Leïla Gérard, Alumna Arts and Heritage: Policy, Management and Education
Leïla Gérard studied the master's programme Arts and Culture with a specialisation in Arts and Heritage. During her study programme, Leïla undertook a 10-week long internship at Kimball Jenkins, a nonprofit cultural community center in Concord, New Hampshire, United States. We asked her to write about her experiences during her internship. Read the testimonial below to find out more.
Undertaking an internship during my master’s has been pivotal in clarifying my professional interests as I approach entering the workforce. I chose to intern at Kimball Jenkins, a nonprofit cultural community center in Concord, New Hampshire, United States, as I was familiar with and fond of their work. As a small arts organization that is committed to inclusivity, particularly for marginalized identities, it offered an ideal opportunity to explore my passion for fostering alternative and inclusive practices in the arts and culture sector. Immersing myself ‘beyond the scenes’ of cultural events and arts classes provided valuable insights, including engaging in discussions about funding, accessibility (in all its forms), and governance structures within organizations.
Balancing internship responsibilities with thesis work is challenging, especially as I am navigating the various facets of nonprofit operations. However, the support provided by the staff and the modest size of the institution are certainly making this process easier. Throughout my ten-week internship, I have undertaken various tasks such as newsletter design, curatorial projects which involve writing press releases, artist statements, wall-texts, and selecting, researching, and hanging artworks for exhibitions. Witnessing my work come to fruition, such as having my press releases published in the local paper, was both gratifying and motivating for my future endeavors.
March 2024