Delphine Legrain, alumna BA and MA Arts & Culture
What was it about this bachelor's and master's programme that made you think, ‘This is the one for me’?
I initially started my first bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, but I always knew that I wanted to study at a research university. Unfortunately, the programmes available in Belgium did not really appeal to me. That changed when I met someone who was studying Arts & Culture at FASoS. From what they told me, it sounded exactly like what I was looking for: a programme that brings in guest lecturers and field experts, while also encouraging students to work independently. I really appreciated that students are not expected to be passive learners, but are instead encouraged to think critically and form their own perspectives on different topics. I have also always had a strong interest in literature, art, and sociology, so I felt the programme suited me very well.
I later decided to continue with the Arts and Cultures master’s programme because I genuinely loved studying at FASoS. Maastricht is such a culturally vibrant city, which perfectly complements the programme. Over time, I developed a strong interest in the art market, and this was one of the few one-year master’s programmes that offered a specialisation in this area.
How did your bachelor’s and master’s programmes complement each other?
During my bachelor’s in Arts & Culture, I gradually realised that I wanted to work in the arts sector. By the end of it, I felt that the Arts & Heritage master’s would be a natural and meaningful continuation, allowing me to deepen my knowledge in this area. I was particularly drawn to the Art Market and Visitor Research modules, as they seemed to offer more practical tools and insights that would help me transition into the professional world.
Could you tell more about which minor/internship/exchange/field study you did?
During my bachelor, I took Creative Writing as a minor. I have always loved reading but never saw myself as a writer. I thought it would be interesting to experience the other side and challenge myself by learning something new.
I also completed an internship at Les Ardentes festival, a music festival in Liège, where I assisted the marketing team. A friend of mine, with whom I studied graphic design, was working there, and I wanted to gain my first professional experience in the cultural sector. I thought it would be a great opportunity! I continued working for them on their social media every summer for four years afterwards.
I was also part of the MaRBLe excellence programme in my final year, which was an amazing experience. It gave me strong research skills and taught me how to think more critically and present better my findings.
During my master’s, I completed an internship at a small art gallery in Brussels, where I assisted the two directors. This internship gave me a great entry point into the Brussels art world, which I am still part of today.
Looking back, what are the things you learned during your studies that truly help you in your current career/experiences/personal life?
I still think a lot about my Creative Writing minor. It was extremely useful in helping me develop storytelling skills and overcome my fear of writing. It gave me much more confidence in myself, although I only fully realised that afterwards.
The Visitor Research course, where we learned how to create target groups and develop strategies to attract audiences to cultural events, was also very valuable. Now, working as Head of Communications for two art fairs, these learnings are still highly relevant, especially when presenting communication plans and strategies for upcoming editions.
Of course, my Art Market specialisation also confirmed the direction I wanted to take professionally. It also allowed me to build friendships that I still cherish today, which is amazing.
Could you tell us more about your current career ?
As mentioned, I am now Head of Communications for two art fairs organised by the same group: Art Antwerp and Art Brussels. It will be four years in April since I started working for these fairs.
My main responsibility is to create communication plans for both fairs. This includes planning digital and street campaigns, developing meaningful partnerships with different media, finding ways to attract paying visitors, and highlighting the participating galleries.
I previously worked in both small and large contemporary art galleries, which was a very good way to start in the art world, as it allowed me to learn from others and grow both professionally and personally. The art world is not always easy to navigate, and it is important to give yourself grace and leave space for growth when starting a career in this field.
Patience is also essential. Nothing is ever ideal, and we have to learn to accept when situations do not go as planned and move forward. For me, professional growth has been about understanding what I truly want and where I feel most fulfilled, while accepting that perfection does not exist and learning how to work with that reality.
Having a clearer sense of where I want to go has reassured me that I am on the right path, and I greatly appreciate the role I have today and the team I work with.
What is your fondest memory from your time in Maastricht as a student at FASoS?
I loved being part of the Student Representatives during my first years. It gave me a lot of insight into FASoS and allowed me to leave a tiny mark during my time there.
Otherwise, having coffee at Bandito’s after lectures and classes is a very fond memory. Working on our papers in the library, even more when we were exhausted, is when we often had the most fun. I as well vividly remember the battles with the printers when we needed to print all the reading materials.
Student life in general is something I remember very warmly. It was not always easy because of the workload, but it was incredible to experience everything we learned.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your time in Maastricht/at FASoS that we have not asked about?
I would also like to add that I met such amazing people while studying at FASoS. Meeting students from all around the world is such an incredible opportunity that the university offers. I am also very grateful for all the inspiring teachers who helped shape the path that brought me to where I am today. I felt very lucky, and still do, to have studied in such an environment.
Honestly, I would love to go back in time and relive a typical week at FASoS, that would be so much fun.
February 2026