Accelerating Ahead 

Meet the University of Hull students who are helping to deliver Hull’s biggest arts festival

While most university students take it easy during the summer holidays, returning home to catch up with friends and family, three students from the University of Hull are staying in the city to gain invaluable work experience as part of the team that delivers Hull’s annual international arts festival - Freedom Festival.

Following its success last year, Freedom Festival Arts Trust has once again recruited three students from the University of Hull to take part in paid internships as part of its Accelerate programme and with just a week to go until Freedom Festival, there is never a dull moment as they gain invaluable, real life, experience delivering an international arts festival.  

Rebecca, Alicia and Connie Ward-Allan recently joined the team and have hit the ground running as they gain experience in all areas from artist liaison, volunteer management to production.

History student Rebecca Kelly, joined the team as Volunteer and Administration Intern. Originally from Scunthorpeshe explained: “Freedom Festival brings together amazing acts from across the globe, this is a rare opportunity to be a part of something that the entire city will experience.”

Production Intern Alicia Mason, said: “Being part of Freedom Festival has been such a privilege and working as the Production Intern has been really exciting. I have learnt and developed so many skills within this role which will help me progress in future careers; both in office work and event organisation. I really can’t wait for the Festival to see everyone’s hard work come to life!”

Connie Ward Allen’s role as Artist Liaison Intern sees her working with artists from across the globe: She continued: “I decided to apply for this role as it seemed like a great opportunity to gain and develop skills in the arts and event’s sector - it is rare that the opportunity arises to work with such an internationally established arts foundation."

Jenny Howard-Coombes, Executive Director and Joint CEO of Freedom Festival, said:  “Last year saw the launch of Accelerate, our talent development initiative, which gives University of Hull undergraduates the fantastic opportunity to gain on-the-job experience working as part of our team to deliver Freedom Festival.

“The aim of Accelerate is to build knowledge, aspiration, ambition and critical skills, giving participants the opportunity to develop valuable transferable skills in readiness for a career in the arts or wider industry sectors.

“We’re delighted to have Rebecca, Alicia and Connie onboard as part of our team as well as welcoming back Hannah Barlow, one of our 2018 interns as a paid freelancer this year. Hannah has returned to continue her work as a Volunteer co-ordinator supporting the volunteer programme.

“We’re really proud to continue our partnership with the University of Hull, a relationship underpinned by a shared commitment to exploring issues pertaining to human rights, nurturing talent, reducing barriers to the arts and education and driving innovation.”

Freedom Festival takes place from 28 August until 1 September. The full programme is available to view here.