Hello! My name is Ayane. I have been working as an intern at New Brewery Arts for the last 4 weeks. Let me tell you about my experience at New Brewery Arts in today’s post.
Before I came here, I studied textile design specialising in weaving at Bath Spa University as an international student from Japan. There I researched how craft can benefit wellbeing, and developed my interest in craft’s power to bring joy and comfort to people’s everyday life.
Right after graduation, I found out about New Brewery Arts, which is a charity providing the community with encounters with crafts and the opportunity to interact with makers through various exhibitions, studios, a shop, and a great selection of courses and workshops. As I was sure that New Brewery Arts could be an example of organisations contributing to people and the community through craft, I was so excited that I literally jumped on a train to visit and say hi!
Luckily, I had an opportunity to work for New Brewery Arts under Bath Spa Graduate Internship Scheme. Since I started working here, every day has been filled with learning. While I was having conversations with visitors in the gallery, I could clearly see how local people enjoy and are inspired by the centre, popping in to see what’s on, or demonstrating their creativity on one of our courses (and of course having a piece of cake at our lovely Café!).
My role has included a lot of preparation for exhibitions. I have arranged work loans for forthcoming exhibitions with makers and other organisations, planned work transportations, and helped to consider exhibition layouts.
As a charity, New Brewery Arts relies on donations and volunteers to keep its exhibitions free. Hence, it was also one of my important jobs to communicate with ‘Friends’, support members of the public, and to inform local colleges about events and potential volunteering opportunities.
On top of that, making the most of my background, I had a chance to suggest a possible future exhibition focusing on an interaction between Japanese craft and British design. It might happen in a couple of years – keep watching!
During my time at New Brewery Arts, I have learned a lot about the practical aspects of connecting makers, craft and the public. I would like to thank all the positive and enthusiastic members of the team who have made my experience so satisfying and enjoyable.
If you haven’t been to New Brewery Arts yet, I would like to recommend you come and find out about this centre of creativity in the beautiful town of Cirencester.
If you’ve already been, come again to see our changing exhibitions. You will find something to enrich your life here!
