Being a parent shadow artist on Quench Arts’ Musical Wonderland project by Jennifer Carter (Shadow Artist)

I am a parent of 2 children and have known Quench Arts for around 4 years as they have been delivering early years programmes in Chelmsley Wood where I live. Quench Arts have given myself and my family access to music and we were participants in the Musical Wonderland pilot 2 years ago and we attended every session.

When Quench Arts got funding for more activity, I saw that they were advertising for a local parent to join their artistic team as a paid shadow artist as they wanted to upskill the local workforce. Being a full-time parent, I was hesitant to apply for the job role. Because of having my children, it had been over 6 years since I had had any form of employment. Like lots of mums, being at home created a very long gap in my CV. I also worried that my family would not be able to take part in the project if I applied but Liz and Nic were so understanding to my situation and my family were always more than welcome. I applied and got the job!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching and supporting families enjoy the sessions. You can really see and feel how much both children and their parents/carers enjoy the sessions. I have never heard one complaint about the sessions, not at the sessions nor in the community. I hear only rave reviews and hope they continue for lots of families to come. I had always wanted to go on Musical Wonderland training but was unable to afford it. Having this role has enabled me to attend the training and, as I volunteer in the community, it means that not only me and my family have benefitted from the training, but I have been able to pass on the information I have learnt to other parents, children and even their school. My understanding of music and Early Years has grown dramatically. My husband has even learnt to play the ukulele, a skill he is currently teaching my two children, and something that would never have happened without the project.

I genuinely feel I would have not been able to get back into work without this opportunity. It has given me a chance to go back into employment by restarting my CV and I’ve took the plunge to start my own small business. This opportunity has helped me grow in confidence (from so long out of work), helped me help other families with my new knowledge of music and early years, it has helped me financially and, of course, the opportunity my children have had during this time has been wonderful. I am saddened that my time supporting Musical Wonderland is over.