Intro
RADAR is an accelerator scheme offering paid internship placements and mentorship for creative graduates. Devised by Threshold Studios and funded by the University via the Centre, it places graduates from the College of Arts on paid and supported internships with small and medium sized creative media businesses and arts organisations. Designed to give emerging talent first-hand experience of working in the sector, it offers the chance to put their skills into practice and plan the first steps on their chosen career path.
“We’ve been absolutely delighted to work with Threshold to develop the RADAR scheme, a bespoke internship and mentorship programme for those new graduates seeking distinctive paid and supported opportunities in the creative arts, with a high success rate for employment.”
Dr Sarah Barrow, Head of School of Film and Media, University of Lincoln
About
Threshold have been the main provider of creative industry internships for the University of Lincoln College of Arts since 2011. They have been producing new media art for over 20 years, with specialisms in moving image, digital and emerging technologies. This extensive experience, combined with their commitment to talent and skills development and democratising arts engagement, led them to develop the concept for RADAR, which was established in 2013 to offer new routes into the arts and media industries.
RADAR is closely linked to the biennial Frequency Festival in Lincoln, established by the University of Lincoln, The Collection, The Usher Gallery and Lincoln Drill Hall, with Threshold in the role of Festival Directors.
The scheme has seen Threshold has deliver a total of 49 paid internships in a variety of creative roles including: marketing assistant, project and production assistant, curatorial assistant, web development, digital projections assistant, technician, festival assistant and volunteer management.
RADAR participants have gone on to a range of exciting careers such as creative advertising, web development, participatory arts, graphic design and much more. 91% of RADAR graduates are currently employed, 69% of which are employed in related fields. 8% are undertaking further study or training, or are pursuing freelance work within the creative field.
Vision
RADAR Creative Graduate Accelerator Scheme aims to increase graduate employment and opportunities within the creative and cultural industries. It aims to create mentorship and development opportunities within the creative sector that enable the workforce to be more representative of society and ensure equity of opportunity within a rapidly developing sector.
In collaboration with the University of Lincoln, Threshold developed the scheme to offer bespoke paid internship placements with SME employers in the creative industries. This benefits graduates, employers and Higher Education Institutions, by opening up access to opportunities and developing the talent pipeline.
RADAR enables graduates from University of Lincoln College of Arts to:
- develop networks to assist their entry into the creative industries
- identify and extend their skillsets
- connect with industry professionals
- benefit from bespoke mentorship support
Project Team
Samantha Lindley
Sam is Director of Programmes at Threshold Studios and is responsible for making sure creative projects happen on time and on budget. An experienced arts production manager, Sam leads the production of festivals within the East Midlands and beyond. She also leads the delivery of talent and development schemes and internship opportunities for the next generation of creatives.
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Uzma Johal MBE
Uzma is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Threshold Studios, as well as Co-director of Frequency Festival. A passionate advocate for social change, her work prioritises participation, innovation and development of creativity in media, technology and the arts. In 2016, Uzma was recognised on the New Years Honours List and received an MBE for her contribution to the Digital Economy.
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