Spotlight on… Florence Walton
Florence Walton is half English, half Norwegian, but grew up in Lucca, Italy. In 2019, she moved to London to study for a master’s degree in Cultural Heritage Studies. She fell in love with the city and now lives in Peckham. Florence joined ATT in 2022. Meet Florence Walton!
Tell us a bit what you’ve been doing before you joined ATT?
After graduating I was incredibly lucky to join the Greater London Authority’s Community Engagement team as a freelance researcher to work on a study that explored community collecting projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. I then went on to continue looking at the intersection of culture and the pandemic by working as an assistant for the Culture Recovery Fund grant management team at Arts Council England. Then I briefly transferred over to Arts Council England’s London Visual Arts and Museums Team before joining ATT.
What’s your job at ATT?
I work as an Event Coordinator in the Operations Department. I help organise the logistics for the ATT mobile programmes, everything from scheduling teams, booking travel and hotels, drafting booking letters, liaising with clients and generally ensuring that the sessions in and outside the UK run smoothly.
One of my favourite jobs is packing the prop and costumes suitcases that the team of actors take with them when they travel for the ATT sessions. I particularly enjoy trying to make the items look as authentic and realistic to the storyline as possible – I once had to use a cheese grater to make a life-jacket look worn out!
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I was initially interested in ATT for their commitment to participation and inclusion in the arts and their genuine concern for safety and well-being in the work-place. I suppose my favourite thing about the job is how this ethos translates into everyone’s attitude in the office on a day-to-day basis. Everyone cares and is enthusiastic about their work. The team is always willing to explain and show me new things. I feel like I’m learning a lot in a very positive, vibrant and proactive environment.
Where in the world would you most like to be and why?
I would love to be in Montreal, Canada. The city has such an interesting juxtaposition of architectural styles and such a cool, fun up-and-coming arts scene. It would be a great opportunity to improve my dodgy French. I feel there aren’t many cities around the world where you can go skiing in the winter and swimming in the lakes in the summer and it’s all on your doorstep.
Which book changed your life?
Tricky question! I think one of the most memorable books I’ve ever read is ‘My Brilliant Friend’ by Elana Ferrante, the first volume of a 4-book series. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did, but I could not put the book down. I found the female characters complex, funny and relatable and the setting reminded me a bit of my Italian upbringing and the struggles with a very classical school system.
You’re on Desert Island Disks – what’s your luxury?
Definitely a kettle and an unlimited supply of lemon and ginger tea.
What are your ambitions for the future?
When I was little the ultimate dream was to be a painter and live on an island with hundreds of dogs and guinea pigs. Realistically I hope to keep working, learning and testing the boundaries of community engagement within the creative sphere which is why being part of ATT at such an exciting time for the company is very fulfilling. Ideally, maybe soon, I will finally adopt a dog (maximum of two!).
