Last year, whilst I was in my final year as an undergraduate at Northumbria University, I was able to assist Great North Run Culture with two of their commissions - Douglas Gordon’s The End of Civilization and Melanie Manchot’s Tracer. The experience I gained was really beneficial and enjoyable and it’s also a great way of getting involved in the local arts scene, so once the 2013 programme arrived I was really keen to be a part of it again and I signed up as a volunteer.

Last week I helped out with Great North Run Culture's 2013 programme launch which was held at Northumbria University's Sport Central. The 2013 commissions were being unveiled to an audience on the night and so the day was spent setting up the venue and running through rehearsals, screenings and live performances. When working on such big projects there is always going to be small complications or unforeseen problems and so, as a volunteer, I was there to assist in any way I could and run any errands needed, whether it be going to the hardware store or to BALTIC.

Once the stage was set and rehearsals were in full swing, I was given the opportunity to photograph Paul Smith’s new choral piece A mind full of nothing but continue. Being a big fan of Paul’s work it was a lot of fun and the opportunity to get involved and document the performance was a great experience.

When the choir left to prepare for the show I was then sent to Central Station to go collect the host for the night - journalist and cultural commentator Miranda Sawyer. All in all not a bad introduction to the 2013 Great North Run Culture programme!