Virtual Work Experience
Artwork by Sarah Benmansour as part of Ant Hamlyn’s creative workshop
In early 2020, with the sudden need to get more familiar with digital platforms, plus a well timed Arts Award Start Up grant from The Mighty Creatives, UKNA decided to test the idea of delivering the Bronze Award as part of Speakers for School’s virtual work experience programme (VWEX). We delivered two programmes, one in July and the other over the October half term.
The programme provided participants with the opportunity to spend the week (digitally) with UKNA, exploring the UK arts industry, new artists and potential career paths, using the Bronze Arts Award as a structure. Each day was divided into three sessions - Information, Inspiration and Exploration. Being a completely virtual programme, the (digital) world was our oyster. Participants were encouraged to utilise as many online services as they had access to – iPlayer, Youtube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+, live streamed workshops and virtual exhibition tours to connect with a wide range of cultural experiences without needing to navigate the usual financial, geographic or time barriers. The Inspiration sessions were led by UKNA alumni and partners from a range of backgrounds including visual artist, Ant Hamlyn; performance artist and dancer, Danni Spooner, musician and producer, Jay Johnson; and journalist and writer, Tom Inniss.
Through VWEX we were able to use this opportunity to make young people aware of just how many incredible cultural experiences they can now connect to in this way, From an environmental perspective, this digital approach also meant no travel or paper-usage. All resources were made available digitally and all activity was achieved through online events, resources and meetings and participants created digital portfolios to collect their Bronze Arts Award evidence. Moving forward, a digital approach would mean that we could more regularly connect young people with our artists, facilitators and opportunities regardless. As a national organisation, online distance delivery would also enable us to work with young people from across our UK networks and provide opportunities for them to easily connect with and benefit from our national and international alumni artists.
202 has demonstrated how important it is that the arts industry is able to work remotely. Although ‘real life’ work placements are incredibly valuable, UKNA see this as an opportunity for students to experience working in this way, illustrating and enhancing non-traditional communication skills and the importance of self-motivation and using their initiative.
Artwork by Sebrina Stain
Artwork by Ariana Oprea