We’re one of the organisations working with the University of Birmingham’s ‘B-Experienced’ Internship Programme — and we’ve been delighted to have had Laura as part of our team in Summer 2024 through the scheme.
We asked her to say a bit about her experience with us over the past couple of months…
Originally from Croatia, I have lived in Gloucester for the past 10 years. To find an internship through the University of Birmingham and do it locally has been very exciting!
I had no prior experience in marketing, but from day one, everyone on the team was so welcoming and have guided me throughout the internship. I also appreciated how well SAL’s values aligned with my own.
In terms of marketing, SAL has an amazing approach, not only focusing on a list of individual tasks to get an event in front of an audience but instead also keeping that audience at the forefront when creating promotional content, tailoring it for exactly those who would not usually attend an arts event.
With guidance from my manager Ben, I quickly learned and adapted to every task. This allowed me to become proficient in creating mailouts, improving workflow and managing the website code with tools like MailerLite, Slack and GitHub.
I didn’t just learn about marketing, but I also realised the importance of SAL and having it in Gloucester, how putting on unique events can get more local people involved with and passionate about the arts.
By having a chance to meet and collaborate with some of SAL’s community producers and LABA (Let Artists be Artists) artists I learned, on the one hand, how important community connections are in getting people to attend an arts event and, on the other, how the LABA scheme allows artists the flexibility and freedom to be creative in their own right.
When my internship was coming to an end, an opportunity came up for me to continue working in a freelance capacity which meant that I was still able to come in and contribute to the incredible work that SAL does.
As the new intern Sheryl started her placement in September, I saw this as a great way of passing on the knowledge I gained in my 10 weeks while also building on my skills like management and communication.
I am very grateful for the experience I gained as an intern and I look forward to growing professionally in the freelance role too. Thank you to the team and their ongoing kindness. I can’t wait to see all the future projects SAL brings to Gloucester!
Strike A Light 