As this is my last day as iShed Coordinator, I’m reflecting on what this great opportunity has afforded me. Made possible by the Jerwood DCMS Creative Bursaries Scheme, my placement has been an accelerated learning opportunity. (Read my previous blog posts about it here, here and here)

I recently shadowed Dick Penny, Watershed’s Director, for two days. His role involves staying connected with every part of Watershed, and exploring opportunities for growth and partnership. In his own words he ‘makes space for people to step into’. It was a fantastic two days in which I saw him speak at events, bandy-about new ideas and represent Watershed in meetings about local issues.
 
Following his energetic movements closely, I was impressed by the pace at which a director must operate. I experienced this when I shadowed Clare, the Director of iShed and Pervasive Media Studio, earlier this year. You need a clarity of intent to enable decision-making and negotiation at that speed, but you also need to be realistic enough to accept change, and adapt to it quickly.
 
I believe Watershed has been able to develop into an exciting melting pot because Dick and Clare trust in people and allow space for them to take risks, learn from failure and grow. This idea has influenced a major part of my time as iShed Coordinator. I have been asked to handle things outside of my comfort zone, and the fact I’m trusted has meant, eight or nine times out of ten, everything went infinitely better than I expected. If something went wrong I learnt how to handle it better next time, and consequently I can own up to failing and deal with any consequences, rather than gloss over the facts.

Although there seems to be a general move towards an acceptance of failure as an integral part of development in many contexts, I don’t think I could’ve found quite the same opportunity to try things out as I have through this scheme, and at Watershed. As part of my role I’ve been allowed to produce several short films alongside a freelance film-maker, run two large-scale showcase events, programme and host the weekly Pervasive Media Studio lunchtime talks and represent Watershed on visits to a host of UK-wide organisations.
 
The structure of the scheme has allowed me the time and head-space to develop professionally and clarify my aspirations. Having a mentor (Amy Vaughan, Operations Manager at The Junction in Cambridge) has enabled me to build my confidence by discussing concerns with someone outside of Watershed. She’s given me tasks and kept me focused on the future and my own skills and experience, rather than just my current work.

Amy began her working life in a different sector, and through determination, synchronicity and hard work she got to where she is today. Knowing Amy as a mentor has given me invaluable perspective on working in the arts, and inspired my ambitions. I feel I do not need to put pressure on myself to know exactly where I’m going, but just work hard and gain enough skills to get there once I decide.

I will really miss being part of the iShed team, but I'm so happy I had the opportunity to share in the excitement for a whole year. Although iShed is supported by the whole of Watershed, its inspiring projects have very large scope and impact, and are run by a comparatively small team. I feel honoured that I was trusted to share the load.