My FSJ at the Cultural Office: Anna Broeker
Anna Broeker completed her FSJ Kultur at the Kulturbüro Münsterland from September 2022 to August 2023. In this interview, she talks about her experiences and her own project.
Interview
What were your expectations of your FSJ Kultur?
I was actually quite open-minded; I didn’t really have any specific expectations. Above all, I hoped that the year would help me work out what I wanted to do afterwards – and what I didn’t. I fancied getting into the cultural sector, so I opted for an FSJ Kultur. The cultural office was an interesting choice because it covers a range of topics and areas.
What did you learn most of all at the cultural office?
I learnt about all sorts of things this year. Different computer programmes, the complexity of cultural work and everything that goes with it. Above all, though, I think I learnt a bit about the Münsterland cultural region and what cultural work actually involves. I didn’t know much about either of these things beforehand, so that’s where I learnt the most.
What was your own project?
I assessed a few of the Münsterland Festival’s venues for their accessibility for people with mobility impairments. The idea was to provide those affected with as much helpful information as possible before a visit, so that they know what to expect at each venue. As improvements to accessibility aren’t always feasible at every venue – for example, due to listed building regulations – the project served more as a guide for visitors.
What’s your fondest memory of the FSJ?
I don’t think I have just one favourite memory. What I really enjoyed was my own project and seeing everything finished on the website at the end, knowing that I’d done it myself. Apart from that, the site visits were also interesting because they gave me insights I hadn’t had before. And the people I got to know in the seminar group are a lovely memory.
Impressions of the event "Ein Kessel Buntes" in the framework of which Jiyan realised her project
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, or has anything gone wrong?
I suppose I felt a bit overwhelmed, especially at the start, during the first few weeks. That’s when the change and adjustment were most intense. But once you’ve settled in and got used to everything over time, it all sorts itself out. I don’t think anything really went completely wrong, though.
Who would you recommend an FSJ at the Münsterland Cultural Office to?
People who’re interested in learning more – or even just a bit – about the cultural sector, particularly, of course, as it relates to the Münsterland region. You can actually ask questions about all areas at any time and learn about and get to know lots of different things. Apart from that, you need to enjoy planning and organising, and have a certain amount of stamina for office and computer work.
What are you doing now?
I’m studying film studies in Mainz. Knowing what I want to do after this year was the one big thing I wanted the FSJ to help me with. And that’s exactly what I’ve learnt over the course of the year.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I learnt a lot not only from my work at the cultural office, but also from the seminars and training days. The interaction with the people in my seminar group was particularly enjoyable.
