A spotlight on Creative Careers

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How did you get here?

The traumatic death of my brother due to the racial injustice he experienced was a turning point in my life. From that point I left my work in construction and determined to put my skills and experience into creativity, musicality and theatre. I found personal healing through the power of creativity, the rhythm of music and the spoken word. I believe the creative life can give expression to who we are, to express moments of enlightenment and help us to live, true to ourselves. Much of my work reflects my British Barbadian dual heritage.

What do you do?

I work collaboratively in many different settings. These include schools, art galleries, libraries, children’s centres and prisons. I run workshops and events and am part of various Black, urban and Jazz fusion musical collectives performing as a vocalist and drummer, 

I co-create work with people and communities across generations to give meaning to the events and challenges in their lives. I've discovered that the power of creativity changes and transforms people's lives, and  I am motivated by discovering knowledge, building up the truths of my experience and sharing narratives with all those who are interacting in these different environments. I use art to nurture individuals and communities to improve their confidence and self-esteem, and as a way to help us all to understand our diversity and culture. 

What do you love about your job?

I have a saying ‘speak with kindness on your tongue, work with sunshine in your heart and let the art of living discover the beauty of a truth of a moment’. I call it the ‘moment of the jazz’ to describe what I do. I love the dynamics of people sharing their personal narratives through cross curricular art forms and the journey of self-discovery. It requires trust with others, sensitivity, gentleness and encompasses curiosity and the love of learning.

What would you say to a young person considering a creative career?

Look after yourself: Keep your own mind, body and spirit nourished in a healthy and safe way. A creative career is exciting, you never stop learning from your youth to older age, it keeps you curious and connected to loving and communicating with others in non-violent ways. It requires self-belief, will-power and determination, but you also need to be open-hearted, use your instinct and follow your intuition. Have big ambitions but plant small seeds to try things and understand the industry. Be ready to take a risk to create new opportunities, be imaginative and adapt to what you find. Remember there are many different ways of learning. Go for it!

Find out more: Home | David Stickman Higgins

How did you get here?

I’ve been based at Broadway since 2012, starting as an Apprentice aged 16. Over the past 12-years, I’ve developed a deep bond for  supporting the creative and professional development of young people from the Midlands in community and outreach, and film education-based training initiatives. 

I’ve  overseen the previous 12 Broadway British Film Industry (BFI) Film Academies, starting as an Administrator, documenting behind the scenes and now I manage the programme entirely, from applying for funding, to recruitment, delivery and reporting. I’ve supported the makings of the 35 short films made as part of the short course programme. 

As part of my own learning, I’ve worked on two BFI NETWORK Midland short films: The Walk as the Line Producer starring British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) winner the actor, Adeel Akhtar and Personal Best as a Production Coordinator. Both films were shot in Nottingham with past Broadway participants as vital crew members.

What do you do?

I’m responsible for creating and leading practical and  theoretical film training and opportunities for young people aged 16-25 in the Midlands, as part of wider BFI Film Academy. I provide various avenues of support and inspiration to young people, both during and after their training for the region. These activities and training include filmmaking, mentoring, talks and panels, festivals, exhibitions, curation, business of film, networking, travel access, careers and progression and more! It is very varied.

My mission for BFI Film Academy wider activity for the region, is to connect and support aspiring, emerging and established talent within the screen industry. This is to bring more productions, opportunities and focus to the Midlands: a region we feel is vitally overlooked! 

This means I’m writing lots and lots of emails, researching partnerships and connecting with communities and people who lead young people across the region. I attend and lead strategic meetings, devise and coordinate activities and programmes, sort out logistics and admin, while always looking ahead to what's coming up.

What do you love about your job?

I love meeting young people on their creative film journey and connecting  with others who support young people in the region. I really enjoy being able to design and provide opportunities and activities for those young people who may have not considered a creative career.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a creative career?:
I would say get on and research and connect with industry professionals. Attend any networking events that you can. Create a professional LinkedIn and Instagram account. Try opportunities and hone your craft. Above all just put yourself out there!   

Find out more: https://filmhubmidlands.org/learn/ 

How did you get here? 

I have always struggled academically, but I persevered and achieved what I wanted to achieve in my own time while working g various jobs, finally achieving a Fine Arts Degree by the time I was 30. I always wanted to do something that involved creativity and working with people, I thought teaching was the only route as this was what career advisers said was the option. However, when I graduated, I decided to volunteer for different organisations and venues to try and find out for myself what the best fit for me was. This is when I found the option to work for a Community Arts organisation. 

What do you do? 

All the work I do involves people in one way or another, whether it is team working, planning and delivering activities. My typical day consists of checking in with people about the projects I am delivering, this is done mainly through emails and occasional meetings (online or in person), making sure I'm on track for the activities that are coming up. Liaising with finance, marketing, admin and others is also a key aspect of the role to make sure all the projects are going according to plan, which most of the time you have to adjust so you are always on your toes. Occasionally I get to be creative when I have to deliver a session myself.

What do you love about your job?

I really enjoy the variation of the jobs I do, every day is different! I get to work with people and be engaged in an industry that I love.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a creative career?

Try out as many things as possible, through visiting places, talking to different individuals, and volunteering your time if you can, even if it is for one hour, they help you understand what you enjoy and what you are good at.

Find out more:

City Arts (Nottingham) - Everyone is an artist 

Nottingham Poetry Festival | Featuring a plethora of local and national Poets 

How did you get here?

With just 2 GCSE's and a HND in Community Theatre, I registered as Self Employed and faked it ‘till I made it! At the start I got work on national tours and projects across the East Midlands with a few factory jobs in between but for 25 years, I'm lucky that theatre work has been my bread and butter. 

What do you do? 

I lead the talent development programme New Associates where I get to work with talented actors, writers, directors, producers. Through the Open Pitch programme, https://www.newperspectives.co.uk/open-pitch I support people to tell their stories and help them find an audience. I create wrap around cultural engagement opportunities to compliment the touring productions and make copious cups of tea! 

What do you love about your job? 

I really love the variety of things that each day brings. There’s no possibility of boredom at all. I love the people. I really appreciate the diverse mix of experiences we share, the different perspectives we gain and the fascinating stories I get to play a small part in helping to bring to life. 

What advice would you give to a young person considering a creative career? 

Never let anyone tell you that a creative career isn't for you! 

We are all creative, we just don't all get to explore and express, but you can get to your goal no matter what. If one route doesn't suit you, for example I didn't go to university, don’t be afraid to set your own path - try stuff out. If something isn’t working for you, change things up! Break what may seem to be ‘the rules’ and find your way of doing things. Above all do what makes you happy and that joy will spread to others too. 

Find out more: New Perspectives