How to bring an exhibition of contemporary African photography to life
We linked up artist Olu Osinoiki with Helen Jacobs, the Royal West of England's Learning & Participation Manager. Here's what he learnt from the experience as Learning Assistant/Project Coordinator.
What did you know about the RWA before starting?
I knew of the place, but before I worked there I’d never been in. Like many others I thought it was part of UoB!
How did Rising help you get the position?
Rising introduced me to Helen Jacobs via email and set me up with an interview. It was great because they knew the opportunity would fit like a glove. The job was to coordinate/promote events around a beautiful exhibition of contemporary African photography. I’m a contemporary African photographer with a love for project coordination. It all made sense!
What surprised you during your time there?
1. Public funding for the arts is abysmal. Galleries across the UK are full of hard working women and need to be appreciated more.
2. I should definitely try to sell more of my pieces in a professional context and working in a healthy team is incredible.
3. Helen my manager was/still is the best boss I’ve ever ever had and I’m going to miss the role very much. I’m very invested in the gallery as a whole as they are taking steps to become as inclusive as possible. This change will effect the infrastructure and the culture in equally massive ways and it’s amazing to see such an intelligent group of mostly women working towards such a lofty goal! They’re doing great and it was a privilege to be amongst them for a short time. I learned LOTS!
Olu & Helen
What challenged you?
Timekeeping (lol) but that’s nothing new. This was really just an incredible opportunity, I think maybe if I think a bit harder I realise that actually events can be crazy with logistics that yo-yo from good to bad, to worse and sometimes back to best.
What do you take away from the experience?
On a professional level I know have a better understanding of proper budgeting, event coordination and promotion at a professional level. My skills have definitely developed!
On a personal level, having the privilege of organising “Alkebulan”, alongside Helen Jacobs was a real highlight. Alkebulan was an opening party for the new Africa State Of Mind exhibition. We filled the gallery with song, dance and ceremony from across the African continent. Considering the history of Bristol it a beautiful thing being able to celebrate African art in such an authentic, inclusive and vibrant way. So many of our guests said they loved the event.
As well as a series of photography workshops called “Photovoice” was incredible. Which gave 6 people of colour the opportunity to display their art in a royal academy was so rewarding. Both of these experiences hold huge emotional significance in my development as an artist.
This job has been such an amazing experience for me! For context, I am someone who got their first taste of the creative industry at Uni, with no prior experience. So I’m really grateful to Rising for the opportunities to enhance my career and gain significant industry experience.