How are the kickstarters getting on?
The final young people have now started their Kickstart placements just before the scheme closed at the end of March. We are so proud to have been instrumental in recruiting 60 young people in 23 arts organisations and schools in Gloucestershire, from Wyldwood Arts in the Forest of Dean, Loco Glass in Cirencester, Deepbed Radio in Gloucester, Kingshill House in Dursley to Bright Marketing in Cheltenham.
So far, we are aware of 12 Kickstarters who have been taken on by their employer beyond their placement. The best quote we’ve had was from one of the Kickstarters who said, "It was the best decision I've made in my life so far".
Kickstarters will be sharing their individual stories and tips of how to get into the creative industries over the coming months but read on for some photos and updates from when Louise (CG’s Kickstart project manager) has caught up with them in their work environments.
Mayah
It’s fantastic news that Mayah will be continuing to work at The Glass Foundry in Stroud after the Kickstart placement ends. As she says herself:
“It’s the best decision I’ve made in my life so far”.
Mayah is loving working with plaster and interested in developing skills in sculpture.
Ella
Ella is a Kickstarter at Kingshill House and settling into her new role as Events and Arts Admin Assistant.
She is loving planning exhibitions, making connections with artists and getting involved in new community projects, alongside studying for a part time degree in painting.
Lia at work, designing a flyer for the forthcoming The Meeting Place project.
Lia
Lia is getting on really well at Wyldwood Arts in the Forest of Dean as Company Assistant through Kickstart. Having grown up in the Forest, and assuming there was nothing creative or arts based on her doorstep, she now feels connected to a much wider creative community. We have just heard that Lia will be continuing with Wyldwood Arts after her placement ends.
Lia commented how “it is nice to have a job that doesn’t feel like a job… I feel like I have a purpose. I feel like I’ve landed where I need to be”.
The Roses Team!
Great to meet 3 of the Kickstart team at Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, who have been really busy during panto season - making costumes, lighting, chaperoning school groups …. the list was endless. They talked about the variety, and that every day is different as being the best part of their roles.
Fran and Josh in the SVA cafe in Stroud.
Fran and Josh
Fran and Josh are part of a 5 person Kickstarter team at Stroud Valleys Artspace and are supporting the operational and technical side of events, workshops and performances at SVA, The Goods Shed and the refurbished Picturedrome in Gloucester.
Fran described her Kickstart job as “life changing” and is interested in working with communities to make a difference. Josh wants to pursue his passion for lighting and sound on a larger scale, building on producing his own music from his home studio.