Thanks to a late Trustee George Kravis, recent Trustee Professor Ron Predl and former Director Mark Ross, ODAC has a historic relationship with the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Management Programme at the Kendall College of Arts & Sciences, University of Tulsa (Oklahoma, USA) which has enabled student placements at ODAC, with funding supported by the Raymond and Bessie Kravis Foundation, in memory of George Kravis. After a break of several years, this year we were able to resume a trial of this student placement programme.

This meant that this year, we were fortunate enough to have Heidi Hernandez join us from Tulsa for probably our busiest two months of the year, as a Producing Placement supporting the delivery of Regent’s Roots Festival.

It is a testament to a fantastic colleague when you are left wondering how things were or will be possible once they’ve left, and Heidi managed to achieve this in just a matter of months! Her organisational skills, calmness, and ability to adapt to and thrive in an unfamiliar environment were invaluable.

We were eager to catch up with Heidi and reflect on her time with us. She shared her unique insights on Arts and Community at ODAC and in London, offering a fresh perspective from someone experiencing it all for the first time.

ARTS & CULTURE SCENE IN TULSA

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a growing arts scene. From the historic Brady Arts District to the vibrant galleries and performance spaces that dot the city, Tulsa is a place where creativity thrives. Events like Mayfest and the Tulsa Arts District's First Friday Art Crawl bring the community together to celebrate art in all its forms.

REGENT’S ROOTS: A UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Regent's Roots is a community-focused festival that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the Camden area, celebrating South Asian Heritage Month. Unlike anything I've worked on in Tulsa, Regent's Roots blends performance, food, and arts in a way that is uniquely ‘London’. The festival is a vibrant representation of the local community, with performances and activities that engage people of all ages.

MY ROLE AT THE REGENT’S ROOTS FESTIVAL

At Regent's Roots, I was involved in various aspects of the festival's production. From marketing and communications to on-the-ground logistics, my role allowed me to gain hands-on experience in festival planning. I attended weekly staff meetings, coordinated with community members and stall holders, and helped manage the event on the day.

ARTS & CULTURE IN THE TWO CITIES

London, and particularly Camden, is a melting pot of cultures and artistic influences. The sheer diversity of the city is reflected in its art, music, and theater scenes, which offer something for everyone. Working in London allowed me to experience arts organizations as long-standing traditions, deeply embedded in the city's cultural fabric. In contrast, many arts organizations in Tulsa are relatively young. This lack of tradition provides Tulsa artists with the freedom to express themselves in fresh and innovative ways that are unique to our city. The emerging arts scene in Tulsa is vibrant and full of potential, offering a platform for new voices and creative expressions that stand out on their own.

BEST PLACES FOR FOOD IN LONDON

I lived between Angel and Old Street and loved it! With the vibrant area of Hackney just a stone’s throw away and the canals nearby. My favorite culinary experiences in London were the Satay Chicken Bahn Mi from Mini Bang Bang Vietnamese, the Jerk chicken at Afrikana in Dalston, and when homesickness struck, I’d head to D Grande for my Tex-Mex fix. As for sightseeing, Big Ben was my favorite monument, largely because of the stunning architecture in Westminster. On sunnier days, I loved soaking up the rays on Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath.

WHAT I MISSED ABOUT OKLAHOMA AND WHAT I’LL MISS ABOUT LONDON

Aside from missing my family, I found myself longing for the ability to spend more time in nature. Summers in Oklahoma are usually spent kayaking the Illinois River in Tahlequah (capital of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), boating on Lake Keystone, or hanging out at the neighborhood pool with friends. I also missed the eclectic mix of restaurants and food trucks that make Tulsa's food scene so unique.

However, there is so much I’ll miss about London. The ease of navigating public transportation was a dream, and I biked to work almost every day. I loved walking along the canal and taking in the beauty of the many community gardens. But perhaps what I’ll miss most is Ziggy, our office Pomchi, who was the heart and soul of the ODAC, greeting everyone with a wagging tail at the front desk.

LESSONS FROM WORKING ABROAD

Working in a different country has taught me the importance of adaptability and cultural awareness. Every day presented new challenges, from navigating the London Underground to understanding the nuances of British communication styles. These experiences have made me more confident in my abilities and more aware of the world beyond Oklahoma.

WORDS AND PHRASES TO BRING BACK TO TULSA

Lastly, I've picked up a few British phrases that I might slip into conversation back home. You'll likely hear me say “proper” when something is just right, “good shout” for a great idea, “lovely” to describe something delightful, and “keen” when I'm particularly enthusiastic about something.

MY SUMMER AT ODAC

IN THE SPACE WITH… ‘NEVER MADE SENSE’