Nick graduated with a BA Hons in Fine Art in 2014 and has since been working in gallery education. After a year and a half at The Lightbox as the Learning and Engagement Officer, he will be moving on to a new position at the Crafts Council in London. We asked Nick to share some of his experiences looking back on his time working at The Lightbox.

Why did you want to apply to work at The Lightbox?

I had just finished some fixed term work at Two Temple Place in London, so I was on the lookout for a new job. The programme seemed really varied and involved working with a really interesting range of audiences, which really appealed to me.

Printmaking at Art in Mind © The Lightbox

What did you enjoy most about the role?

The Art in Mind sessions. This programme was set up about 5 years ago by Heather, Learning and Engagement Manager, and she very kindly passed it on to me! It’s a really special programme and I have grown very close with the participants and their carers. It’s not often you get to work with the same participants on a regular basis, so I was able to gain a really good understanding of their personalities and needs. I also loved working with the Young Curators - the digital media workshop was so exciting! It’s been great to work with different artists on each project.

What did you like the least?

I ran a children’s workshop using plaster… A lot of fun – but a nightmare to clean up!

Painting for Under 5s © The Lightbox

What was the job like day-to-day?

It’s a really varied and exciting role. Usually I have workshops every day, except Mondays when we’re closed to the public. This is always a good time to squeeze in emails, admin jobs and meetings. Throughout the rest of the week, I might be running a session with a school, or doing an outreach project at a care home. The next day I could have Art in Mind on in the morning and then I might be working with the Young Curators in the evening.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m soon to start working at the Crafts Council working in their Learning team, so I think that will keep me busy for now! As well as working full time, I also do freelance work delivering creative workshops, so I’m keen to keep the ball rolling on that too.

Digital Media Workshop with Young Curators © The Lightbox

How has working at The Lightbox helped you progress in your career?

I learned a lot about my professional interests and what kind of audiences I enjoy working with. Prior to this role, I had worked mainly with children and young people, but here I have been able to work with people who might not necessarily be able to access the arts so easily. It’s given me an invaluable understanding of working with all different kinds of audiences and has really developed my communication skills – I now know what it takes to remove any barriers.

What will you miss the most?

I will definitely miss the Art in Mind groups. It was so hard to say goodbye to them! It is such important work and so meaningful – it was always the highlight of my week! I’m also really going to miss the volunteers, who are the most invaluable team of people ever. The Learning and Engagement programme relies so heavily on their support and they’re always such a fantastic help.

For the full job description please click here. The closing date for applications is Friday 9 November at 4pm.

Interviews will take place on either the 14th or 15th November 2018.

To apply for this role please complete an application form and equal opportunities form and submit it along with your CV to [email protected].