Did you catch the November edition of Dumfries and Galloway Life? This month’s issue featured an article on Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival’s internship programme and our new additions to our board. Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival has committed to three six-month long internship positions over a three-year basis.
The three internship positions are funded by The Holywood Trust and the National Lottery Young Start. We have employed a marketing intern this year and will be employing a production intern in 2023 and a creative development intern in 2024. This year, an additional environmental intern also joined the team through the Find A Solution internship Hub, funded by the University of Glasgow.
Erin Aitchison and Meghan Griffiths were employed as the two internship roles that ran this year. Information about both intern roles can be read in full in Dumfries and Galloway Life. Please read on for a summary of what the interns have achieved from their time with the organisation.
Meghan Griffiths, a current MA Geography student at the University of Glasgow joined us in May as the environmental intern. During her time with us at the organisation, Meghan conducted a feasibility study to explore more environmentally sustainable touring models and solutions. This led to a report investigating the carbon footprints and overall environmental impacts of the Festival’s venues, audiences, and artists.
The marketing internship position that ran this year was filled by graduate Erin Aitchison. Erin graduated from the University of Dundee with an MA(Hons) English and Film Studies degree this year and is originally from Dalbeattie. Erin applied to the internship as she was keen to work in the region and to gain an insight into the performance events industry. The marketing internship role began during the annual 10-day celebration in May and provided opportunity and industry experience to observe and be involved in the running and marketing of live events. Erin shared “From the opening event Bogha-Frois to the closing show, Egg, I was able to gain a feel of what the festival achieves and brings to Dumfries and Galloway”. Although Erin’s internship was due to end this October, it has been extended to March 2023. Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival is delighted to be able to provide opportunities for young people in the region.
Meghan has now joined the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival board, alongside Dumfries and Galloway born award-winning soprano Claudia Banks. You can read more about both board members on the meet the team section on our website, HERE.
The full article about the interns and board additions is available in the November 2022 edition of Dumfries and Galloway Life.