning intern was a unique opportunity for me as I had just graduated from my degree studying illustration at Norwich University of the Arts. I had a keen interest in participating in creative environments that I could apply my skills as an illustrator however I also wanted to gain experience working in an environment where I could help others within the community.
I graduated with a 1st Class Honours however there where skills that I needed to acquire within the workplace and so far I have received so much support gaining those vital transferable skills that I’ll be able to apply in future creative roles.
My role includes, but is not limited to: administrative work, negotiating with local artists to display their work exhibitions and help organise and prepare community workshop events that take place at The Battery of Ideas. When I’m on hand to support the running of various art and family-oriented workshops I also collect users feedback about the events to ensure that participants get the best value out of their sessions and receive support from the Battery’s various support networks and charities.
My internship commenced on 4 August and my favourite experience has been getting involved with the various activities that have taken place at the Battery such as the Subversiv exhibition which is a virtual reality exhibition showcasing various porcelain pieces from Lowestoft Musem’s collection.
As well as this I’ve had the chance to get know many of our local artists and help support them through installing their High Voltage and 3D exhibition pieces that have had the theme of our town’s local heritage and environment awareness. Artists such as Aaron Rutter, Alex Costello and Amy Stock will be exhibiting their work from Monday 22nd September until Friday 10th October.
Suffolk Artlink – Recharge sessions hosted by Gabrielle Cox have especially provided insight on not only our town’s local history with their Herring Girls exhibition, but I have learnt how important having access to community art workshops is for people to receive health and wellbeing support, especially for those who may experience isolation because of the impact of their disabilities. These relaxed art and craft workshops provide a safe space for those who need connection and a chance to come together as a community. The Recharge workshops will run every Thursday for 7 weeks starting from the 11th September, 10:00 am till 12:30pm.
The Battery of Ideas is a hub buzzing with creativity with each day different from the last. Joining the Battery as a Cultural Learning intern has provided me with a sense of purpose and gives me the chance to demonstrate my creative skills. Whether that is through initiating ideas for promotional material such as designs for posters and flyers or by organising the display of our installation pieces. Overall, I am thoroughly enjoying my time working for the Battery of Ideas and incredibly grateful for this experience.