Apprenticeship Review - Dylan
As I reach the six-month mark of my 18-month apprenticeship with Freedom Festival, I’m starting to feel more settled in my role and more confident within the outdoor arts sector. This blog is only my second so far, but it feels like a good moment to reflect on a recent experience that has given me a better insight into the industry and has left me wanting to learn more.
On the 3rd and 4th of February, I attended the Outdoor Arts UK Conference in Cambridge. This was my first time attending a conference of this scale, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What I did know was that it would be a great opportunity to learn more about the sector, hear from a wide range of voices, and hopefully meet lot’s of new people who work within the sector.
One of the highlights of the conference was exactly that, finally putting names to faces. Over the past few months, I’ve had email conversations with various artists, but meeting them in person made those connections feel much more real and meaningful. It helped break down some of the nerves I still have as someone relatively new to the industry and reminded me that everyone started somewhere.
The conference itself was both inspiring and informative. Being surrounded by so many artists and producers working in outdoor arts was energising, and it was fascinating to hear about the different projects people are working on across the UK. Listening to discussions about creativity, public space, and the future of outdoor arts gave me a broader understanding of the sector and how organisations like Freedom Festival fit into it.
With the help and support of Ian, I was also able to make lots of new connections during the conference. Having someone there who already knows the landscape and the people within it made a huge difference. It gave me the confidence to introduce myself, join conversations, and ask questions I might otherwise have been too hesitant to ask.
Attending the Outdoor Arts UK Conference has been a real milestone in my apprenticeship so far. It reinforced how valuable in-person events are, especially in an industry built on collaboration and shared experiences. It also helped me feel more connected not just to the people I work with day to day, but to the wider outdoor arts community.
As I continue through my apprenticeship, experiences like this are helping me grow both professionally and personally. I’m excited to see how the connections I’ve made develop over time and how I can continue learning from the incredible people working in this sector. Six months in, I feel like things are really starting to take off here at Freedom Festival, and I’m excited to see where the rest of the apprenticeship will lead.