Gaining Experience as a Cultural Producer Trainee at Culture Within Newham
Written by Sam Ikhuoria
On day one as I stepped into Culture Within Newham, I felt a sense of warmth and inclusion. I was welcomed by the team and given a tour of the building. Each team member took the time to introduce themselves, share their journeys, their roles within the organisation and what drives their passion for cultural work. It was an inspiring start, one that set off the tone ahead of my experience.
A Dynamic Learning Experience
My time at Culture Within wasn’t just about shadowing, it was about immersing myself in different aspects of cultural production. I dived into marketing and communications, supported live projects, assisted in workshops and took on administrative tasks that gave me a broader perspective on how a cultural organisation operates. Every day offered a new learning experience as I found myself picking up skills that will benefit me professionally and personally.
A Culture That Supports Wellbeing
One of the most refreshing aspects of working at Culture Within is how much they encourage you to bring your whole self to work. They don’t just see you as an employee, they see you as an individual with other responsibilities beyond your work role and support your endeavours outside of work. This work culture brought the best out of me, making every task I undertook even more meaningful.
Looking Ahead as a Creative
As I move forward in my creative career, this experience has reinforced my commitment to working in the cultural landscape. I’m excited to explore public art commissions, freelance and permanent roles and continue finding opportunities that align with my artistic vision. If you’d like to follow my creative journey, you can see more of my work and development at The SHAPES UK.
Instagram @theshapesuk
LinkedIn @theshapesuk
TikTok @theshapesuk
A huge thank you to the team at Culture Within Newham for such a welcoming, inspiring and enriching experience!