Creative Start Programme 2022!
From July to September this year, 9 aspiring creatives took part in the first ever Creative Start Internship Programme; the result of a partnership between Better Space, City, University of London and LIFT.
The 12 week programme provided these individuals with a London Living Wage paid placement in Graphic Design or Videography for 4 days a week with a local creative agency, alongside a programme of specially designed learning from City, University of London and Better Space.
On Thursday 29th September we held a Celebration Event for the cohort and businesses, where we heard from each of them about their experience and saw some of the work they’ve been producing.
Check out the photos and video below to hear more about the intern’s experience and the celebration.
8 of the 9 interns celebrating their completion of the course and new employment opportunities!
How did the programme run?
Monday to Thursday, the interns worked with local creative agencies on client projects learning skills in branding, animation, shooting films and photography and much more. On Fridays, the interns would attend seminars with their respective course tutors (in Videography or Graphic Design), based at Better Space, to further their technical skills and review coursework.
Better Space also hosted a programme of talks and workshops focused on developing the less technical, but equally essential skills required for freelancing; working in creative teams, communicating with clients and navigating the unique challenges of the sector. Kelly Bewers a consultant, hosted a session on Commercial Conversations, LinkedIn’s Elinor Honigstein ran a session on self-promotion and making the most of the LinkedIn platform. On the final week we also hosted a Speed-Mentoring and Networking session with individuals who had experience in content creation and freelancing. We’re grateful to all the individuals who made time to share their sector insights and open up the opportunities to the interns!
What was the outcome?
The programme created entry level pathways into the creative sector for LIFT borough residents with a focus on underrepresented people from black and Asian minority ethnic backgrounds, women, people with a disability, and lone parents.
Many of the interns have since been offered further roles with the businesses they were placed with, and others are exploring freelance creative opportunities!
Interns have additionally benefited from access to coworking space in Better Space, a year’s of Adobe Suite access to help them with their studies and work beyond the programme. Upon completing the internship participants also gained a reference in their chosen field, to use in their portfolio or showreel and the opportunity to apply for up to £1,000 to further progress their creative career.
If you’d like to talk to someone about this, please get in touch by emailing betterspace@city.ac.uk
Website: https://www.liftfutures.london/our-work/creative-start