As a student in my final semester of university, I imagined my work placement with Counterpoints Arts to go like every other. Back at my home university in the US, I had grown tired of office niceties and the social awkwardness that glistened in contrast to my Lebanese-ness. I was surprised to experience quite the opposite. I am not hyperbolizing when I say that my time at Counterpoints has been the best work experience I have had as a young professional. The Counterpoints team maintain an impressive level of positivity, gentleness, and productivity not only within the organization but also in their interactions with trustees, partners, artists, and project participants. At Counterpoints, there is a unique cohesion and harmony among colleagues that feels more like a neatly structured friend group than a typical workplace. For me, that meant that while a war raged at home, the office was a place I could seek for support, motivation, and creative encouragement.
In every other work placement I have completed, I was treated in a manner that reflected the connotations of the title “intern”—present, but not always seen or valued. That is not to say that I was treated unkindly in those roles, but I was never given the same level of thoughtfulness or consideration for my thoughts, feelings, and ideas as I have been at Counterpoints. Rather than giving me miniscule and tedious tasks, the team consistently involved me in meaningful ways such as allowing me to shadow meetings and contribute to ongoing projects. With a natural and easy openness, the Counterpoints team allowed me to access them individually and linked me with private theatre showings, projects, screenings, and the infamous annual networking event. From day one, the team made an active effort to connect me with anyone they believed would benefit me in the long run, from community theatre makers, drama therapists, and performers.
Through Counterpoints, I had the privilege of assisting the Refugee Week team with the Simple Acts workshop in partnership with Babylon Migrants Project. I also supported the rehearsals and final performance of the international women’s choir Sounds Like Home at Hoxton Hall. Plus, I volunteered with Bosla Arts at the Creative Solidarity for Palestine event at Palestine House to cultivate a secure environment that was welcoming, nurturing, and gentle with its participants.
Looking back on the past four weeks, during which was the most uncertain and turbulent time in my life, the Counterpoints office was an oasis and each of the team members a sanctuary. This work placement has felt like homecoming. Now that it has come to an end, I take this experience with me and wish upon a prompt reunion.
Image © Paul Gilbey
