My time at Ikon

By Joe, CEP Arts Administrator Intern

Hello! My name is Joe and I would like to reflect and share on my time here at Ikon as the CEP (Creative Employment Programme) Arts Administrator Intern.

I haven’t really come from a background in the arts, I did my degree in Music Technology and mostly focused on that area, so it felt quite strange being thrust into a fast paced art gallery. I wasn’t sure how I would settle in to the unfamiliar environment; I definitely didn’t predict leaving having bought limited edition artwork and with a new passion for the world of art.

 

Having just come out of university this was the perfect position for me, as I have been able to learn how an arts organisation works from the ground up. Even doing something as simple as distributing the post has allowed me to see what different departments are doing and what they’re in charge of. I’ve spent most of my time here in the marketing department, assisting with print distribution, website updates and posting on social media, amongst other duties. It’s in this area that I hope to further progress my career  so being involved in the planning and execution of all aspects of marketing for the gallery has been very interesting and incredibly beneficial to me.

As with all jobs I have spent some of my time doing day to day tasks that someone just needs to do, such as updating the database, archiving press cuttings, sorting out the recycling (always important!); but these duties are always balanced out by interesting experiences like being taken to the world of Gale’s framers or drinking a signature Vanley Burke cocktail.

As the team is fairly small I’ve been able to get very hands on with different departments and assist them in tasks that I wouldn’t normally be involved in, like distributing flyers for a community duck race or manning the bar at exhibition openings, which I’ve enjoyed as I’ve been able to develop different skills.

 

I’ll be very sad to leave when my time is over at Ikon. I have been very much welcomed into the organisation and made to feel like an important cog in running the gallery. Although I’ll be (hopefully!) moving on to bigger and better things I’d like to stay close with everyone here as they have given me my first opportunity in the arts.

Click here for information about Ikon’s next CEP (Creative Employment Programme) position, Paid Internship – Marketing & Development Support.