Working at an Art Museum
Blog Post by Work Experience Student Anna Silva
When I speak to people about wanting to work in the museum business, there’s a variety of responses that have been received in the past. Quite a few of these responses have been overall positive, applauding me for having desires and knowing what I want in life. Eventually I desire to pursue my Masters and Doctorate with a focus on French art. I’m motivated not just by a strong love for art and academics, but also to inspire others to reach for their academic goals. While my decision has been mostly smiled upon, there are still those who make jokes. Saying that I’m paying for an expensive school so that I can become a fry cook or a ticket clerk at the movie theater.
June 5th, I felt proud to prove the doubters wrong, because that was my first day of my work experience placement at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI). It is in no way a permanent position, but in the long run, this is without a doubt something which will only be beneficial to me. Filled to the brim with excitement and coffee, I entered the workplace. I didn’t have many expectations, but all the dreams and hopes I’ve had have truly become reality. Desires such as aiding in the putting together of a new exhibition, assisting with the weekly newsletter, and learning the ins and outs of a gallery as well as what to expect from the future which I want for myself.
I’ve absolutely enjoyed my time at the National Gallery so far. Members of staff are always very courteous and have certainly kept me more than busy. Every morning I’ve been more than excited to get to work, feeling grateful to be a part of such a fantastic team. No matter the task, whether it be complicated or extremely easy, is one that gives me work experience, and thanks to one of my professors in Kentucky, my placement is also counting towards a college credit. I’ve been journaling every day of the internship, and there is never a negative thing to say!
So far, my favourite memories have had to do with putting up exhibitions. Since I’ve started at the Gallery in June, we’ve had three exhibitions open, Looking Back and Thinking Ahead a solo show by Simon Tatum, Synergy a student exhibition, and Mediating Self a temporary exhibition based on works from the National Art Collection of the Cayman Islands. As a person, I’ve always found I work best when under pressure, and when you have an exhibition that’s about to open and there’s work to be done, it’s a sudden rush of energy. Putting these exhibits together has also taught me more about the career path which I eventually desire to take on. While I was born in Florida, and live in Kentucky now for school, I spent a good amount of my childhood development in Cayman, because of this I’ve always considered Cayman to be a huge part of my culture. Working at the National Gallery, putting up artworks created by Caymanians, researching and writing for the newsletter each week, and working with local artists such as Simon Tatum has been a massive learning experience for me when it comes to the Island I’ve grown up loving.
I’ve always had a way of achieving my goals, and there is no doubt I’ve made another step towards eventually having my own office from which I organize exhibitions. It’s just so exceptional that Cayman can be a component in my lifetime dreams, and that I’ve been able to learn from such exceptional human beings.
Anna Silva, NGCI Work Experience Student
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands offers work experience placements, paid internships, career guidance, scholarships and mentoring opportunities under the “Creative Careers” programme. For details email the NGCI Education Department at education@nationalgallery.org.ky.