Apprenticeship Review - Emily
When I first started my apprenticeship at Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery, I remember standing outside the side door, excited but nervous. Before pressing the bell I remember taking so many nervous deep breaths as doing new things alone absolutely terrified me. That version of me would be absolutely jaw dropped to know how far I’ve come now.
From that very first day, my line manager Bex made me feel completely at ease. She radiates warmth and has a natural way of making people feel welcome, which instantly calmed my nerves. As the general manager, she has taken the time to teach me skills I never had before and has helped me understand how a community arts charity like Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery works behind the scenes. Beyond her dedication, Bex is just genuinely fun to be around—we often share a laugh or crack jokes, which makes the gallery feel like such a positive and supportive place to be in. In between learning and laughing, I’ve realised that working with Bex is never just work—it’s like having a mentor, a cheerleader, and a partner-in-crime for every gallery adventure.
The early days felt like stepping into an unfamiliar story. I shadowed the gallery team, quietly learning how each piece of the puzzle fit together. I was shy and quiet for my first day but after that day my true self began to show more and more and through my time here so far I have become a ray of sun shine at the gallery, to not only the team but to everyone who walks through the door.
I greeted visitors, helped prepare the exhibition space, and learned to handle works of art with the kind of care they deserved. Every small task felt like a new chapter: the first time I joined a team meeting, and the first time I saw the gallery open its doors to the public for the very first time.
From day one, I instantly knew I was going to love it here. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel like part of the team from the very first day. I’ve learnt so many different skills from each of them. From learning admin tasks from Bex, to learning how the process of an artists exhibition works from Becky, to then learning how screen printing works from Fraser in his studio Misc Print Co. Each member of the team has a unique skill that is vital to help the gallery thrive.
After a few weeks, the gallery no longer felt like someone else’s space – it began to feel like my own creative home. I started supporting community workshops, setting out brushes and paints, chatting with participants, and seeing their faces light up as they created. Wednesdays have now become one of my favourite days of the week as I get to help out with one of our Creative Connections disability programmes, ‘Open Access’. Every week we have a catch-up and discuss how our week has been whilst creating art and having a great time. I learned to balance quiet admin tasks with lively, hands-on activities. Updating the website and posting on social media became part of my rhythm, and I took pride in sharing the gallery’s story with the outside world and updating my friends in other apprenticeships on new creative things that where happening. My confidence began to grow. I no longer felt like a silent observer but an active part of the team. I could welcome visitors without hesitation, support workshops with ease, and take pride in sharing the gallery’s stories online. I noticed that I was learning not just professional skills, but also how to handle challenges, adapt quickly, and appreciate the beauty in small, careful details.
One of my many favourite moments here at the gallery would have to be when Bex, Lindsey, Becky, and myself attended the sounding board event which allowed for people in different creative sectors to join together to talk about the creative industry. This day allowed me to network with people and talk about the strengths and issues that are in this industry. At the end of the day, there was time to reflect and share our thoughts on the day. As a nervous person when it comes to public speaking, I was very proud of myself as I decided to pluck up the courage and say something in a crowded room full of people. I had written my thoughts on my phone as I knew this would help me get my message across and make the situation less overwhelming. I put my hand up after another person finished talking and was chosen to speak. I then proceeded to say,
“As a young person in the creative arts, today made me feel inspired and proud to know that so many people care so strongly about the art's and to talk about and bring light to the struggles within the arts. It's been amazing to hear and see everyone's passion to make the creative sector for not only young people but all ages and abilities even stronger.”
Lindsey (the CEO of Artlink Hull | 87 Gallery) was sat next to me and was overwhelmed with pride for me speaking up.
Another highlight from my apprenticeship was preparing for Emma Prempehs, The Nearness of Elsewhere, exhibition. From meeting Emma for the first time, to helping paint the walls before we carefully unwrapped and hung up her work, to then seeing the finished layout of the gallery before we opened to the public, is something that I’ll never forget. One thing people don’t know is the close connections we create with the artists. On the last day of the exhibition, after we had closed the doors to the public at 4:30, the team and Emma stood in the gallery space and reflected on the impact her work had made to the gallery. During this moment of reflection, tears, smiles, laughter, and gratitude filled the room.
The team with Emma Prempeh at the end of the last day of her exhibition at Artlink Hull 87 Gallery
As a young person in the creative sector, I believe it is so very important to talk about the impact and importance of the arts. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. From a young age the arts has made me feel as though I can accomplish something and anything that I put my belief into but sometimes as young people we have to really push our work and voice to make people understand the impact and importance of it. Through the art of Photography my mind floods with endless ideas and I am able to express myself freely.
Reflecting on this journey, I see a story of growth, both professional and personal. I arrived a nervous but keen apprentice; unsure of my place, and now in these first six months, I have confidence, skills, and a deep appreciation for the creative sector. This experience has taught me about art, people, and myself, and I carry forward the confidence to keep growing in the creative world. The gallery is no longer just a building I work in – it is a part of my own story, and I am proud to be part of its story too.
This apprenticeship has allowed me to stay within a creative industry filled with support and so much encouragement from everyone around me, not only from my team but from friends and family.
I have learned so much from this apprenticeship so far, and if I were to say one thing to someone who is thinking about applying it, I would tell them to, GO FOR IT. I have been able to network with so many people in the creative industry and now have connections to people that I never thought I would. This apprenticeship allows for so many different opportunities for you to be able to stay creative whilst building your confidence in a creative role. Even if you think you may not have a shot please just apply. I never thought I’d be this lucky to get this opportunity but just taking that risk and applying for it has led me to where I am now. I'm now going to leave you with a favourite quote of mine to say if I am ever doubting anything or something that I’m doing, and it always pushes and motivates me to just go for it:
“If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. Take the risk or lose the chance. Risking everything is better than regretting it all.”