PROGRAMMES: Start and Sustain

START AND SUSTAIN CASE STUDY: Internship to Assistant Producer at SO Festival

I joined SO Festival at the beginning of 2024 as an Intern Assistant Producer while studying for an MA in Arts and Cultural Industries at the University of Lincoln. Over the following two years, I progressed into a permanent role as Assistant Producer and Artist Liaison, supporting the delivery of SO Festival and taking a key role in the Creative Careers programme.

What impact has working with SO Festival made to your skills?

When I first joined SO Festival, I was genuinely terrified. I asked questions about everything and didn’t feel able to start tasks without checking first, as I was scared of getting things wrong. With time, training, and support from the team, that fear turned into confidence.

I now confidently handle artist liaison, respond to artist questions, coordinate accommodation and travel, work closely with local communities and catering suppliers, manage budgets, process invoices, and support wider administration. I regularly use Outlook, Excel, Sicon, and Sage, and I understand how much organisation, detail, and care sit behind creative work. I’ve learned how to balance practical delivery with people-focused care.

What impact has it had on your aspirations?

Working with SO Festival has confirmed that I want to continue working as a community-focused event and festival producer. Being part of Creative Careers, in particular, showed me how powerful access, conversation, and inspiration can be, especially for young people who don’t always see creative careers as possible.

What impact has it had on your career?

SO Festival has been the bridge between being a student and becoming a professional. I joined while studying and grew into my role gradually, which allowed me to develop confidence at a realistic pace. I now see myself as a producer in my own right, rather than someone still finding their feet.

What impact has it had on your future employment prospects?

My future employment prospects have improved significantly. I now attend meetings, festivals, and conferences independently, gather information, and feed learning back to the wider team. I feel confident speaking with professionals about work and contributing meaningfully to conversations. These experiences have also prepared me to take my skills into new contexts, including working internationally.

What impact has it had on your confidence?

The change in my confidence has been one of the biggest outcomes of working with SO Festival. I’ve moved from feeling scared to begin tasks without reassurance to being able to work independently, make decisions, and trust my judgement. That confidence has grown because I felt supported, trusted, and encouraged rather than judged.

What impact has it had on your understanding or awareness of the arts?

Working with SO Festival has shown me how the arts work in reality, not just in theory. I now understand how creative ideas are supported by logistics, budgets, administration, partnerships, and care for artists and communities.

Through Creative Careers, I’ve also seen how exposure to professionals can change how young people view the arts as a real and achievable future.

What impact has it had on your knowledge of the local area or community?

I lived in Lincolnshire, based between Lincoln and Grimsby, and working with SO Festival has given me a deep understanding of local communities across the county. I feel safe and confident working in these spaces. Students and community members recognise me, remember conversations we’ve had, and trust me. These are ongoing relationships rather than one-off interactions, which has been incredibly meaningful.

Did you improve your network or contacts?

Yes, significantly. I’ve built strong relationships with students, artists, freelancers, and industry professionals, many of whom I now consider friends. Through Creative Careers, I’ve also acted as a connector, bringing companies, students, and professionals together and helping spark new conversations and potential projects.

Did your involvement affect your everyday wellbeing?

Yes, very positively. Feeling genuinely valued, supported, and trusted has had a big impact on my wellbeing. Seeing students grow in confidence and aspiration through Creative Careers, and knowing I played a part in that, has given me a strong sense of purpose and pride.

What are your honest perceptions of the quality of support offered?

The support offered has been thoughtful, consistent, and genuine. I was encouraged to ask questions early on and gradually trusted to work independently. That balance of care, guidance, and belief has been essential to my growth.

What was your experience of working with the SO Festival team?

My experience working with the SO Festival team has been overwhelmingly positive. From my immediate colleagues to the wider Magna Vitae organisation, I have always felt supported and encouraged. There has been a genuine desire to help me grow and better myself.

What are your perceptions of how the SO Festival team and Magna Vitae work?

The organisation’s values are clearly reflected in how people work day-to-day. There is a strong sense of collaboration, care, and shared responsibility, with challenges approached together rather than individually.

What impact has SO Festival had on Skegness and/or Mablethorpe?

SO Festival brings pride, visibility, and cultural energy to the area. It creates welcoming spaces where communities feel involved and valued, and through Creative Careers it also supports young people to imagine futures within the creative sector.

How much was the project about the particular location where it took place?

A great deal. SO Festival’s work is deeply rooted in place and responds directly to the needs and realities of coastal and rural communities.

Do you live in Lincolnshire? Which town or village?

Yes. I lived in Lincolnshire, based between Lincoln and Grimsby, and that experience shaped how I understand access to arts and culture across the county.

How highly do you value the arts, having worked with SO Festival?

I value the arts extremely highly. This work has reinforced my belief that the arts are essential for confidence, wellbeing, connection, and opportunity.

How much time do you estimate you spent working on the project?

I was consistently involved over two years, contributing across planning, delivery, and reflection for both SO Festival and Creative Careers.

What changes could we make for future projects?

Continuing to invest in long-term engagement, development opportunities, and sustained relationships for emerging creatives and young people would strengthen future projects.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

SO Festival was my first “big” professional role, and it genuinely has my heart. I joined feeling scared and unsure of myself, and I leave feeling confident, capable, and proud of the work I’ve contributed to. Through the support, trust, and care of the SO Festival team, I’ve grown from a student into an independent Assistant Producer and Artist Liaison.

I’ve built meaningful relationships within communities, supported young people through Creative Careers, and learned how to do this work properly, with care, consistency, and genuine connection. While my career will continue to develop and take me to new places, SO Festival will always be where I learned what kind of producer I want to be.