Building a Creative Career: How Maisie Wove Her Path with Children’s Capital of Culture

I’m Maisie, and in 2025 I had the privilege of working as the Creative Learning Assistant for the Children’s Capital of Culture. Joining the Creative Learning programme was an incredible experience: in this role I helped to introduce the young people of Rotherham to different creative opportunities and careers, and support them as they brought their amazing projects to life. It was a year full of learning, meeting new people, and seeing first-hand how creativity can transform education. I feel so grateful to have been part of something so special and to witness the power of creativity in shaping brighter futures.

I graduated from university in 2024 with a Fine Art degree, and left without an idea of what I wanted to do next. But I’d always been interested in the arts and being creative, and knew I wanted to build a career out of doing something I was passionate about.

I first came across Children’s Capital of Culture in the summer of 2024, where I was invited to take part in the Uplift Festival as a young maker. Here I was able to meet some of the Children’s Capital of Culture (CCoC) team, and got an insight into the work of CCoC and their commitment to supporting children and young people through the arts. I later found out about their traineeship programme for 16-to-25-year-olds in Rotherham, and decided to apply. It was at the recruitment morning for the traineeships where I was introduced to Becky Parry, the Creative Learning Manager for Children’s Capital of Culture, and learnt about the ways I could contribute and develop my own creative career within a role as a Creative Learning Trainee. I applied, was accepted, and started working on the Creative Learning programme in February 2025.

I was quickly immersed in the role, visiting schools and meeting artists and other creatives. Every week was different, and I was regularly taking on new tasks and responsibilities that I hadn’t been exposed to before. I was supported by Becky and the wider CCoC team throughout it all, and was always encouraged to bring my own creative skills and ideas into the work. This role helped me grow in confidence as a creative, while also developing practical skills around organisation, planning, and managing projects.

One of the more notable projects for me during the 2025 Festival Year was the “What If A Magic, Flying Car?...” animation project, which was made across five of the primary schools in Rotherham. The lead creative on this project was Virpi Kettu, from Kettu Studios, who has worked on many popular animations such as Wallace and Gromit and Pingu. I had never tried animation before, but soon developed a deep appreciation for the artform after learning about all the hard work it entails. I supported Virpi on her visits to the schools, showing the children what to do to create animations and the techniques involved. This was so much fun, and it was lovely to see how the children latched onto the concepts so quickly, eager to adapt the idea and make it their own. I loved being able to follow this project so closely, especially when I saw the final film get screened at Replay Festival, Children’s Capital of Culture’s film photography and media festival that celebrated the creativity of children and young people. This took place towards the end of November at the Arc Cinema. It was a joy to see each school gather to watch their work on the big screen and the sheer excitement on their faces as they watched the films unfold. The feeling of pride radiated throughout the children at the recognition of their work, which they very much deserved, and at creating and being a part of something truly special.

I am very appreciative of the different connections I formed with other creative professionals throughout this role, including being able to discuss their own journeys and receive advice on how I could also achieve a career in something I loved. I also formed a lot of friendships with other young people on the traineeship programme that have continued even after my role has ended. I was welcomed into a supportive community of like-minded young people, who encouraged one another and were always willing to share advice or help out. These connections are something I hope will continue as we each move forward in our careers.

Despite the role ending, I will still be involved with Children’s Capital of Culture right up to March 2026. I am working on the Heritage Producer project, helping to collect and preserve the memories and stories of people across Rotherham alongside 20 other young people each collaborating closely with a different ward. I am also visiting schools to launch a crochet club, with hopes of contributing to the Roots: Rotherham Street Carnival in March. On top of that, I recently started my new CCoC alumni role as the Creative Coordinator at Hopian, where I am still able to work creatively with children and young people. I am thankful for these opportunities provided through Children’s Capital of Culture, both for me and for other young people across Rotherham.

My time with CCoC has been truly invaluable, giving me the experience and confidence to pursue a career within the creative sector, while continuing to support other young people on their own creative journeys. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of something so special and meaningful, with every project and performance further reminding us of the importance of creativity.