Three amazing days of running around

Arts in the Streets has been three amazing days of running around. It’s never easy to organise events. One evening is okay. One day is manageable. However, a three-day event is impossible without a proper team to share the workload.

The first generation of DEIS UK volunteers has been everything we needed for a perfect project! I have to say - it’s been a pleasure to work with this group from the very beginning. The connection was instant and natural. Everyone offered their super-powers and experiences, while also being open to learning from each other and creating a safe space for growth. I loved observing how we opened up and we were all comfortable to be ourselves by the time of the festival. By the way, that’s so important! because being tired makes it much too difficult to hide behind masks.

Participants have had some fantastic feedback for us as well. We grow every year and I’m already excited for the next one. I should get on with writing the next funding application!

I’m looking at this experience and I can’t grasp the fact that 7 years ago I was singing at an event organised by DEIS. Last night I wanted to make a joke with ‘three volunteers walked into a bar’ and I realised that I am the co-founder and director of DEIS UK.

How is this even possible?

I know, actually. It’s because I was trusted and supported at a time when I needed it the most. I had the opportunity to explore my skills and passions without the pressure of assessments, exams, or a job.

In The Moment, during the final performance, I realised that we are not just some people organising an event. We are a community. Me, Jeanine, Tom. Volunteers. Artists. Artfix. People who come to almost all of our events. The youth workers and volunteers from DEIS Romania. Our friends and families. In a city like London, it’s so easy to feel isolated… alone… It can be hard to find your place. What we do is valuable on so many levels. I’m saying this based on conversations that I’ve had ever since we started this organisation.

We keep on going. Each year is special. New challenges, anxiety and responsibilities. New satisfactions, too. This year has been even better than the last one. We’ll read the feedback forms, talk to the volunteers, and see how we can improve next time. We also have some growing to do as an organisation - find a space, apply for more funding, stay in touch with as many young people as possible and encourage more to join in.

I was so stressed before this event. I couldn’t wait for it to be over. When I told Tom, his response was ‘Cue you missing all this in a month's time’. It’s been a day and I already miss it. Luckily, I learned to enjoy the show once it began, no matter how nervous I might have been before.

Youth work is not easy work, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else.