In June we welcomed new member Kai onto the team and we thought it was about time we introduced you to him!
Can you tell us a bit about your role and what it entails?
I am the Creative Projects Apprentice at both Ventnor Exchange and New Carnival. My apprenticeship standard is Events Assistant so it involves everything to do with the incredible events my two employers run from planning all the way through to helping with the event itself and then packing it away after it’s over. I joined at a very busy time and only had a few weeks before New Carnival’s biggest event of their calendar, the Isle of WIght Mardi Gras which was absolutely fantastic and I saw firsthand the incredible creativity of the various island schools and community groups that took part. As soon as that was done it was almost the start of Ventnor Fringe!
You’ve just survived your first Ventnor Fringe! What were your favourite moments?
As the new apprentice at Ventnor Exchange I was given the role of “Free Fringe coordinator” which meant I was organising all of the performances on the Bandstand, Fringe Square and the various pop-ups in Ventnor for the Fringe. Some of my favourite moments were finally seeing performances from the artists I had been emailing for the weeks prior to the event such as my new colleague Cara Goodrem and aerial silks performer Beau Wheeler. I also really enjoyed some of the ticketed shows I saw, the modern circus show “Bromance” and The Magician Angus Baskerville’s ‘Mind Trickery’.
What were your biggest challenges or things you’ll be taking forward to next year?
One of the biggest challenges was getting back to all of the artists that applied in good time and unfortunately we had a few that could not perform by the time I offered them their places. Next year I will have a lot more time to prepare and will endeavour to get even more incredible free performances for everyone to enjoy!
What do you do when you’re not working with us or New Carnival?
Outside of work I practice various types of juggling and teach circus skills workshops around the Island at events, clubs and even the occasional birthday party. I’ve also recently got back into performing with Fire after a long break due to the pandemic. I was lucky enough to perform with some great friends at both Isle of Wight Festival and Rhythmtree’s Sundown Sessions this year and I’m beginning to look into more performances later this year so keep your eyes out for some exciting announcements in the coming months!
What do you do to unwind?
As well as practising with my various circus props which I find to be quite relaxing (most of the time), I also enjoy spending time with my family, going for walks with my dog Kira, listening to podcasts and playing video games.
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