Fahima (left) with team members Mary and Sadia at the Sharing Our Stories panel discussion
My name is Fahima, and I participated in the Centre for Creative Collaboration's Assistant Producer Spring scheme in Spring 2024. This summer, I got a job at Queen Mary working the Strategic Partnerships Officer with the Centre for Creative Collaboration and Civic Engagement team. Looking back, I can now reflect on the transformative journey that this program provided.
I joined the scheme as a recent Marketing and Management graduate from Queen Mary, looking to broaden my horizons in the event sector. From January to February, I worked with 14 other participants to develop my abilities and learn from other experts in a series of weekly workshops.
"Connect the Dots," was the result and it led to a vibrant festival held at BLOC, Arts One. This free event encouraged connections through a range of experiences, including delicious cuisine, thought-provoking discussions, interactive art exhibits, live music, poetry, and dancing. It attempted to bridge the gap between local community life and university life, providing a forum for shared creativity and experiences.
Throughout the scheme, I learned the value of compromise and effective problem-solving within a team environment. I developed an interest in copywriting and designing marketing materials, as well as developing compelling promotional content. I also became interested in design and social media administration, which included making fliers, posters, and keeping a social media schedule.
This has become very useful to me, especially as some of my day-to-day tasks involve promoting events and opportunities that come from our external partners. Knowing how to appeal to not only university students but also academics and people around East London is crucial, so I am glad that the scheme allowed me to have the chance on working with different segments of audiences.
The program was broad teaching me event planning and coordination, public speaking, and marketing strategies. I learned valuable storytelling abilities that are essential for developing captivating content and connecting with audiences.
Mary Tooley, another participant, described her post-program experience:
"Since the Assistant Producers program, I've been working as a freelance creative producer and facilitator. I've worked as the Producer of the Peopling the Palaces Festival alongside QMUL and Air Supply, as well as the Embedded Evaluator for Half Moon Theatre."
Another participant, said the following on what they’ve learnt about themselves during the Assistant Producers Spring Project:
“I have always had a deep passion for creativity and the arts, in the process of bringing ideas to life and arranging them in unique and compelling ways. However, as I embarked on this journey, I encountered various challenges that led me to question my abilities. Yet, within the last two months of immersing myself in this program, I've gained valuable insights.
I've learned the importance of trusting my intuition and maintaining an unwavering belief in oneself creative potential. Doubt may have crept in momentarily, but I've emerged with newfound confidence, reaffirming that with belief and perseverance, we can bring any vision to fruition.”
Overall, the Assistant Producer Spring course was a transformative experience, providing participants with skills that will benefit them both professionally and personally.
For students considering applying, if you're unsure where to begin or wish to step out of your comfort zone, the Assistant Producers Scheme is an excellent opportunity. It's also ideal for those looking to delve into the creative sector. Keep an eye out for applications reopening in Spring '25!