It seemed a lifetime ago since I ventured up to Cardiff for my TEAM panel interview, and before I knew it, I was back in the same room surrounded by an abundance of welsh cakes, smiling faces and the biggest tea pot I've ever seen! The first TEAM panel meeting was about to take place.

It all started with Devinda speaking about TEAM's vision, what it represented and what our roles and responsibilities would be. Once the introduction to TEAM had ended it was over to us to introduce ourselves. It was really inspiring listening to each of the panel member's story and how they had ended up in the same room as I did. I felt very fortunate to be amongst such a diverse group of creatives.

We were told the story of how NTW began by Phil George who was very enthusiastic to have us on board. In between more cups of tea and welsh cakes the existing TEAM panel members gave us an insight into what their experience had been like on the panel so far. To see how much they had given to TEAM and what TEAM had given back to them filled me with ideas and inspiration.

After a tasty lunch we took part in a leadership training workshop lead by Catherine Paskell, this got our brains ticking and created some interesting discussions. By the end of the day I felt like I had known everyone a lot longer than just a few hours! Equipped with a TEAM hoody and a bag full of goodies I left the office on a high, it was a great day to become a part of NTW. 

TEAM's ethos is all about the people and their communities, letting the public have their chance to be heard through creative mediums. Now various places all over Wales have a voice for their area that come in the form of TEAM panel members who will ensure NTW is kept in the loop with up and coming events, artist, performances and companies.

To be part of TEAM panel this year is a privilege, I look forward to meeting new artistic director Kully Thiarai when she joins NTW in May, I am very excited to see what ideas she has in store.

Joining TEAM this year is an honour and I intended to make the most of my time here, if 2016 carries on the way it's going it’s going to be a very good year! 

Eight out of ten TEAM Panel Members! Sorry to Gavin and Sophie who were unable to make it, I look forward to meeting you both next time!