life hack

LIFE HACK

Together Stronger is a partnership with between Valleys Kids and Wales Millennium Centre, designed to provide creative opportunities for young people in the Valleys. It is supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and delivered primarily by Sparc and their Creative Learning Team.

This event was for a creative day of workshop and networking opportunities with industry professionals where young people go there to see, having a go and even following their dreams.

Photography: Lloyd Williams talked me through the different elements of what makes a perfect photograph. He discussed lightning, composition and the subject. Then he let me have a go!!!!!

Jonny Performance: Jonny Cotsen is a facilitator, access consultant and a performance artist. His solo show ’Louder Is Not Always Clearer’ is an honest representation of the vulnerability of a deaf man, created and performed by a deaf man. In this workshop, Jonny talked about those experiences as a performer and the barriers he faces on a daily basis. There were also some fun challenges and games which gave me a better understanding on how performing can be more accessible and inclusive to those that face barriers.

Speed Networking: I was selected as a guest artist for speed networking. This involved people taking turns to sit with me for three minutes each to ask questions about my career development and for for advice regarding working in film and television. It was a new challenge, but I enjoyed the experience of answering questions.

Music: Jenkins Music was a group singing session exploring the voice and creating beautiful harmonies together. In this workshop I learnt how to warm up my voice, do some breathing exercises for singing and working together to create two part harmonies for a familiar sing.

While we had our breaks, I got to know the professionals and media crew to keep in touch for the future. It was great to be involved in new workshops, seeing some new and vibrant faces too. Finally, we had a silent disco. Silent because the disco was a quiet party where we only saw people dance in silence while listening to music on wireless headphones, instead of speakers. Honestly, it was one of the best day experiences of my life. There were some quite interesting and new parts too. I’m glad I got involved in the event, it was good for me to meet new people and get to know others that could help me network and on future work projects. Speed networking, something I have never experienced before, was a very useful concept as it was fast paced and straight to the point.

This was a nice way for me to explore and try new activities instead of doing the same old thing over and over. There were no repetitive workshops which is something I really liked too, helped to keep me motivated throughout the whole thing. I would definitely recommend going, I personally cannot wait for the next one. It's an exciting new opportunity for most people and I would say beneficial for young people interested in anything like this. 

Photo Credit: @ballinphotography