CEP Intern

Building a Future Through New Experiences

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Jannis Acbard has always been fascinated with the design process and exploring new countries. While pursuing a degree in landscape and garden architecture, New York always stood out as the perfect place to gain work experience in a new and fast-paced environment. Thanks to his exchange program, Jannis was able to live in New York while interning with Joanna Pertz Landscape Architecture (JPLA).

During his internship, he worked on a variety of tasks, including drafting landscape plans, writing maintenance and planting reports, and assisting with on-site planting and installation. JPLA allowed Jannis to be part of a design team, improve his English, and gain skills necessary to further his studies and career in landscape architecture.

We recently caught up with Jannis to hear more about his internship and his time in New York!

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

​I gained a lot of experience working at JPLA working with the most familiar programs (Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD) to me. This made me better and faster at working with these programs. It also gave me a nice life experience of living by myself and living in another country.

What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?

​Living in an entire new city outside of Europe. Getting to experience a totally different lifestyle and pace of life. It has been a really nice time getting to explore everything that NYC had to offer and I never had enough of it.

What was your favorite cultural activity to do in New York?

​I enjoyed visiting museums and architectural landmarks. Besides that I always enjoyed just walking and discovering new things in my neighborhood or in another part of the city.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

​If you are going to the United States, be sure to plan everything way ahead and have a second plan in case anything doesn’t go as planned. If you come from Europe, it will be quite the opposite for you when visiting but everything is so nice there!

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

​It means getting to experience a different culture of an entire new city and country. Discovering the way of living, the way people are and live, and tasting the food and culture.

Ancient Ceramics in New England

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Hailing from Canada, Mia Riley is an emerging ceramic artist who has called many Albertan cities, towns, and tents her home. She often finds inspiration in the transience and landscapes within her life, having moved and lived in various places across western Canada. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, Mia has also completed several residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, researching wood kiln building, alternative making processes, and the natural disasters that have affected her home province in the last decade.

For the past eight months, Mia has been interning with Harvard University’s Ceramics Program as part of IA&A’s Exchange Visitor Program. During her program, she had the opportunity to explore her own art practice and gain hands-on experience running studio operations. As an added bonus, Mia was also the winner of IA&A’s first-ever photo contest!

We recently caught up with Mia and Kathy King, Director of Education for the Ceramics Program, to learn more about the program and Mia’s exchange experience!

Kathy, can you tell us a bit more about the Ceramics Program at Harvard University?

The Ceramics Program falls under the umbrella of the Office for the Arts at Harvard that includes theater, dance, music and the visual arts. Our program in unique in that, for almost 50 years, we have served both the Harvard and the Boston-area communities. We provide non-credit courses three semesters a year and in any of these classes you might be sitting next to a Harvard Professor, staff, graduate or undergraduate student or someone who lives down the street! Our courses span everything from using the potter’s wheel, sculpting from a model, glaze chemistry or printing ceramic forms with a 3D printer. In addition to the courses offered, we work with different courses and departments within Harvard. Last year, we worked with the Graduate School of Design, the School of Engineering, Departments of Anthropology, Humanities, Art History and Architecture, the Graduate School of Education as well as our fine arts equivalent – Visual Environmental Studies. There are so many ways that we intersect with the ceramic medium, whether it is looking at examples of ancient vessels in an Anthropology or Art History course to designing new ways to use ceramics in architectural applications at the Graduate School of Design. We also work with the curators and conservation scientists at the Harvard Art Museum and the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture whereby we may be asked to replicate the techniques used in a ceramic form being studied.

Mia, why did you choose the Ceramics Program at Harvard for your exchange?

I was originally interested in the traineeship at the Ceramics Program at Harvard because I wanted the chance to connect with the American ceramics community. The program has ultimately provided me the opportunity to gain access to studio facilities where I can explore my own art practice and gain hands-on experience running studio operations. I have also had the chance to collaborate on projects with academic faculty and have gained many new friendships and connections.

Mia, what projects have you been working on during your internship?

One of the things I have been most excited to work on has been the animal head vessel project, which is featured in some the photos I have included in the profile. Many branches of this project have arisen out of an exhibition on ancient animal drinking vessels that will be exhibited at Harvard later this year. My role has been to assist in a workshop with anthropology students in making replicas of these vessels, design a child friendly craft for Harvard’s upcoming Arts First Festival, and create replicas that will potentially be used as teaching tools for the exhibition. This project has furthered my interest in ancient ceramics history and process, which was one of the aspects of my undergraduate studies. Also, I have enjoyed the access to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, where I have visited regularly to study these objects.

What has been your favorite part about interning with the Ceramics Program?

My favorite part about my internship has been meeting new artists and sharing our experiences. Because the Harvard studio is home to a large number of artists, professionals and students at many stages of their careers, I have had the chance to meet and exchange ideas on many levels. It has inspired me to see how ceramic art and pottery can exist in many different aspects in one’s life and career. I have loved being able to participate in all of the workshops we have held this year with world renowned artists such as Walter Keeler, Sunshine Cobb, Jason Burnett, and Bai Ming.

Kathy, what have been some of your favorite things about hosting an exchange visitor?

Mia brought with her energy and passion about working in ceramics and the technical knowledge that allowed her to jump right into our wide array of activities within the program. Mia was invited to give a lecture on her work and her life in Canada to our community and that conversation of how our cultures differ that has been on-going in the studio – whether it be art making, educational systems or even food!

What has Mia contributed to the Ceramics Program?

Mia has contributed her talents and assistance and we will be hard-pressed to find someone who was able to integrate into our community with such ease. Her wonderful sense of humor and friendly disposition paired with her skills as an artist has proven Mia as an effective educator as well. She has been a Teaching Assistant for a number of different classes and has assisted students in their own making, firing of kilns and helping with glazing work. She treats everyone equally and fairly – whether they are 20 or 80 years old, a beginning student to a master.

Kathy, what were some of the cultural activities that Mia got to participate in during her exchange program?

Mia is an avid outdoors-person as well as art lover! She has been active in exploring New England’s museums, historical sites as well as its wilderness. Mia has attended all our exhibitions, lectures and workshops by visiting artists at our program from China, the UK to all over the U.S. and has been integral to being able to get to know these artists behind the scenes as well.

Mia, what have you been able to get out of this internship that you couldn’t get elsewhere?

The work that I have been able to do in collaboration with other departments at Harvard has been very rewarding. Being able to assist students from the Graduate School of Design on architectural ceramics projects, teach students from the art history department about ceramics making techniques and many other projects have given me a lot to think about in terms of bringing makers and artists into the academic world. I have been inspired by the work that my supervisor, Kathy King, has been doing to make these connections possible and has opened my eyes to the new ways in which ceramics can be incorporated into academic studies and research. In the future I would like to continue working on these types of projects and am looking forward to seeing how I might initiate these collaborations once I return to Canada.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

I’d like to let future interns and trainees know that they will get the most out of their experience if they are proactive in pursuing learning through their experience. Being engaged and enthusiastic from the start will show your host that you are eager for new opportunities and challenges, and may lead to taking on further responsibilities. During your working hours make sure you ask questions and highlight your specific areas of interest. As well, take use of your time outside of work to explore a new place and participate in arts and culture activities, such as visiting museums, attending special festivals and events and go out with friends!

Finally, as IA&A’s first-ever photo contest winner, what do you plan to spend your Amazon gift card on?

New work boots for the studio!

Learn more about the Ceramics Program at Harvard here and follow Mia Riley on Instagram!

Can You Name Five Women Artists?

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The National Museum of Women in the Arts’ social media campaign #5WomenArtists is back! According to NMWA, work by women artists makes up only 3 to 5 percent of major permanent collections in the United States and Europe, which might be why some have such a hard time answering the question, “Can you name 5 women artists?”

In 2017, more than 520 national and international cultural institutions and nearly 11,000 individuals joined the campaign to promote women artists. This year, museums, galleries, and arts organizations around the world are helping spread the #5WomenArtists challenge far and wide. As Susan Fisher Sterling, Director of NMWA, says, “There is no better time than now to raise awareness that the art world also disadvantages women’s opportunities and advancement, with women artists of color experiencing a double disadvantage in an already challenging field.

This Women’s History Month, International Arts and Artists (IA&A) is taking the challenge and sharing the stories of five creative, diverse, and innovative artists who have participated in our J-1 Exchange Visitor Program! Read on to celebrate these artists and join us in contributing to the dialogue on gender inequality in the arts by using the hashtag #5WomenArtists!

Gohar Dashti

From Tehran to DC, Gohar Dashti creates work that connects audiences through a shared humanity. The Iranian artist has spent more than twelve years navigating the various social issues of the world through photography, bringing sensitivity and empathy to the art form. Trained at the Fine Art University of Tehran, Gohar often draws on personal life events in order to build bridges between the personal, universal, real, and political. Her work is inspired by her surroundings, her memory, and her personal perceptions, and it sparks important dialogues about conflict, citizenship, and civility.

IA&A is proud to have supported Gohar in her early career as a participant in IA&A’s ArtBridge program. In 2008, Gohar was part of a group of six emerging and mid-career Iranian photographers who visited the United States to participate in ArtBridge (pol-e honari, in Persian), a unique exchange program coordinated by IA&A. Since participating in ArtBridge, Gohar has become an internationally-acclaimed photographer with exhibitions at prominent museums and galleries around the world including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Mori Art Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Contemporary Art Museum, to name a few. She also curated IA&A at Hillyer’s 2017 exhibition Urban Mapping, which featured work by ten Iranian artists that reflected on the impact of political and social transformations of public space on the collective experience of Iranian citizens.

To learn more about Gohar, check out IA&A’s profile on this talented artist! You can also find out more about her work by visiting her website or following her on Instagram!

Mia Daniels

Mia Daniels uses everyday objects to situate her work within a context where myth and the unknown reside. She aims to cultivate a sensitivity in her work as a way to consider uncertainty and the fragile divide between beauty and decay. A scholar from Canada, Mia completed a residency program with the Textile Arts Center (TAC) in Brooklyn, NY. During her time at TAC, she discovered that engaging in textile craft in today’s world can embody both an experience of labor and luxury.

On her creative background, Mia explains, “I grew up in a house filled with beautiful handmade textiles from different parts of the world: Guatemala, Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, Lao, Nepal, India . . . the art of my home, they embodied my experiences: an intimate recollection of travel, family, adventure, and the ability to immerse yourself in the joyous unknown.”

To learn more about Mia, check out IA&A’s profile on this talented artist! You can also find out more about her work by visiting her website or following her on Instagram! A version of this interview was originally published on the TAC blog by Sam Crow.

Amalia Pica

Born in Argentina and based in London, Amalia Pica uses sculpture, performance, installation, and photography to explore the nuances of communication. Last year, Amalia joined the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) for the BMoCA + Swoon International Artists Residency during her time as a short-term scholar with IA&A. During her residency, Amalia continued her work on exploring landscape as a romantic background for images that deal with the desire for political expression and on tools utilized to teach language to great apes during the 60s and 70s in America.

Amalia’s work has been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the Venice Bienniale, and the Tate Modern in London. In 2014, her work was included in the group exhibition, Under the Same Sun, presented at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Her artwork is part of MACBA, and the Guggenheim’s collection.

You can find out more about Amalia’s work by checking out #AmaliaPica or by following her on Instagram!

Emily Whittingham

Emily Whittingham’s unique internship experience was a fantastic example of the opportunities available through the Exchange Visitor Program! Challenging the stereotypical idea of an internship, Emily used the opportunity to follow her dream of becoming an artist and a puppet maker. She landed an apprenticeship with Puppet Kitchen Productions and spent her internship working alongside some of the best puppet makers in the business.

Each apprentice at Puppet Kitchen Productions also has the opportunity to work on a project of their own during their program. For her project, Emily created a puppet of the Carpenter from Lewis Carroll’s poem The Walrus and the Carpenter. “To me, cultural exchange means taking the step outside of your own home and culture to live in a new land and experience a new culture,” she told us. “With somewhere as diverse as New York City, I feel that cultural exchanges happen almost every day!”

To learn more about Emily, check out IA&A’s profile on this talented artist! You can also find out more about her work by visiting her website, connecting with her on Twitter, or following her on Instagram!

Zemer Peled

Zemer Peled‘s work examines the beauty and brutality of the natural world. Born and raised in Israel, her sculptural language is informed by her surrounding environment and landscapes, and engages with themes of memories, identity, and place. The association of porcelain with refinement and civilization is turned on itself when broken into shards. In Zemer’s organic formations, a whole from the shards is recreated, estranged from its original context, but nonetheless unified by an overall cohesiveness of movement and composition.

In 2013, Zemer participated in IA&A’s program as an artist-in-residence with the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena, MT. At the Bray, artists from around the world with a vast range of experiences and diverse aesthetic approaches, cultures, and perspectives come together. Since then, Zemer has exhibited internationally at venues including Sotheby’s and Saatchi Gallery (London), Eretz Israel Museum (Tel Aviv), and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City), among others. Her work can also be found in many private collections worldwide.

You can find out more about Zemer’s work by visiting her website or by following her on Instagram!

How to Find a Host Organization

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We all know that looking for the perfect internship or training program can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in one of Monet’s haystacks paintings! Finding the right host organization can seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re living in a different country. But it can also be a fantastic learning experience that helps you expand your professional network and pushes you outside your comfort zone!

While IA&A can’t find a host organization for you, we can provide recommendations, tips, and tricks to landing your dream internship or training program. We recently caught up with J-1 trainee Sarah for some advice on navigating the application process and snagging the perfect host organization. Keeping reading for 4 ways to find a host organization and start your adventure today!

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NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

A great place to start looking an internship or training program is on job posting websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, Idealist, or internships.com. But did you know that many of the best positions are “invisible”? These positions are not posted to the public because the organization might be looking for someone they already know. This means that you have to do some networking! However, networking doesn’t necessarily have to happen face-to-face. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are great places to look for and connect with potential host organizations.

Sarah, an exchange visitor who trained with a design firm in Florida, told us that she used social media to reach out to studios or artists that inspired her. “For me, I found my (eventual) host through Twitter and Linkedin! You need to find the platform where geeks from your industry gather to share ideas,” she explained, adding “Networking is so important. You never know who you’ll meet!”

So, don’t get caught in the trap of using the same few aggregated internship posting sites as everyone else. Use the many resources at your disposal, whether it’s connecting with host organizations through your professional and academic networks or deciding to send out email inquiries. Even something as easy as following and engaging with interesting organizations on social media can lead to interesting opportunities!

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DO YOUR RESEARCH

Sarah emphasized the importance of doing your research and developing a relationship with a prospective host organization. “Approaching a potential host for an internship is like approaching a potential employer when they’re not even offering a job,” she said. “I had first contacted [my host organization] in university. I didn’t originally contact them in pursuit of an internship. I wanted to become friends first and therefore could see if we would be compatible in working together.”

While pursuing an internship or training program with a potential host organization, it’s important to research the company, their work, and the industry in which they operate. This will give you a good sense of what the company does and what they would be like as a host organization. If you have the chance to meet for an informational interview, “compliment or question parts of their portfolio that intrigue or inspire you” said Sarah. She also recommended asking about their journey as a company and even asking for feedback on your own portfolio. “Almost all professionals were students or interns themselves at one point so they understand!”

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HONE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Once you’ve found and developed a relationship with a host organization, Sarah advises not to simply stop there! To set yourself apart from other interns, she recommends further strengthening your professional skill set before you start your program. “It was important that I taught myself as much of the basic skills as possible before I arrived, so I didn’t waste any time when I got there,” she told us. “This means that when it comes to participating the actual internship, you can focus on the more industry specific skills you can’t teach yourself, or find online. I’ve learned a lot about time management, specific presentation layout, scaling and other things I don’t think I could have ‘Googled’ on my own.”

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ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE INSPIRED

Think of your internship or training program as an opportunity to test-drive a career, rather than just a place to gain work experience in a professional setting. “Find out who or what inspires you and where you want to steer your career,” Sarah told us, adding “Then see if you can mold the things that you love into something you could get paid to do.” But perhaps one of the best parts to finding the perfect host organization is the (sometimes unexpected) impact it can have on your career path. “Like everything in life some things don’t go according to plan,” Sarah explains. “Even those things will be a learning curve. It’s all part of the journey.”

So, you’ve found the perfect internship or training program! What next? Start your J-1 visa application with IA&A today! 

Want more tips on how to make your exchange program happen? Read our take on “How To Fund Your Exchange Program” here. 

Soaring in San José with Odwa and Lwando

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Lwando and Odwa have come a long way together, both literally and figuratively! Dancers from South Africa, the duo first met over twelve years ago and have been friends ever since. From studying together at the Cape Academy of Performing Arts to performing with the Cape Dance Company, the pair have been there for each another at every step of their professional careers.

In 2017, Lwando and Odwa seized the opportunity to train together at the New Ballet School, a classical ballet training program led by Dalia Rawson and based in San José, CA. The duo also benefited from the support of the Gugulethu Ballet Project, a non-profit organization that partners with dance communities to expand opportunities for children in the townships of South Africa. Founded by former American Ballet Theatre soloist Kristine Elliott, the Gugulethu Ballet Project provides scholarships and other resources for exceptionally gifted youth from South Africa to study and train in the United States.

Thanks to the New Ballet School and the Gugulethu Ballet Project, Lwando and Odwa have spent the past few months immersed in the performing arts world of San José. And, from performing The Nutcracker to seeing snow for the first time, they’ve experienced it alongside one another! We caught up with the duo to hear more about their experience in San José, what it’s like living with a host family, and what’s next for these talented dancers.

What’s the best part about participating in an exchange program alongside your friend?

Lwando: Travelling can be hard, especially when you don’t know anyone, so having a friend by my side has been so helpful, especially since I have known Odwa for 12 years. He knows everything about me and I about him. It’s hard being away from home for so long, but Odwa has made it so much easier. Whenever one of us is feeling down we know how to pick the other one up!

Odwa: The best part is to see improvement in each other as we each know our strength and weaknesses. It also made us grow closer as friends because we’re staying under the same roof with our host family.

Can you tell us about living with a host family and how that has impacted your exchange?

Lwando: Living with a host family has been amazing and life changing. They have exposed us to so many new things in California. Odwa and I are now in the process of learning how to drive, which we have always wanted to do but haven’t been able to in South Africa.

Odwa: Our host family is the best and they have truly made this exchange memorable. Before this exchange, I didn’t really take into consideration what I put in my body because back home organic food is really expensive, but they taught me about healthy eating, and my body and dancing has responded positively.

How was performing The Nutcracker for the first time? How does it compare to performing in South Africa?

Lwando: Performing The Nutcracker for the first time was so much fun and a life changing experience, because I never once thought I would perform a historical ballet on stage. I learned about it at my ballet school in South Africa, but I usually perform neo-classical contemporary style. I have to say, I enjoy performing both genres, even though they are widely different.

Odwa: Lwando and I had never performed The Nutcracker before. No company in South Africa does it. It was so nerve wracking for the first few performances because it’s a signature ballet of every ballet company in the United States and you cannot afford to look bad. People who have been performing The Nutcracker their whole lives will even say they are sick of the music, but I ended up loving every moment on stage. I was just enjoying myself, especially when we performed with a live orchestra.

Tell us about a funny or interesting moment you’ve experienced during your program!

Lwando: Performing in public places has been an interesting experience for me, because I had never performed in front of people like that. We performed in the shopping center, and I was amazed to see people appreciating the performance and giving us the respect and silence we needed. This was interesting to me because I had never experienced this in South Africa.

Odwa: Being in the snow for the first time was such an experience. I was like a little kid who is impressed by something he always thought it was a myth. Another interesting thing is the time difference between here and home. I remember back in school we were told that when we have the sunlight in South Africa, other places in the world are dark. So this one time I video called my grandmother and it was crack of dawn for her. The disbelief in her face when I showed her that I must still go to bed was priceless!

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Lwando: Cultural exchange means people coming together to promote mutual understanding about the place or places they came from. It helps many people learn about other countries and how people live in other places. It also helps build relationships between countries so that we can all know how to work together and make this world a better place.

Odwa: Cultural exchange means being exposed to things that you’re not used to. It means you’re going to find out things you didn’t know about yourself, because you act differently when you’re not in your natural habitat.

What advice can you offer future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

Lwando: I would tell a future exchange visitor that they should never hold themselves back from experiencing all the fun things the US has to offer. They should be nice to people because that’s how you make many friends, and they should always live in the moment while they’re here because these kinds of experiences only come once in a lifetime.

Odwa: Future exchange students should prepare themselves for lots of different American sub-cultures and should be curious enough to learn more about them.

Keep up with Lwando and Odwa by following them on Instagram @iam_lwando22_ and @odwamakanda.

TECRO and IA&A Celebrate Contemporary Art from Taiwan at Twin Oaks

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On February 3, 2018, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) and International Arts & Artists (IA&A) held an opening reception for the exhibition What do you see? — Meet Taiwan Contemporary Art. The reception was hosted by Ambassador and Mrs. Stanley Kao at Twin Oaks Estate, the government of the Republic of China’s property in Washington, DC.

As a place of history and elegance, Twin Oaks has played a crucial role in promoting the R.O.C.-U.S. relationship for more than 8 decades. To celebrate the 130th anniversary of Twin Oaks, TECRO is hosting an exhibition of contemporary art from Taiwan that represents a dialogue between the estate and modern visual arts. What do you see? — Meet Taiwan Contemporary Art showcases five Taiwanese artists’ works from the collection of Art Bank, Taiwan.

During the opening reception, Ambassador Kao welcomed guests, which included art leaders, artists, collectors, diplomats, and others. Ambassador Kao made remarks on the history of the Twin Oaks estate, the purpose of the Art Bank, Taiwan program, and the role of arts in the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. In his comments, IA&A’s President and Founder David Furchgott highlighted the value of cultural exchange in the visual arts and creative fields. Finally, Yan-Huei Chen, the curator of What do you see? — Meet Taiwan Contemporary Art, introduced the exhibition and her work with Art Bank, Taiwan. Following the remarks, guests were invited to enjoy the reception and continue exploring the exhibition.

What do you see? — Meet Taiwan Contemporary Art

The exhibition What do you see? — Meet Taiwan Contemporary Art will be held from February 3, 2018, to June 30, 2018, at TECRO’s Twin Oaks Estate. The six-month long event showcases artwork from five Taiwanese artists on the subject of reality and the ways in which we interpret our reality through sight and language. The exhibition, which includes paintings and sculpture works, hopes to create a dialogue with local artists and to foster cultural exchange and collaboration between Taiwanese artists and their international peers.

This marks the first time that works from Art Bank, Taiwan will be shown in Washington, DC. A program under the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Art Bank aims to promote artistic creation and the cultivation of Taiwanese artists through a public collection program. Government agencies and private companies are encouraged to rent artwork from Art Bank for display in public places in order to raise appreciation for the arts, increase the circulation of artwork and invigorate the art market in Taiwan.

The exhibition is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Republic of China (Taiwan) and jointly organized by TECRO, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and Art Bank, Taiwan.

Art in Context: Japan

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On January 24, 2018, IA&A hosted Art in Context: Japan, a discussion on Japanese culture, identity, and the broader conditions impacting creative work and partnerships. The event was held at IA&A at Hillyer during visual artist Kei Ito’s exhibition Only What We Can Carry. Along with Ito, the panel also featured Laurel Lukaszewski, a DC-based artist and director of White Point Studio, and Matt Levitas, the Cultural Affairs Coordinator at the Japan Information & Culture Center at the Embassy of Japan. The conversation was moderated by Allison Nance, Director of IA&A at Hillyer. A reception sponsored by Teaism and Matsukawaya followed the program. Guests were able to taste freshly-made matcha and wagashi, a traditional Japanese sweet.

Ito opened the conversation by telling the audience about his own experience as a third generation Hiroshima descendant and American immigrant. He explained that his art can be a reflection of the past and a commentary on the political present, while still being a symbol of hope for a brighter future. With another piece on view at the Baltimore War Memorial, Ito expressed hope that his art would reach a wide audience of Americans who may never step foot in a gallery.

Lukaszeweski and Levitas both spoke about the connections between art and public diplomacy. Having been an exchange student in a rural Japanese town after college, Lukaszeweski spoke about how this experience shaped her art and led her to champion American-Japanese relations. As a board member of the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC, Lukaszeweski strives to spotlight a kaleidoscope of artists that display a broad swath of Japanese culture. Levitas also added that the Embassy of Japan is dedicated to exposing Americans to Japanese culture not just through the visual arts, but also through alternative creative avenues such as sports, design, and technology. People-to-people exchanges in the creative fields are vital and art is a medium that transcends borders, opens dialogues, and encourages cross-cultural understanding. As Ito eloquently explained, “Art has more power than everyone thinks.”

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A project of IA&A’s Cultural Exchange Programs, the International Partnership Initiative champions international work between American arts institutions and their counterparts abroad by creating a forum for discussion and discovery among leaders in the artistic, academic, diplomatic, and policy communities. The Initiative’s research and programming facilitates cross-cultural understanding and builds stronger ties through global partnerships in the arts.

A Bibliophile’s Guide to the Book Business

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Enobong Essien always knew that she wanted to share her love of stories with others. Growing up, she surrounded herself with books and eagerly read whatever she could get her hands on. Her passion for reading led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, writing in her spare time for her blog, Coconut Confessions.

For the past three months, Enobong has been interning with Booklist, the American Library Association’s review journal for public and school librarians. Booklist reviews over 8000 books each year to help librarians select books, develop their collections, and advise readers. As an intern, Enobong has received a crash course in magazine publishing and an overview of the American publishing world. She’s also had the opportunity to review books for the Booklist blog.

We caught up with Enobong to hear more about her internship experience and her must-dos in Chicago!

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

My J-1 experience has taught me a lot about adapting to a new workplace and making new relationships. Career-wise, I know now that I definitely want to enter into publishing, and I feel like I have a better idea about how to enter into the industry. It has opened my eyes to see that there are people as passionate about books and publishing as I am.

What was your favorite memory from your exchange experience?

My favourite memory is actually doing the mail with the other intern here. I had no idea just how many books are published every day and the range in qualities. I do wonder how there is a market for some of the books we open in the mail. My other favourite thing has been writing reviews. I love to read anyway, but it’s nice to add another purpose to reading for leisure.

What was your favorite thing to do in Chicago?

My favourite cultural activity was going to the downtown lighting ceremony and parade. The parade was unlike anything we have in England. I’ve also enjoyed attending live sports games, I’ve seen a football and a hockey game. But I love how metropolitan Chicago is and how vast the music scene and varied the arts and museum scene is. I spent a lot of my free time attending live music events and exploring art galleries and museums. Chicago also has some spectacular architecture, and in October, they had an open house, opening up otherwise private buildings to the public. I was allowed into City Hall and saw the inside of some amazing buildings. Plus, I got to see Hamilton, which was outstanding!

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States? 

The advice I would give is to dive fully into all opportunities available to you. Americans are very friendly people, and it’s easy to make friends, which I would highly encourage.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Cultural exchange means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing fully the new culture that you are a part of. It means taking risks and trying new things.

To read more from Enobong, check out her blog, connect with her on Twitter, or follow her on Instagram!

How to Fund Your Exchange Program

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So, you’ve decided to jumpstart your career with an exchange program in the United States. Congratulations! Interning or training abroad is a great way to build your résumé while exploring new cities.

But what’s next? Aside from finding a host organization and applying for J-1 visa sponsorship with IA&A, finances will likely be on your mind. There are many costs that go toward making your exchange program possible, from visa fees to travel expenses to housing.

You’ve already taken a great first step by selecting IA&A as your J-1 visa sponsor! While exchange visitors pay an average of $3000 to 4000 for visa sponsorship with other organizations, IA&A fees start at just $900, depending on the duration of your exchange program. IA&A also offers financial aid in the form of a modest discount on your program fees for qualified applicants.

That being said, there are a wide variety of options and resources out there for enterprising exchange visitors. Keeping reading for 5 ways to fund your J-1 exchange program and start your adventure today!

1. BUILD A BUDGET

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You’re probably asking yourself, “How much will all this cost?” Whether you’re still looking for a host organization or you’re in the middle of the J-1 visa application process, it’s important to step back and create a budget.

If you’re still looking for a host organization, factor in the cost of living in different cities. A dollar can go a lot farther in Raleigh or Minneapolis than it does in New York or San Francisco! This calculator can help you compare the cost of living in different cities. You can also find detailed breakdowns of average housing, transportation, food, and entertainment costs for various cities here.

But what should you include in your budget? Here are some of the most common things you’ll want to plan for:

  • Visa Fees – Besides your IA&A program fees, you’ll also need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($220) and the MRV fee ($160, but Canadians are exempt from paying this fee). While these fees aren’t paid directly to IA&A, it’s important to plan for them.
  • Health Insurance – All exchange visitors are required to have health insurance that meets J-1 visa requirements. This cost can vary depending on which insurance provider you choose, with plans ranging in price from $40 to $160 per month.
  • Travel and Transportation – Aside from purchasing your flight to the United States, you’ll also want to consider how you’ll get around on a day-to-day basis. Are you in a big city with public transportation? Factor in funds for a subway pass or bus tickets. Are you in a smaller city without public transportation? Think about budgeting funds for a car and gas.
  • Housing – Where you decide to intern or trainee will have a big impact on how much you spend on housing. Large, metropolitan cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, have notoriously expensive housing markets.
  • Food – Like housing, how much you spend on meals and groceries will vary based on where you are living.
  • Entertainment – There are plenty of museums, theaters, national parks, and other attractions to discover in the United States, but you’ll want to make sure you set aside money to take advantage of them! While some museums are free or pay-what-you-wish (such as the Smithsonian museums), others will charge admission.

The process of creating a budget will help you build a more accurate idea of the total cost of your exchange program, and the areas where you may need a boost. Keep in mind that some funding and scholarship opportunities are specifically meant to cover only travel or program-related costs, so plan accordingly. This basic budget will also come in handy if you choose to apply for a grant, as they are often a required component of grant applications.

2. START AT HOME

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Now that you’ve built your budget and know (roughly) how much you’ll be spending, you can start to look for specific ways to fund your exchange program!

If you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate student, research the funding opportunities at your university. Scholarships, grants, travel stipends, or other support may be available from your university or from specific departments within your school. Depending on your field of study, you may also be eligible to earn college credit for your exchange program, which saves you money down the line.

Students and non-students alike should also search for bursaries, grants, and scholarships that may be available through your home government and/or cultural institutions. Your national institute or ministry for arts and culture may have resources to support exchange programs. You may also find that the perfect grant opportunity is available to you based on where you live, such as the Torno Subito program in Italy or the Global Training Program in the Basque Region. Other sources of funding to explore are bilateral foundations and associations between your home country and the United States.

3. LOOK FOR PAID OPPORTUNITIES

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Why work for free if you can get paid? There is no minimum or maximum amount that your host organization can pay you, but keep in mind your host organization is required to follow all federal and state labor laws (including the Fair Labor Standards Act). Certain websites like idealist.org and internships.com allow you to search for paid positions. If the listing doesn’t have information about compensation, it’s a great idea to get in touch with your potential host organization to see whether they offer any sort of stipend or financial compensation.

If you have your heart set on a particular city, you can search for local job listings in the arts and design fields. Local nonprofits or the cultural divisions of state or city governments often provide resources such as job listings, including:

You can also look for job listing sites specific to your field, including:

4. CROWDFUNDING

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In the digital age we’re living in, crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular way for people to fund their dream projects. Some websites, like FundMyTravel, specialize in fundraising campaigns for travelers. Other major crowdfunding platforms include GoFundMe, IndieGoGo, and Kickstarter. Be mindful of the terms and conditions of using these sites, as it is typical for platforms to take a percentage of your fundraising total.

5. FIND AVAILABLE GRANTS

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Aside from scholarships available through your university, there are many other grants and funding opportunities from businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations that may help you to fund your exchange program. When investigating potential scholarships or grant opportunities, pay close attention to eligibility requirements, deadlines, and necessary application materials. While some applications require little more than an essay, some call for detailed budgets, project descriptions, references, and more. Some sample granting organizations include:

So, you’ve found the perfect internship or training program! What next? Start your J-1 visa application with IA&A today! 

Want more tips on how to make your exchange program happen? Read our take on “How To Find a Host Organization” here. 

Finding New Meanings in American History and Culture

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In her doctoral research at the University of Hull, aspiring curator Elizabeth (Lizzie) Rogers has typically focused on researching the collections amassed by women in the eighteenth century England. But this past summer, Lizzie had the opportunity to expand her understanding of collections by interning at Stratford Hall, a historic American house museum in Virginia. During her internship at Stratford Hall, Lizzie worked extensively on the Margaret Law collection, researching its origins, re-cataloguing it through object research and photography, and creating an online exhibition that included pieces from the collection.

Beyond her research, the location of Lizzie’s internship gave her a unique insight into how collections and historic homes are preserved in the United States, an often contentious topic as the U.S. reflects on the figures and practices of its history. Stratford Hall was the home of the Lee family of Virginia and the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Interning at Stratford Hall led Lizzie to consider how American history and the diversity of the American people intersect, as well as the debates surrounding the presentation of historical culture. “[Museums] have such an important role to play in considering how things should be preserved and how messages perpetuated by monuments and places change over time,” she explains.

We caught up with Elizabeth to hear more about her experience at Stratford Hall and how her internship inspired her new career path as a curator.

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

Being able to undertake a curatorial internship in the U.S. has had a big impact on my life and future career aspirations. It gave me the chance to travel and explore new places, which, as I was on my own and meeting people for the first time, really built my confidence and also taught me how much I enjoy it. I realised very quickly I want to work towards a career in curatorship and public history – being able to be so hands on with historic objects was so interesting, and I was able to gain experience in putting together exhibitions both in physical spaces and online. The way history is communicated to the public and the opportunities made available for public engagement are so important, and gaining experience in these areas at Stratford has helped me to focus my career goals.

What was your favorite memory from your exchange experience?

My exchange program is certainly one I will never forget – I had such a great time that it is difficult pick one favourite memory! I loved helping to put together an exhibition on the Stuart family at Stratford Hall – it was really fun helping to get the space ready and getting the objects in place, including dressing a mannequin with a dress from the early 1900s. I loved visiting Jamestown – I have always wanted to visit, so was really excited when I found out I was spending ten weeks in Virginia and knew I had to go. In the end, I went twice, which was so fun! I should also probably mention the weather – I think I only experienced about a week’s worth of rain in the whole time I was there, which was so nice for someone who is used to British summertime! It was also amazing to spend time visiting the museums and galleries in Washington, DC, Boston, and New York when I finished – as well as trying all the food and drinks. My new favourite place is Georgetown Cupcake, so I’m really sad we don’t have one in the UK!

What was your favorite thing to do in Stratford?

I was lucky enough that my internship covered Stratford Hall’s Wine and Oyster Festival, which was held in mid-September. It was such a great weekend trying local food and wine, alongside perusing the stalls from local artisans and listening to local musicians play.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States? 

I think my biggest piece of advice would definitely be to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. I wanted to make sure I tried lots of new things, from foods to going to my first ever baseball game (which was great fun – I would definitely go again!), as well as trying to visit as many places as possible.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

I think cultural exchange means the chance to surround yourself with new people and learn from them and their experiences, as well as taking in the history, culture, and heritage of the place you are staying in. I think it also means the chance to share things from your own culture, discuss how things are different or similar and learn from each other. It is so important to ask questions of the friends you make, learn where you can and enjoy immersing yourself in a different place.

 

To read more from Lizzie, check out her blog, connect with her on Twitter, or follow her on Instagram!