MA Creative Writing student, Lilian worked at Birmingham Light Festival helping with an art installation called 'Love on the Line'. Find out more about the installation, and how Lilian became part of its success.
What was ‘Love on the Line’?
Love on the Line was an art installation from the Birmingham Light Festival, produced by Outdoors Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS), which was located in New Street Station. The installation consisted of reused light panels provided by BCU, which members of the public stuck love letters to Birmingham on. The light panels illuminated the letters and heart-shaped stickers. Alongside the installation were performances from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham Opera Company, which drew the crowd's attention to the installation.
Why did you decide to be part of it?
Pragmatically, I need an income. I have been unemployed for a year and have been looking for a job for nine months; unfortunately, I have failed to find a part-time job alongside my studies. I was desperate and picked up odd jobs and side hustles. To explain further, I was previously an English teacher (ECT) and resigned from teaching to pursue an MA in Creative Writing: after failing to find jobs.
The freelancing gig for Love On The Line made me feel hopeful as I finally found a job that suits my career field! I am grateful that I saw my lecturer's message in Moodle. Seeing £175/shift made me aspire for gold and apply, because you never know! Whilst I may struggle to find consistent employment, I have now been introduced to freelancing opportunities within the arts. A job that's relevant to my skills, which I am proud to do, and with dignity and respect. OPUS are also a women-led organisation, which made me realize how important female businesses are for vulnerable women (disabled women like myself, but also women of colour); in a patriarchal society, having employers/managers that raise you, not exploit you, is imperative for inclusivity.
What did your role involve?
The role involved setting up the installation: managing tables, chairs, art materials such as pens, paper and stickers; public engagement, encouraging people to approach the table and participate with the installation; helping with information about the Birmingham Light Festival, including giving people recommendations about other installations to visit. Additionally, when hired by the Birmingham Opera Company from Friday-Sunday as freelance event support, my responsibilities included handing out business cards and signing people up with the Birmingham Opera Company (to join the mailing list to see future shows, or be a part of the show and join the choir!)
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How did the project go?
The project was successful, with a total of 588 letters! I also appeared in an interview which was posted as a reel on the Birmingham Light Festival's Instagram page! Because of my impact on Thursday, I was employed to work the rest of the weekend festival and was contacted again to assist with the Birmingham Opera Company on Saturday 21st of February at the MAC!
Did anything surprise you?
Firstly, I was surprised by all the unique people of Birmingham and it was pleasant to read love letters from different perspectives; my love of Birmingham grew. Secondly, I was surprised by my own capabilities and potential for my career prospects. I come from a family who work in the NHS, so imagine careers in the arts is a blank wall (even in university, discussing careers/ writing in practice, was hard for me to wrap my head around as a neurodivergent student), but now after finally working my first freelancing gig, I was surprised by the door of opportunities opening.
Lastly, I was MOST surprised, however, when I explored the Birmingham Light Festival after my shift. I took myself dancing at the Silly Statues Silent Disco, where I bumped into Caroline Davis, the founder of OPUS: she wanted to speak with me! She was incredibly impressed with my interview/work ethic and mentioned she would like to meet up for coffee and discuss my career interests and future prospects. I have connected with her on LinkedIn where she gave me her work email and I have already contacted her about work propositions. (In fact, I had daydreamed a concept of a Summer "Birmingham at the Beach" festival, which I briefly mentioned in my email to Caroline: I hope she is interested by the idea and will invite me to the writer's room in the office!)
What did you gain from the experience?
I gained reassurance in my potential and career prospects as I have realized how flexible a qualification in English/ Creative Writing is. I have gained valuable networking connections in Birmingham which helps me prepare for graduation and finding work in the city. Despite the unstable job market for young adults/ graduates, I feel like I have access to a successful and lucrative career working within the arts/events public planning sector. I hope these answers give you and your team insight into the student experience with Love On The Line.
When applying for the job, I mentioned to OPUS that I am an ambitious student who is also a part of BCU's student radio station: Scratch! I explained that I have used my newfound platform in radio to network with other creatives and create collaborative episodes. inspired by the Birmingham Light Festival, I created an episode on my show Big LOLs With Lil, where I spoke about it briefly and curated a playlist to suit the theme of city lights, love and fire!
