Host organisation’s name and location:
OVADA (Oxford) is a not-for-profit arts centre that runs artist studios, classes, events, and exhibitions. It is focused on supporting artists and delivering artistic activities for everybody.
How did you secure this opportunity?
I undertook it as part of the ‘Placement in the Creative Industries’ module in the 2nd year of my BA (Hons) Fine Art Degree. My tutor, Lucy Phillips, helped me get in touch with the Director, Mita Vaghela, following which I shared my CV and went in for an interview. Upon being offered a placement, we opted for me to come in around once a week on a regular basis, which I found suitable as I wanted to engage with an arts organisation on a longer term to understand and observe how it functions.
Overview of the role:
I helped out with various jobs, but my main task was to focus on the website for its upcoming redesign. This involved, for example, making sure we were implementing good accessibility and SEO practices into the plan, reducing clutter, and making it reflect the organisation and its ideals. I had prior interest in web design so I felt I could contribute and be able to develop those skills in a professional setting. I decided to take on board new software such as Adobe XD and Illustrator. Learning these programmes was relatively easy due to prior experience through university workshops in apps like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. I was also invited to attend networking events during my time on placement. It was interesting to see the range of cultural partners attending and beneficial to be able to talk to and observe professionals, as it helped me gain some insight into the etiquette expected.
Top three highlights of your Placement?
1. Having conversations about art and being an artist with Mita, including discussions about undertaking a masters and commission work.
2. Learning about funding.
3. Seeing the gallery come to life during events.
What was the most surprising thing about your experience?
My appreciation of the role of non-profit, grassroots and community arts organisations has increased after completing this placement. It feels like OVADA is an integral space for promoting culture across different groups within the local and arts communities. I’ve seen artists come into OVADA to host a variety of events, some of which are students. It has given me a boost with my practice with highlighting more avenues of work to explore, alongside knowing that more than I initially thought can be made possible. The Placement was challenging as there was a lot of new knowledge to take on board but it was incredibly rewarding working in such a kind environment that does valuable work for the arts community in Oxfordshire.
How beneficial was your experience and how might it help you in the future?
It has definitely helped me as an artist, learning about how things work both on the gallery side and artist side. Previous experience of University group crits and independent study aided me by feeling comfortable voicing questions and opinions and with being able to manage myself during placement. Experience of talking to people in the arts sector and witnessing the organisation and set-up of events has made me more confident with engaging with people at university in advance of next year’s Degree Show. It has also made career options more clear for the future. I am now working on creating my own website and social media presence again, as having worked on those things at OVADA makes it feel less gargantuan and more relevant. I am also now doing a part-time paid Internship at OVADA alongside my studies.
What advice would you give to a student in this position?
If you’re trying to find opportunities, try getting in touch through people you know if you can, as well as applying directly. When you have a work opportunity or are engaging with people, go outside of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions when you get the chance. Through placement I become aware of how little time many artists have to dedicate to their practice – with other work taking up most of it. This has made me appreciate my time as an art student more so and I am attempting to do as much with it as I can.
Instagram:
@daria_junsan
@OVADA_Gallery