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| Ayaka Furukawa performing "□□□" or "Three Blank Squares" (2014) |
I started volunteering as an Exhibitions Coordinator with
PARTIA in 2013 as part of a work placement module for my Masters. Nearly three
years on I’ve gained a lot of experience and delivered on a lot of different
projects; from developing and curating art exhibitions to commissioning artwork
and delivering presentations to international delegates.
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| Selecting artworks for exhibition in the PARTIA office |
Volunteering with PARTIA is a great opportunity to improve
your confidence, test your capabilities and work in a challenging environment.
This certainly isn’t your typical arts setting, with a niche audience of
patients, visitors and staff you have to really think differently when it comes
to curatorial choices. Problem-solving is one skill you’ll definitely develop
at PARTIA where the challenge is to create exhibitions that are exciting and
engaging while also being respectful of the environment and the people who use
this space. Artworks that you wouldn’t hesitate to display in your usual
gallery settings carry different meaning when displayed in a hospital so you
get to fully exercise critical reflection and practical engagement.
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| 'The Twinsets' (2015) - Part of 'Art Mimesis', an Arts council England funded participatory arts project. |
PARTIA is a place where you can really thrive. You’re given
the freedom and opportunity to try new things and really find yourself – you’ll
probably discover strengths you didn’t know you had. I can’t think of many
places where you can gain so much whilst giving back to the community.
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| Photo courtesy of PARTIA |
Interested yet? Contact partia@aintree.nhs.uk if you would like to be part of the PARTIA Team.
