Ania Bond is working as the Arts Education Intern at Prema Arts Centre and joined through the Kickstart Scheme. Find out how she discovered the work opportunity and how she has got on in the role and what she has learned along the way (as well as how great the coffee is in the Vestry cafe ;-).

My name is Ania Bond; and I am working as the Arts Education Intern at Prema Arts Centre, as part of the Kickstart Scheme. I discovered Kickstart from two different places; social media, and from my work coach at the job centre.

Before I started my Kickstart placement, I completed two years at SGS Stroud College on the L3 Extended Diploma of Art & Design, specialising in Fine Art. I was also working part time in Stonehouse Court Hotel in Housekeeping, but I felt as though my creativity was slowly being eroded away and I really didn’t like not being able to be around artistic people and not spending as much time creating as I would have liked. I tended to stick to housekeeping roles because of my anxiety - I found that I didn’t really have to talk to anybody and was able to just get on with my work - this seemed to keep my panic attacks at bay.

I was terrified to start work again. My mental health had worsened and I left my job at the hotel; I then didn’t leave the house or socialise for months, so starting my role here at Prema was extremely hard and scary. However, everyone at Prema has been so supportive and welcoming - they have really helped me and my anxiety a lot.

What I enjoy about my role

One of the best things about my role at Prema is when artists come in to talk to us; we get to meet over a delicious coffee, from Vestry Cafe. It is so great to see all the different kinds of creative work and what they have to offer our education programme here at the arts centre. I also love being surrounded by lots of artistic talent, it is incredible!

I am proud of myself for leaving my comfort zone and pushing myself to do this. Working at Prema has really helped me develop new skills and help me develop as a person; I feel as though it has assisted me to gain a little more confidence.

I have always dreamt of a job in the Arts & Culture sector, but no opportunities had ever come along and I feared that my mental health might restrict me. Kickstart has given me such an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful for it.

What’s next?

After the Kickstart placement finishes I plan to go to Plymouth Arts University to study Painting, Drawing & Printmaking. I feel as though my time here at Prema has really helped me mentally prepare for university.

I have been told by quite a few people that if you want to make it in the Art & Culture sector, then a degree would be a real advantage, which is why I am pursuing university. I feel so appreciative that I have been given the opportunity to work in the Arts - I love it so much!

Kickstart was most definitely the answer! It has been super helpful and the most amazing experience - I don't want it to end. It has helped me understand what working in the Arts is like and what to expect. It has helped me grow as a person and within my own artwork. I have managed to meet and make contact with so many artists, all of whom have given me friendly advice and tips on how to succeed (which has been fab!). And for that I am incredibly grateful.

To read more about the scheme and find out what the other kickstarters have been involved in read our Kickstart round up here.