I am currently doing a Gold Arts Award as a part of my digital marketing apprenticeship workplace placement at Curious Minds – the North West Bridge organisation for the Arts Council. 

I graduated from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in 2015 with a degree in Film Production but quickly found it hard to get a start in the career I wanted. As has been widely documented, it's difficult to get a job in the arts and culture sector. 

I was constantly on the lookout for how my skills in filmmaking could be applied to different business sectors. I had never considered using my film making skills in digital marketing until this apprenticeship opportunity arose.

Through Arts Award, Curious Minds are helping me develop my filmmaking skills and allowing me to further explore my craft. 

I have attended theatre productions in Manchester and music venues in order to diversify my arts knowledge. I am also looking to work with theatre professionals to develop a short mockumentary series as part of unit 1 of my Gold Arts Award. 

For unit 2, I'm looking to hold a film screening of young and upcoming filmmakers from across the North West. It's a chance to network with like-minded creatives and hopefully exhibit work which has never had the chance to be seen. Curating and developing this event will hopefully enhance my own event-planning abilities and make me more employable in the future.

I am doing my portfolio based around the idea of an online magazine with clickable links and filled with my own images and writing. Design and print-style media is something I am looking to gain experience in and this Arts Award allows me to do that. 

I have found the experience of Arts Award to be challenging but rewarding, as it has allowed me to think about how to expand upon my skills in my art form. The challenge revolves around being strict with yourself in making sure the work is getting done. To not allow things to be left at the wayside whilst life and work take over. Being in touch with my creative side gives me greater scope for improvement. I want to continually work on the projects I have started through my Arts Award – to make sure a greater audience sees what I am working on and to advance further in my craft.

Check out my creative writing blog at: agoodtom.com/blog 

Get involved with Arts Award 

Arts Award (What is Arts Award?)  helps you to grow your talents, explore the arts, be a creative leader and get a qualification. If you’re already participating, go you! Head over to our Bronze and Gold hubs for more inspiration and support. 

Join our Arts Award alumni network 

We’re on the lookout for Arts Award alumni everywhere! We’re here to help support you in your next career steps and offer some useful and interesting benefits! Find out more and sign up. 

Write for us 

Help others like you get through their Arts Award qualification by writing about your tips and experiences. Become a Voice Contributor today.