Q&A with Express Media intern Kaiwern Koo
For the past few months, Express Media has welcomed intern Kaiwern Koo into the office to help out across all aspects of programming, management, administration and Voiceworks editorial.
Kaiwern has been such a delightful addition to the team, and in the last week of her internship program, we simply had to ask for her reflections on her time here with us!
What was the most surprising thing about being the Express Media intern?
The most surprising thing about interning at Express was learning that the core team doing so much work to bolster the young writing community in Australia is made up of only four! It was also incredible to see the amount of hard work the editorial committee puts into making Voiceworks what it is. There is no deficit of care among the people who keep the wheels turning here.
What are some of the things you learnt in your time here?
I've learnt so much from the team at Express. They're a very knowledgeable and thoughtful group of people who have a lot of passion for the work that they do. My time here has strengthened my critical eye and deepened my experience as a reader, giving me words to articulate exactly what is working and irking me in a piece. It has also taught me a lot about how far caring will get you; this team operates on a foundation of caring about the arts and giving space to young people that has been truly inspiring to witness.
What were some highlights of working in The Wheeler Centre and Express Media office?
It's a very special space filled with lots of wonderful, creative minds. It's been a real pleasure to bounce ideas around, debate a stray comma, and sit in on the amazing programs run by Express.
What kind of art and writing are you most drawn to, and why?
I'm drawn to anything with a little whimsy. I enjoy visual art that looks like it was made by a child, and any form of storytelling that is threaded through with magic and mysticism and humour. I like it best when something is just a little off-kilter, never taking itself too seriously.