Abby Capern - Communications, Marketing and Engagement Placement
Tell us about yourself and your creative background
I'm Abby, and I am currently pursuing a master's degree in arts management at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Last year, I graduated from the University of Chichester Conservatoire with a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre. I have been performing since the age of 7, which led to opportunities like a music tour in Paris, as well as a performance in the West End with the Pauline Quirke Academy in 2019. At school, I studied Fine Art and developed a love for drawing, a hobby I continue to pursue alongside my studies.
I was born in Bristol but raised in North Somerset. During my childhood, I spent a considerable amount of time in Wales, visiting arts and cultural locations such as St Fagans and the Wales Millennium Centre to watch shows. It was from a young age that I fell in love with the arts, and last year, I started working at Bristol Museums across their sites. Being immersed in arts, culture, and heritage has fuelled my passion to work within this sector.
I am an avid music lover and attend various concerts and gigs throughout the year, some of which take place in Wales. One of my favourite memories is going to see the Stereophonics and Tom Jones with my Dad at the Principality Stadium in 2022.
Tell us about the work you’re doing at Creative Cardiff
At Creative Cardiff, I am currently working alongside Carys in the Communications and Engagement team. Even though it has only been a few weeks, I am already enjoying this role immensely. As part of my responsibilities, I am devising posts for various social media platforms, as well as conceptualising my own campaigns, which I aim to deliver during my time here. Furthermore, I am assisting Jess and Carys with their ongoing campaigns and facilitating Creative Cardiff events.
I am collaborating with both Jess and Olivia on projects such as the event on 10 July, which is very exciting. I am enjoying the opportunity to observe Olivia's work during her placement and learn from her experience.
This was my dream placement, so I am incredibly grateful and excited to be working here.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After I graduate, I hope to secure a job in marketing, communications, or content creation. I am eager to work in any area that I am passionate about, which covers a vast range, as anyone who knows me will attest to my passionate nature.
I aspire to work within an organisation centred around arts, culture, theatre, or music. I have some dream jobs in mind, ranging from marketing roles at organisations like the V&A Museum to theatres like the Bristol Old Vic. My goal is to work for institutions that inspired me and ignited my passion for the arts during my childhood, allowing me to inspire the next generation.
Aside from this, one of my dreams is to work in digital marketing and content creation for Liverpool Football Club, as football is a true passion of mine, and the opportunity to work for my beloved club would be a dream come true.
Olivia Coles - Strategy and Policy Placement
Tell us about yourself and your creative background
I've been working for a number of years as a freelance illustrator following my graduation from Cardiff Metropolitan University, but over the past couple of years I've become increasingly involved with the independent, community-based arts scene within Cardiff. Building upon that work, I've found that my passion for the creative sector has developed into a desire to facilitate projects that are larger than just my own practice, which ultimately led me to pursuing the Arts Management course at RWCMD.
Tell us about the work you’re doing at Creative Cardiff
Through my studies, I've gained a considerable amount of new knowledge and skills that I didn't previously possess, and working with Creative Cardiff for my professional placement seemed an excellent opportunity to put those skills into practice. I'm working closely with Jess on various aspects concerning Creative Cardiff's strategy and policymaking work, as preparations are underway for their launch event in July. In addition to this work I also have the opportunity to assist in the day to day delivery of the wide range of creative networking events that Creative Cardiff facilitates.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
My goal is to work specifically in the visual arts field, where my greatest passion lies. Though the precise role is still a bit vague, helping to make arts spaces more accessible would be immensely fulfilling. So many have historically been excluded from these spaces, and that stigma is still felt. Widening access - both for those exhibiting or creating work, and for audiences engaging with the spaces and art on display - is really important to me. Whilst the specific role is not quite defined, I'm looking to develop my network, work on a diverse range of projects, and broaden my skillset. That will ultimately allow me to facilitate more inclusive and accessible arts programming.
