In this week’s instalment of Meet the Team, we are excited to feature Louise (Zing), School Partnerships Manager at Artis.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in the arts?

I discovered a passion for the arts during my childhood and appreciate the massive influence it has had in shaping my life and career. I have treasured memories from when I was younger of dance classes and performing in shows. It then became a cornerstone of my teaching career, driving me to want to share my love of dance and music with the children I worked with and take on arts and oracy leadership roles in schools. I have passionately promoted the positive influence it can have on young people’s wellbeing and confidence and loved teaching dance, drama, music and public speaking and seeing the joy and engagement this has brought into the school day.

I am now delighted to take on the role of School Partnerships Manager at Artis; and am excited to have the opportunity to use my skills and passion for the arts to help ensure creativity is at the heart of education and support and inspire young people and teachers.

What initially drew you to Artis, and how did you become a part of this organisation?

Throughout my teaching career, I adopted a fun and playful approach towards helping young people discover their potential and find out new information. This could sometimes be challenging due to busy timetables, preparing for tests and catering for the diverse range of personalities and needs within the classroom. At the end of the summer term, I’d ask my class what their favourite moments had been.

One year a child started enthusiastically recreating the song and dance routine about the Saxons, we had composed for our class assembly. This reinforced my belief that the best way to learn is creatively and through communication and connection. I’ve seen our talented Creative Learning Specialists bring magic into their sessions and how passionately the children engage with the activities. I’m proud to now be part of an amazing team who deliver this kind of joy into children’s lives.

What does a normal workday look like for you?

No two days are the same, but they’re always exciting and inspiring!

I spend much of my time visiting our partner schools, meeting with Headteachers to discuss the impact of our provision, their priorities, and how we can collaborate to achieve the best outcomes for children. I also meet with leadership teams from prospective schools who are interested in bringing Artis to their communities.

Regular trips to London keep me connected with the Artis Management Team as we explore new developments, including innovative fundraising initiatives and expanding our online opportunities.

I also help facilitate online CPD sessions for teachers, sharing ideas about using performing arts to address topics like emotional literacy. Supporting our talented specialists is another key part of my role, ensuring they have everything they need to deliver transformative sessions.

One of the highlights recently was attending the Guildhall Art Gallery for The Big Picture workshop. Watching a class of children explore maths through the story of a painting with drama and movement activities was a truly magical reminder of why we do what we do.

What do you love most about your job at Artis?

I love hearing the positive feedback from our partner schools about how Artis has had such an amazing impact on the children. It has been heartwarming to observe how a child lacking confidence could speak aloud and feel empowered, or a child arriving dysregulated could focus and find a sense of calm and peace, during an Artis session. It makes me feel proud to work here as it is such an important and much needed charity at a time where schools are struggling with children’s low levels of wellbeing, attendance and oracy.

I enjoy working alongside dedicated and caring people who are always looking for new ways we can support and inspire schools to immerse themselves in the arts and nurture and encourage creativity. I enjoy explaining to people the mission of Artis, the joy it brings to a child’s educational experience how it can help build the communication and connections between everyone in a school.

Looking towards the future, what are you looking forward to?

As someone passionate about the transformative power of education, I’m thrilled to be part of the exciting changes happening at Artis over the next few years. The education landscape is always evolving, and organisations like Artis must adapt to meet the needs of children and ensure the best outcomes for them.

My mission is simple: to bring the joy of Artis sessions to more children in more schools. I want these sessions to inspire children, encourage them to come to school, and create great memories – just like the ones I cherish from my own school days.

I can’t wait to see Artis in even more schools and to witness the incredible benefits for children as we nurture creativity, build confidence, and create a lasting impact.