Gateshead Council's Arts Development Team support school work experience and student placements. Ethan is a secondary school student at Heworth Grange School and had a placement in June - July 2026 based at Gateshead Central Library but working across other community locations.
"As a secondary school student at Heworth Grange School, I was allocated a placement with Gateshead Library and Arts. I chose this work placement as I have a passion for art, and I am taking art for GCSE. Before the placement I went to an interview presented by Karolynne Hart, I got to experience a tour of the library and gallery giving me a warm welcome and helping me get a positive feeling about the environment I would be working in. The staff and artists that I met during my week were very nice and caring, so I wrote down information about them in my creative diary which presents everything I have done within the placement. Documenting the activities that I have done has reinforced my thoughts about having a future career within the artistic industry.
One of my favourite parts of my placement, was when I had the opportunity to help create and install the Masala exhibition in the gallery at Gateshead Library, which I recommend having a look at (open until 10 October 2026 ). This was my favourite because I got to look at various pieces of artwork involving culture and celebrations around Gateshead and Newcastle while also meeting artists involved in the exhibition such as Jimmy Turrell. I also met Alison Diamond, a printmaker who was taking her previous exhibition down. I have found that this experience so far has allowed me to develop my way of thinking as an artist and gain confidence when meeting new people. I also feel that my placement at Gateshead Library has provided me with new experiences that have really benefited me and my future.
This is the team I worked with:
Karolynne, Colleen, Milla, Jen, Jill from Gateshead Council's Arts Team. "
