Ashley, your Arts Officer for this year, shares what she gets up to in her role.
I first got involved in artsUCL when I auditioned for Drama Society on my very first day of University, so technically I've been a part of artsUCL for the duration of my time here.
It's been an absolutely amazing experience and has truly made my time here incredible, which is why I decided to run for the Arts Officer for this academic year.
So, you might be wondering, what is the role of an Arts Officer?
Well, I lead in developing and building a strong community for our arts societies, whilst facilitating opportunities for students to pursue a rich range of artistic interests whilst studying at UCL. This could be through performing in one of the amazing productions that artsUCL puts on, joining one of our creative arts societies, or dropping into an Arts Unlocked session.
During my term, I've built a network with various arts societies, and worked with some amazing students to develop new arts initiatives at UCL. It's been so fulfilling to have been a part of these journeys over the year.
It's been so fulfilling to have been a part of these journeys over the year
Being a part of artsUCL
artsUCL has an incredible wealth of opportunities across a range of art forms, and I’ve managed to try a bit of almost everything over the past three years: acting, directing, singing, music-directing, dancing - even salsa, which I never thought I’d attempt!
Because it’s all student-led, it really gave me a taste of what working in the arts industry is like, including communicating with internal and external venues, going through relevant admin processes to sort budgets, funding and location hire.
It really gave me a taste of what working in the arts industry is like
As a Student Officer, you're right at the heart of the student experience, advocating for the changes that you want to see on campus. So, if this sounds like the position for you, I really encourage you to consider running for the Arts Officer role in the upcoming Leadership race. You never know what opportunities it could lead to!
Applications are open now to become our next Arts Officer in the Leadership Race - put yourself forward.