Appetite is an arts company which organises outdoor performance events around Stoke-On-Trent, and their mission statement is to “get more people in Stoke-on-Trent to experience and be inspired by the arts.” Stoke-on-Trent is currently ranked the 14th most deprived local authority (out of 326) in England, according to the Centre for Health and Development. People in deprived areas cannot prioritise spending money on art, culture and enjoyment - so Appetite brings the art to them, for free.
Appetite operates in three-year programmes, financed by Arts Council England’s “Creative People And Places” fund - this is the third rotation of the three-year programme. Aside from the company's head team, Appetite events are largely staffed by volunteers.
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One of Appetite's key events is the Big Feast, which is a selection of outdoor performances over one weekend in summer in Stoke's city centre, Hanley. Another notable event is Homecoming, which takes place in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and is a collaboration with Newcastle BID, bringing circus to Newcastle town centre in celebration of Phillip Astley, the "father of modern circus", who was born in the town.
I joined the Appetite volunteer team in 2018, and it has allowed me to play a role in a variety of events. Generally, the jobs for volunteers include setup for events, crowd control and security while events are taking place, ensuring audience satisfaction, promoting events and assisting performers with the behind-the-scenes aspects of their performances.
Working with Appetite has increased my confidence and communication skills, my ability to work under time constraints or high pressure, my knowledge of event planning and organisation, my ability to work with or lead a team and my understanding of art and culture overall.
