Blog 2024-25
Blog 3: Karen, Ucheldre
I can’t believe how quickly this Internship is going! The building work here is really making progress and, as I watch it come together, it makes me more determined to identify more fundraising sources. I’ve been busy putting together proposals for trusts and foundations and identifying other sources of fundraising, as well as directing a panto. Some fun events planned for next year. Also drafting an appeal and writing a play which we can use to attract sponsorship and to advertise the amazing new facilities which are taking shape. I’ve had some lovely meetings with my two mentors and attended some really interesting courses.
Blog 3: Heledd, Anthem
Two months down, and I’m making real headway in my Internship. This month has been all about developing critical skills in fundraising and volunteer programming, with a particular focus on marketing to individual givers.
A highlight for me was sitting in on the Anthem Board meeting. Getting to observe a professional Board in action was fascinating, and I loved the opportunity to meet the new Anthem Board members. It was an incredible chance to understand the strategic thinking behind our organisation.
The FFWD>> Express Showcase was particularly rewarding. This series of showcases featured panel discussions, performances, and networking opportunities led by Anthem’s 2024 cohort of young people. I had the chance to interview FFWD>> programme members for our upcoming newsletter, and it was inspiring to see how much they’ve progressed throughout the programme. Their growth in networking skills, project management, and grant writing was truly impressive. This event further reinforced the tangible impact of Anthem’s work.
I’ve also been diving deep into case study training, focusing on how these narratives can be powerful tools for connecting with current and potential donors. Building my interviewing skills and thinking carefully about the right questions to ask has been both challenging and exciting. I’m looking forward to putting these new skills into practice in the coming months.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to progress my skills in grant bid writing and continue contributing to Anthem’s important mission.
Blog 2: Adam, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
These past 4 weeks have gone by very quickly, over that time I have slowly started to settle down quite comfortably in the office now for my daily agenda.
Each morning now I have the job of inputting the latest ticket sales data into our accounting software, Sage. Which I have become quite adept at using now so can usually get jobs done on that fairly quickly.
Other than that, I have also continued to provide any feedback enquiries through email or Facebook whenever they come through. After we announced James, a famous indie band that will be attending next year, there was a spike in enquiries asking about the concert.
I have continued to do work through our ticketing website Spektrix, learning new things such as validating seat names and reserving seats for special guests. In addition to this, I have set up an Excel spreadsheet showcasing our weekly sales which I circulate to our management team on a weekly basis.
One of the new things I have been doing this month is creating profiles for competitors to be later uploaded onto our website, with help from Chloe, our competitor’s manager. This has helped me learn how to use WordPress which my confidence in using is improving.
Now that Christmas is ahead, the office is preparing to decorate for the festive season. As we prepare to launch the details of our Core Eisteddfod Week next year, I assume I’ll have plenty to do over the next 4 weeks up until the holidays.
Vlog 2: Teejay, Theatr Iolo
Blog 2: Karen, Ucheldre
Well, my first funding application didn’t have too many mistakes, so I’m pleased that I managed to put it together. It’s really interesting to be able to use my storytelling skills in a new way – creating a narrative around this amazing arts centre and building the story of its evolution, and then using that as part of a fundraising campaign. The building work here is coming on well and I’m really excited to see the new facilities developing. I’ve been tasked with launching an appeal, so I’m looking into ideas for creating fun events. Working with a local poetry group and we’re putting together a Poetry in Pyjamas event, which should get the campaign off to a rousing start! I’ve been lucky enough to meet with my two Arts & Business Cymru mentors, whose support will be incredibly helpful. I’m really looking forward to learning from them and working with them. Can’t believe how quickly time is passing. Six weeks gone already! I was warned these ten months would fly by!
Blog 2: Heledd, Anthem
It’s been a busy and rewarding first month as a Creative Intern at Anthem Music Fund Wales. I’m already feeling integrated into the team and have been developing a stewardship plan to make the most of every opportunity this year – ensuring we’re building strong relationships with our partners and stakeholders.
One highlight was my first check-in with Cerys from Arts & Business Cymru and all my mentors. This was a brilliant chance to align my goals for the next nine months and offered a chance to reflect on my progress. My first mentoring session was focused on storytelling and its use in fundraising. I followed up on this by attending a workshop from GetGrants, which allowed me to consolidate my learning and prepare for an exciting upcoming project – the Anthem Chorus Winter newsletter. I’m excited to feature stories I’ve developed from this training.
Recently, I had the opportunity to assist the Anthem Unlocked Showcase at the Corn Exchange, Newport. Seeing 13 young people perform in a professional venue was a powerful reminder of the importance of Anthem’s work and reinforced the vital role of fundraising that make these opportunities possible. I also joined a bucket collection at the Utilita Arena, where I connected with volunteers and enthusiastic young people. It was rewarding to speak to young people about Anthem’s work and how they can take advantage of the free resources, community and opportunities on the Anthem Gateway. This experience made me realise the importance of engaging with our potential beneficiaries and getting Anthem’s message out to the community.
This has been a rewarding start to my Internship, and I’m excited to see what the next few months have in store.
Vlog 1: Teejay, Theatr Iolo
Blog 1: Adam, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
I have rather enjoyed these past two weeks, getting to know the ins and outs of what goes on in the office each day, as well as getting to know everyone in the office.
My list of tasks each day varies quite a lot. I have been taught how to use Sage 50 for entering accounting details which I am thoroughly enjoying as I can easily get my head around the data needed to be input, hopefully over the next few weeks I can learn even more features too.
Other than that, I have been tasked, similar to last year, to input data into spreadsheets via Microsoft excel, which I also enjoy using. In between the time I am given tasks I use the opportunity to study the software such as Excel via video tutorials online, which is helping me to further enhance my work experience and learn new features that I otherwise would not have known about before.
The office has gradually been getting busier since mid-October as we have announced another 2 acts for the lineup next year; Rag ‘N’ Bone Man and UB40, whom I assume will be very popular come June-July.
I hope to continue to learn more about the Eisteddfod work routine and explore more ways that I can help out and carry out tasks needed for the everyday routine here.
Blog 1: Karen, Ucheldre
Can’t believe I’ve already completed two weeks of my Internship! I’ve been lucky enough to be based at an institution which has been a part of my life for a long time. So, I’m already familiar with the work being done in the Ucheldre Centre, where internationally-acclaimed companies perform alongside community projects.
I’ve spent some time getting a better idea of the Centre’s routines and was able to look behind the scenes at the building work being done to expand it. The new build will enable the varied programme of events to run more smoothly, and I’m really excited to play a part in delivering it.
All the building work going on means workspace is limited, so I’ve been doing much of my work from home, reading business proposals and previous funding applications, and getting a better idea of what’s needed. I’ve also been listening to podcasts about the challenges faced by the local economy and am trying to think how I can link the huge mental health benefits of the arts to improving the economy of this vibrant rural community.
Really looking forward to meeting my mentors, whose guidance will be invaluable. So, at the end of my second week, my head is buzzing with ideas. I’m hoping that soon I’ll be able to turn these into action and raise some funds. I’m beginning to draft a fundraising application, so I’ll let you know in the next blog how that went!
Blog 1: Heledd, Anthem
As the first week of my Internship with Anthem Music Fund Wales comes to a close, I’m feeling genuinely happy with how things are going. This week has been focused on settling into the office, getting to know the team, and setting clear goals for the next ten months.
Leading up to my first day, I was filled with both nerves and excitement. However, the team at Anthem Music Fund Wales has been incredibly welcoming and well-organised, helping me feel settled from the start.
A standout moment was attending the Welsh Music Prize on October 8th at the Wales Millennium Centre. The event was an exciting opportunity to discover new music and connect with colleagues, which has made me feel even more integrated into the team. It was inspiring to see the incredible talent within the Welsh music scene and to be a part of an organisation that supports and nurtures this creativity.
I finished off the week collaborating with the Communications and Fundraising managers, Tori and Rebecca, to develop marketing materials for community fundraising at Utilita Arena on Friday. This project allowed me to dive into the creative and strategic aspects of my role, working alongside experienced professionals to promote Anthem’s work in the community.
As I reflect on my first week, I’m feeling very grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and passionate team. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and contributing to Anthem Music Fund Wales’ work in the months ahead.
