Exchange Programs

Hungry for Adventure with Michał

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Through exchange programs, those in the creative fields can immerse themselves in different cultures by meeting new people and exploring new places. Cultural exchange enables them to share their talents and hone their skillset, while also broadening their perspectives. Seeing the world in a new light welcomes compassion, inspiration, and wisdom.

We caught up with Michał, an exchange visitor from Poland who completed a graphic design internship with Brooklyn-based creative office Labour. The studio heads and founders, Ryan Dunn and Wyeth Hansen, rarely take on interns. This was no obstacle for Michał, as he interned there twice, first in 2014 and again in 2016. During his internships, he worked directly with the studio heads on project concepts, illustration, and graphic design tasks. In his spare time, Michał was also able to visit museums, galleries, and other design studios.

Keep reading to learn more about his incredible experience in Brooklyn!

Looking back, what are your thoughts about your experience with Labour?

I felt very much a part of the team. It was a great privilege to work alongside Ryan and Wyeth. They say that their aesthetics overlap but their approaches are different. I’m glad I was there to see that dynamic and their design process. I like how they can keep an open mind and allow themselves to do brave explorations in order to find a perfect and unique solution. The amount of design history knowledge they have is impressive. It was very interesting and helpful to use these references while working on different concepts. As it usually is in smaller studios, we worked on many things. Branding, animations, web design, and more. One of the most interesting projects was the exhibition design for the Museum of Food and Drink. I learned how to approach such a massive task, break it down to smaller pieces, engage visitors, and tell stories through a variety of mediums.

What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?

During my internships I was introduced to other people from the industry and we visited a number of different design studios, parties, and events. I experienced a little bit of NYC’s design community. It felt like everyone knew everyone! I was happy to find out that it’s a supportive rather than competitive environment. A big highlight was meeting Lance Wyman on one of the rooftop parties in Manhattan. He designed the identity for the Mexico 1968 Olympics! An incredible experience that I will never forget. And I have to mention joining Chinatown Soccer Club for a few sessions in scorching NYC summer heat!

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

There are many great museums in New York, but the Museum of Food and Drink in Brooklyn is very special. Labour is not only responsible for their exhibition designs, but also has become an important partner of the museum. Attending a discussion panel led by Paola Antonelli featuring Ryan and Wyeth was one of my favorite cultural activities. It was inspiring to listen about designing for taste and smell and creating a shared experience among visitors. NYC is also an amazing place if you love live music. I was lucky to see some of my favorite bands as well as discover new names while exploring the clubs and music venues of the five boroughs.

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

Most of my time in the United States I’ve spent in New York, which definitely is a special place. Every neighborhood is different, so I recommend exploring as much as possible, even trying to live in various parts of town. There are so many people subletting their rooms and apartments, especially during summer! I also recommend connecting with other creatives. Reaching out to people you look up to has never been easier. They are busy, but friendly! I need to follow that advice more as well. If you have a chance, travel to different states and explore the United States. It is a really beautiful country!

Museum of Food and Drink. Photo courtesy of Megan Swann. 

What are you up to now?

I’ve always been fascinated by the Scandinavian design and lifestyle. To see how it really is, I decided to move to Norway. Now, after almost two years in the north, I feel like it’s time for a new chapter. Every day, I’m trying to stay curious and learn as much as I can.

What do you think the future of graphic designing is?

More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of graphic design. Designers are more conscious of their role and our clients understand how powerful design can be. I see many people going back to basics, back to the roots of design, and getting inspired by nature. With that approach, modern tools, technology, and easily accessible knowledge, the future of graphic design looks exciting.

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

My exchange experience allowed me to be more courageous and made me hungrier for new experiences. The people I met and worked with are the definition of passion. That passion is what makes their work outstanding. I’m lucky to have experienced that.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

It means meeting people and listening to their stories. It means being curious and looking at the world with an open mind.

Learn more about IA&A's programs for designers and start planning your exchange experience!

 

Pride and Fashion with Nicole

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Each June, individuals across the United States and around the world come together to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. While Pride may mean many things to many people, it’s often understood to be a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s accomplishments in the face of adversity and discrimination.

The beginning of Pride in the United States is often traced back to the Stonewall riots that occurred in the late 1960s in New York. On June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village, police conducted a routine raid of the Stonewall Inn. This bar was popular among some of society’s most marginalized groups, including many members of the LGBTQ+ community. While raids were common at this time, unlike previous raids, the police force did not tip off the bar beforehand and arrived during the packed early morning hours. Officers roughed up patrons, confiscated bootlegged alcohol, and arrested over a dozen people for crimes like violating the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute.

The bar’s LGBTQ+ patrons, many of whom were runaways and homeless youths, had finally had enough of unjust police aggression and social discrimination. The tipping point is rumoured to have been when an officer hit a lesbian over the head as he forced her into a police vehicle. She shouted at the crowd to act, and soon a full-blown riot with hundreds of participants began. For the next three days, these activists demanded respect and equal rights, galvanizing LGBTQ+ political activism in the public’s conscious.

Since the Stonewall riots fifty years ago, the United States has made progress in addressing the discrimination members of the LGBTQ+ community face. Some states have started offering non-binary gender markers for certain government-issued documents, while the Stonewall National Monument now encompasses the streets and sidewalks that were sites of the 1969 riot. Pride is observed each year in June, celebrating the diversity and plurality of these communities. It also brings visibility to the real issues members of the LGBTQ+ community still face, many of whom are targets of violence and hate. Pride brings awareness to the community and helps to combat that hate.

To celebrate Pride, IA&A is highlighting the diversity among those who have participated in our Exchange Visitor Program. We’re exploring what those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and allies experienced while participating in their exchange programs in the United States. Our intern Felix recently sat down with Nicole, an exchange visitor from Canada who interned with womenswear fashion company Tanya Taylor Designs in New York. Keep reading for more on Nicole’s experience in New York and what she learned from her exchange program!

Do you identify as someone in the LGBT+ community?

I identify as a female who is pansexual. I came out because I wanted to live my life freely and with full positivity.

Have you noticed differences between Canadian and American LGBTQ+ culture?

The LGBTQ+ culture between the two countries is fairly similar. New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are larger metropolitan cities, which are more accepting of diversity. These cities have many LGTBQ+ friendly cafes and restaurants, that are quite fun and show a flare of creativity. Also, Pride parades vary quite differently between the United States and Canada. New York’s Pride is big, loud, and proud, while Vancouver’s Pride, hosted in my hometown, is much smaller and has a more “West Coast” approach. Vancouver's parade travels through the streets and ends with a beachside dance party with a surrounding art market and food vendors.

When did you create your clothing brand Phoexion?

I was inspired to create this brand shortly after I came out with my identity. It was at the time when I became connected to the concept of "Rising like a Phoenix," and associated this concept to spiritual growth. Similar to the metamorphosis that a butterfly undergoes. I was thinking conceptually about how the mythical Phoenix, is a bird that burns its previous body and sheds its previous skin, through which a new egg is hatched from the ashes, birthing a brand new phoenix bird. I believe that personal growth, evolution, and change are important for spirituality and in discovering your own identity. The Phoenix is what I use conceptually in my work to represent "coming out" which is typically known in LGBTQ+ culture. Currently, we need to empower that this action is an important step towards living a positive life for someone who is queer. However, I hope in the future we will no longer need to "come out" with our identities. The Phoenix is the perfect representation of your past and present self, which symbolizes acceptance, freedom, and liberation.

What guided you to its creation?

I come from a strong sculpture, painting and fine arts background. In my undergraduate studio practice, I explored the topic of sexuality and the body. Now my creative medium has taken shape through fashion. The seductive application of materials in Phoexion conjures the soul of a bird in the process of cultivating a new, stronger self, wearing its identity fashionably, and the vulnerability of self with pride; the difference between living one’s truth proudly and living in the ash darkness of a protective shell. My clothes represent a prideful armor; such as the "coat" of identity. I want my customers, to feel confident, artful and colorful when they wear my garments.

You've said that with your brand you are "creating creative clothing to support the LGBTQ+ community." Why is this important to you?

I want everyone to feel like they can wear my garments no matter how they identify. My brand represents inclusivity; Phoexion means Phoenix for the People. I want to empower the community by showing that they can be confident in their unique and different identities. My current slogan is “Find your Pride, Find your Pattern, Find your Phoexion.” I use this as a means to inspire. "Coming out" might be the first step towards living a positive life, but I believe that everyone is on a perpetual journey within themselves and towards positivity. I think its important to have a strong relationship with yourself, be kind, and be your own best friend.

Tell us a bit more about your internship with Tanya Taylor!

During my internship, I was responsible for rendering, editing, and revising sketches as well as placing prints for the spring and summer 2020 ready-to-wear collections. I have always loved textile design, and Tanya Taylor opened the possibilities of print mixing in my work. I learned how to mix two opposing prints and combine them in a garment. I also learned how to incorporate embellishments and curate a cohesive fashion collection. Design is very much about finding a sense of balance between different elements. This is the main skill I cultivated in my internship at Tanya Taylor.

You're currently interning with Tanya Taylor Designs for your exchange program, and you were featured in their Women Cut From Their Own Cloth series, with a focus on women making a difference in the LGBTQ+ community. Could you tell us about this initiative and how you felt to be a part of it? 

I was speaking with Tanya Taylor and she asked me why I want to be a designer and what I want to do with my brand. I told her about my brand and that my goal is to empower the LGTBQ+ community through creative clothing. It turns out that this was a great decision, because the brand was in the process of building out an initiative for WorldPride. The next week our senior marketing director asked to interview me as part of the initiative. I felt accepted, valued, and courageous. It's important to state that a third of the entire LGBTQ+ community is not out at work or in their careers because they are afraid that it may jeopardize those opportunities. This experience is a glowing example of what can happen when you are unafraid and confident.

What does cultural exchange mean to you? 

A cultural exchange is an opportunity to become integrated in a different environment and lifestyle than what you may used to. New York is an inspiring city; it's dynamic, vibrant, and artistic. My experience in New York is different every time, however the consistent variable is change. As an artist, it is crucial to put yourself out there constantly, while looking at the world through a lens of curiosity. This has always been a core aspect of who I am, and is part of why I choose to take risks, discover new places, and push myself out of my comfort zone. So, next time you make a decision, listen to Madonna's song "Jump" and take that leap of faith because you never know where it could land you!

Learn more about IA&A's programs and start planning your exchange experience!

 

Travel Tales from the Team: Abby

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At International Arts & Artists, we love hearing about the incredible experiences our exchange visitors have during their programs! From exploring new cities to experiencing different cultures, exchanges expand our understanding of the world around us. We know all about the power of exchanges — in fact, many of our team members have studied, worked, or lived abroad! So, we’re launching a new blog series called “Travel Tales from the Team” where we’ll share more about our own travel experiences.

Meet Abby, our amazing spring intern! A senior at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, she is currently majoring in Cultural Anthropology and International Studies with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.

Keep reading for more on what Abby had to say about her experiences traveling and living abroad!

Have you ever lived abroad for an extended period of time?

Yes! I had the opportunity to live and study in Tanzania for a semester during undergrad. While in Tanzania, I stayed with a host family and took courses in Swahili, anthropology, and ecology. Additionally, I completed an independent research project and paper, living in the field for a month and conducting interviews with Maasai women and men.

I miss the vibrancy of the people, my host mother’s coconut chicken curry and chapti, dancing around with my toddler-aged host brother. I also miss the brilliant cobalt, lemon and crimson kangas, juicy and succulent produce, and swinging monkeys. It was such an incredible experience that it sometimes seems surreal!

What was the first place you traveled to outside of the country?

I believe it was Canada! I was on a canoeing and portaging trip in the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota and due to weather we got sidetracked from our main route and camped in Canada. Thinking about the peacefulness of the pines, lapping cool water, and galaxy of stars and shining moon still calms me today.

Do you have a favorite place that you’ve traveled abroad?

This is a tough question! One very memorable trip was when my family went to Scotland for several weeks. We stayed in a writer’s mansion, explored the cobblestone streets, ate a lot of sausage patties, learned Scottish history, how to clay shoot, and, of course, visited a ton of castles. My favorite day was when we ventured far into Stonehaven to visit Dunnottar Castle on the coast. Crisp wind whipped our hair as we climbed the beige ruins who stood tall as turquoise waves rushed below. It was fun to imagine the royalty living there in medieval times.

Another trip that is highly memorable is the month I spent in Scandinavia! I had the opportunity to travel to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. I was with a college group so we had a fairly busy agenda. I wish I could have spent more time in one or all of the countries. Especially because the locals kept asking, “Why did you come in the winter?” So, I would love to go back during the summer; hiking along the fjords in Norway or cruising the secret lanes of Copenhagen!

What did you learn about yourself while abroad?

Every time I go abroad or travel somewhere new, I am reminded of the deep passion and excitement that comes when I learn from different people, places and cultures. Travel replenishes my curiosity about our world and how we live. I have also learned that some of the best times come when I go with the flow.

Is there a place you’ve always wanted to go?

Greece! I would love to see the many archeological sites from ancient times. I would also enjoy basking in the aquamarine sea on one of the smaller islands, wandering windy streets, and eating up that Mediterranean cuisine.

What advice do you have for people traveling or looking to travel abroad?

Take a leap of faith and go somewhere new! You never know what you might learn or discover about yourself unless you reach beyond your comfort zone. Explore, do not be afraid to ask questions (no matter how “dumb” they may seem), and try not to plan too much.

 

Can you name five women artists?

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Can you name #5WomenArtists? We can! We’re joining the National Museum of Women in the Arts and other arts organizations around the world to celebrate women artists and promote gender equality in the arts.

This Women’s History Month, IA&A is taking the challenge and sharing the stories of several spectacular women artists who have participated in our Exchange Visitor Program. We are so proud to have such brilliant, creative, and inspiring women in our midst that it was so tough to choose only five! 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.

Mia Riley

Hailing from Canada, Mia Riley is an emerging ceramic artist who finds inspiration while adventuring in nature. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, she has also completed 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.

She recently finished an eight-month long internship 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 Mia says, ceramics allow her to depict abstractly her experiences into tangible three-dimensional objects, emphasizing the transience of landscape and subtly referencing our place within the natural system. Her favorite part of interning in Boston was being able to meet new artists and share experiences. “Because the Harvard studio is home to a large number of artists, professionals, and students at many stages of their careers, I had the chance to meet and exchange ideas on many levels,” she told us. “It has inspired me to see how ceramic art and pottery can exist in many different aspects in one’s life and career.”

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!

Romina Schulz Rosas

Romina Schulz Rosas is a Peruvian feminist textile artist and graduate with a painting specialty from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Her work focuses on exposing problems Peruvian women face under current socio-cultural taboos and constructs. More specifically, how female bodies have become territory and space under the colonizing gaze of a patriarchal, oblivious androcentric context which treats them as disposable.

Part of her effort to expose this phenomena is in the creation of her project, Que rico menstruo, where she gives embroidery workshops to begin to dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation. As part of the project, Romina prompts interventions on pieces of clothing, focusing on the groin area, with materials of various shades of red, simulating a menstruation blood stain.

Romina is currently in the Artists in Residence (AIR) program at the Textile Arts Center in Brooklyn, NY, through IA&A’s Exchange Visitor Program. The AIR program equips emerging artists and designers with resources and skills to better articulate their practices and contribute to their communities. It combines studio access with a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, regular critical dialogue, and mentorship.

You can find out more about Romina’s work by following her on Instagram!

Stevennina Drassinower

Stevennina Drassinower is an extraordinary sculptor currently interning at Oxman Studios in Washington, DC. She describes her work as relating to sculptural metal, telling us “I make aesthetically interesting things, mostly out of metal. Sculpture is where I found my calling, and metal is where I really found my voice.” Through her exchange experience she learned a tremendous amount about art as a business, refining design and idea generation, as well as technical metalworking skills.

“There is not a single part of me as an artist that has not been touched and made better by my experience at Oxman Studios. I’ve learned sustainable, practical strategies for handling the balancing act between being an emotionally sincere artist, and a regular person with practical needs, and life outside work. At the same time, I’ve been learning to create art that has wildly surpassed my own expectations of what I was capable of.”

“Before coming here, I had a vague dream to make a career selling my art, but had no real idea how to make it happen. In my time at Oxman Studios I’ve experienced the daily minutiae of studio life, and exhilaration of truly inspired creation. When all this is over, and I fly back to Canada, I'll leave knowing that through this experience, my artistic visions have been made more grand, and my toolbox more full.”

You can find out more about Stevennina’s work by following her on Instagram!

Anyuta Gusakova

Anyuta Gusakova is a classically trained contemporary artist from Canada who works in multimedia sculpture and painting. She's a self-proclaimed “sculptor of dreams”, telling us:

“I am a dreamer, I have all sorts: happy dreams and dark dreams. Dreams for children and dreams for adults, 2D dreams and 3D dreams. They come to me when I sleep or day-dream. My job is to materialize them in acrylic or watercolor, clay or stone, metal or paper whichever form they want to take. I help the dreams to escape from their ethereal kingdom and fill our world with their mysterious, irrational beauty.”

Anyuta combines principles of classical art with craft applications, folk, and mythical motifs through her signature brand slip-cast porcelain functional and decorative objects. Her sculptures are on public display at the Vancouver International Airport and Vancouver Playhouse. Additionally, she recently won a commission to design and create a porcelain statuette for the new national Canadian Legend Award and she has been a finalist in several major international ceramic competitions in the United States, Canada, and France.

Anuyta is currently completing a residency program with Pottery Northwest in Seattle, WA, through IA&A’s Exchange Visitor Program. During her residency, she is growing as a ceramic artist, engaging in the community, and further developing her body of work.

To learn more about Anyuta, visit her website or follow her on Instagram!

Liene Bosquê

Liene Bosquê is an accomplished Brazilian visual artist and art educator currently based in New York and Miami. She also knows #WhyHostingMatters! Last year, she hosted exchange visitor Romain for a three-month internship with her studio.

Liene’s work is inspired by the relationship between people and place. She evokes memory, context, and history in the traces, shadows, impressions, imprints, and reflections within her multidisciplinary installations, objects, and site-specifics. She seeks to “investigate the passage of time, which changes place and how we look at place, through the presence and absence of who inhabit these places.” On top of her own art, Liene currently teaches sculpting workshops for immigrants in the New New Yorkers Program at the Queens Museum.

Her work has been exhibited extensively across the United States and internationally, including exhibitions at MoMA PS1 (2016), William Holman Gallery in New York (2015), the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago (2013), Carpe Diem in Lisbon, Portugal (2010), and Museu de Arte de Ribeirao Preto in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil (2007), to name a few. Her work has also been displayed at nonprofit galleries and public spaces worldwide.

To learn more about Liene, visit her website or follow her on Instagram!

Learn more about IA&A's programs for artists and start planning your unique exchange experience!

 

Galleries and Growth Galore with Bob

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Meeting new people and exploring different places is what cultural exchange is all about! Exchange programs give students and recent graduates the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, to share their talents, and to acquire new ones. Perhaps most importantly, exchanges have the potential to broaden one’s perspective and see the world in a new light.

We recently had the chance to catch up with Bob, an exchange visitor from Luxembourg, to hear more about his exchange experience! During his program, he interned with an art gallery in New York, NY, helping plan and host events, exhibition openings, and more. Through his internship, he was also able to work directly with artists the gallery represented. He visited their studios, handled their work, and helped field requests alongside his colleagues. As he told us, “The daily contact with artists and their artworks changed my perspective on the art market and the commitment it takes to successfully run a gallery.”

Keep reading to learn more about his incredible experience in New York!

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

This exchange program allowed me to gain professional and practical skills that complement my academic background. Being part of a cultural institution like a gallery or a museum is an incredibly rewarding experience and the expertise I acquired during my exchange program provided me with invaluable insights into the contemporary art world.

With the help of IA&A, I was able to work in one of New York’s most fascinating areas, SoHo, with its countless galleries and artist studios. The daily contact with artists and their artworks changed my perspective on the art market and the commitment it takes to successfully run a gallery. The cultural resources of New York’s museums and institutions broadened my horizon and made me gain memories that last for a lifetime.

What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?

My favorite memory from my exchange program is the evening I spent at Carnegie Hall for the Richard Tucker Gala. I am a great admirer of operatic talents and the Tucker Award is the biggest recognition that an emerging singer can get. It was hence an enormous pleasure to enter the wonderfully decorated auditorium of Carnegie Hall and to witness the high artistic standards of the Metropolitan orchestra that accompanied the singers. I remember the performance of Angela Meade particularly well. She is an American soprano with an agile and powerful voice that was thrilling to hear when it pierced through the orchestra and choir of Verdi’s “I Lombardi”.

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

My favorite cultural activity was to visit the galleries of SoHo. It was encouraged by my host organization; my coworkers and I would spend our lunch break or the evening discussing the artists we discovered. I would like to point out that the cultural topography of New York is unique as emerging artists receive support from institutions like the Whitney or MoMA and the quality of their artworks is generally outstanding. There is no doubt that New York is the capital of the contemporary art world and provides learning opportunities that I was ready to seize whenever I could.

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

My advice to future exchange visitors is to seize the cultural opportunities of the United States. The museums are among the best in the world and the musical institutions are outstanding. I would also like to point out the importance of travelling as much as possible. My trip to Washington, DC, showed me the cultural diversity of the United States. In addition to the Smithsonian museums I would recommend a tour of the Capitol and the Library of Congress.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Cultural exchange is a means to promote friendship and the values of tolerance and respect in a world that faces social and political instability. I believe that the Exchange Visitor Program gives young adults the opportunity to broaden their cultural horizon and to learn not only from the professional framework of the host organization, but from the daily life in a fascinating new country and city. I would strongly recommend to participate in an exchange program as it shapes one’s perspective on the world in a wonderful way.

Learn more about IA&A's programs for arts and gallery management, and start planning your unique exchange experience!

 

New Directions in Performance Art

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After graduating from university and working for several contemporary art galleries in Italy, Manuela Nebuloni was ready for a bigger challenge. Her goal was to dive deeper into the field of performance and cultural production, learning more about how American organizations present these types of events. So, when the opportunity to do an internship in the United States arose, Manuela jumped at the chance!

We recently caught up with Manuela to learn more about her internship in New York, NY. Founded in 2004 by art historian and curator RoseLee Goldberg, Performa is the leading organization dedicated to exploring the critical role of live performance in the history of twentieth-century art and encouraging new directions in performance for the twenty-first century.

During her internship with Performa, Manuela had the chance to work as a Production Fellow with other outstanding professionals from the United States and beyond. “I learned a lot about producing shows in a fast-paced environment,” she told us, adding, “I took a deeper look into the American art scene, contemporary African art, and social engagement in urban centers.” Keep reading to learn more about her incredible experience in New York!

What impact has your traineeship with Performa had on your life and your career?

My exchange program allowed me to spend a six-month fellowship at Performa, a leader in commissioning artists whose work explores the critical role of live performance and encouraging new directions in performance for the twenty-first century. In my country, there is great interest in performance art right now and we are eager to learn about the research currently being conducted in the United States.

I especially appreciated the variety and diversity of the cultural offerings in New York. So many artists I admire chose New York as their base, or are drawn here from all over the world. I was part of a team I loved and very much enjoyed working with. There was never a dull day!

From the personal point of view the impact has been even greater; this experience in the United States has helped shape my vision on the role of art in our cities and everyday life. I expanded my understanding of American culture and benefited from a multicultural work environment. This is something that can be gained by diving everyday into a new context and by relating to people from another country.

What was your favorite memory from your exchange program?

As part of Performa17 Biennial, I had the chance to collaborate to the production of a piece by artist Kelly Nipper, in collaboration with MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab and the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts at Brown University. Working with a multi-disciplinary team over several months was an intense and enriching production experience. The work involved liaising daily with MIT, producing custom elements, and setting up for the performance. A captivating choreography on a newly-created soundtrack, it was a real opportunity to witness closely the full creative process. Supporting an artist in achieving her vision was a real privilege.

What was it like living in New York and what was your favorite thing to do in the city?

I loved spending six months in New York! I have fond memories of its streets, the cafes in Brooklyn, as well as its parks, beaches and art centers. It’s vibrant and felt like home. I feel I was totally immersed in the arts and part of the big machine of cultural production of New York. I couldn’t choose among the many performances, experimental theatre shows, contemporary art exhibitions, and live music concerts I saw. Every day was slightly overwhelming, in a good way.

Did you experience cultural differences when you first arrived, and how did you react to this?

As someone coming from a country that is proudly rooted in its past, it’s still mind-blowing to me to observe how quickly America changes. The age of buildings, habits, and provenance of people is quite a difference with Italy, which makes me curious to learn more about it. There are for sure differences in daily life, especially due to the big size of New York and its peculiarities. I felt that Italian culture is quite present in the American one. Adaptability when you are in another country is a must, it can be an effort sometimes but most of the time I regard it as funny and a chance of personal growth.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Taking the time to look intensely into another culture. There’s a great range of cultures if you go to the United States, diverse and multi-faced. It also means being open, curious, and allowing oneself to add an experience to your life. There is a lot to learn out there and many possibilities you’ll only see if you change point of view.

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

Go! You can’t help feeling enriched by the experience. Allow yourself to spend enough time in the United States. And travel, it’s a big country.

Learn more about IA&A's programs for performing arts managers and start planning your unique exchange experience!

 

Travel Tales from the Team: Ashley

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At International Arts & Artists, we love hearing about the incredible experiences our exchange visitors have during their programs! From exploring new cities to experiencing different cultures, exchanges expand our understanding of the world around us. We know all about the power of exchanges — in fact, many of our team members have studied, worked, or lived abroad! So, we’re launching a new blog series called “Travel Tales from the Team” where we’ll share more about our own travel experiences.

Meet Ashley, our amazing Program Officer! Besides pursuing her Master’s degree in intercultural and international communication at American University, this native West Coaster loves wandering around DC’s unique neighborhoods and exploring its many museums. Like the rest of the team, Ashley is a living example of the benefits of cultural exchange, and has many interesting things to say about her exchange experiences!

Keep reading for more on what Ashley had to say about her experiences traveling and living abroad!

Have you ever lived abroad for an extended period of time?

Yes! I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, for a year during my undergraduate degree and lived in Mongolia as a Peace Corps Volunteer for 3 years. During my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia I lived in a rural village and taught students English at the local school as well as engaged in community development activities. I lived in a yurt or "ger" and I learned to make my own fires as a source of heat, fetched water from the well, and used an outhouse as my toilet. Although I lived in spartan conditions, I enjoyed my simple lifestyle. As the only American person in my town I integrated in to Mongolian culture and learned many traditions and partook in lots of customs. Learning the Mongolian language also helped me to connect to my community members and form long lasting friendships.

What was the first place you traveled to outside of the country?

Being from southern California, the closest and most convenient place to travel outside the country is Mexico, so naturally it was the first place I traveled to outside the United States. I remember being very young and shocked by the differences of Tijuana, even though it was just a couple hours away from my home. I remember the children on the streets coming up to me yelling "chicle, chicle". At the time I was intrigued that kids my age or younger that were trying to sell me gum, to me, another child as well. I realized their situation and remembered feeling grateful for my life in the United States.

Do you have a favorite place that you’ve traveled abroad?

Every part of the world is so unique and fascinating, but I particularly loved visiting Turkey. Istanbul has an amazing energy and the others parts of the country were breathtakingly beautiful. My favorite part was riding hot air balloons in Cappadocia at sunrise looking over the uniquely shaped rock formations. Some of my favorite memories are exploring the souks in Morocco and riding camels in Mongolia.

What did you learn about yourself while abroad?

I’ve learned that I'm an open-minded person. I somehow end up always talking to locals, while listening and learning how their everyday lives revolve is always a humbling and eye-opening experience. An interesting conversation I had with a local during my time in Mongolia was the insight of an elderly Mongolian woman in my village that showed me the value of community. She said that in such small communities as hers, everyone was dependent on the friendliness and willingness of each other to help during harsh or unforeseeable situations. This idea resonated with me, as I witnessed firsthand community members selflessly helping each other and expecting nothing in return. I learned one does these things for others only because if they were in a difficult situation they would want people in their community to be there for them as well.

What advice do you have for people traveling or looking to travel abroad?

I would say research the local spots in the place you are traveling to, as these tend to have the most interesting stories and also a great way to make connections with the locals. Also have an open mind when traveling to a new destination about the food and culture.

Experience Cuba’s Vibrant Culture with these Must-See Sights in Havana

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Havana, also known as La Ciudad de las Columnas, pulsates with history, culture, and art. From the eclectic mixture of colonial and art deco architecture to the rich rhythmic sounds that echo along cobblestone streets, Havana is a mecca of ingenuity.

This spring, this incredible city is set to host the thirteenth edition of the Havana Biennial, conceived in 1984 by the Wilfredo Lam Contemporary Art Center as an event for artists instead of collectors. Since then, it has gained importance as a meeting place and platform for artists from Latin America and other developing countries. This year’s Biennial will focus on the theme of “La Construcción de lo Posible”. Along with responding to the present, artists and works will present notions of the future that respond to society’s need for social transformation.

Together with Project Por Amor, International Arts & Artists is arranging a cultural exchange trip to Cuba to attend the Biennial. From exhibition openings to artist studio visits, participants will explore the incredible city of Havana at its best. Learn more and sign up for the trip here!

Looking for more art and culture to see in Havana? Don’t don’t miss these essential excursions in and around La Ciudad de las Columnas!

Habana Vieja  

Meander down the cobbled streets of the original five plaza layout in Old Havana built in 1519. Explore Baroque to neoclassical architecture, view some of the oldest and largest stone fortifications in the Americas, and see why Habana Vieja has garnered UNESCO World Heritage status. Make sure you take time to explore the Catedral de San Cristobal, the famous restaurant La Bodeguita del Medio, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and Plaza Vieja.

Fusterlandia

Step into the magical kingdom of Fusterlandia, where artist José Fuster has reclaimed and transformed the neighborhood of Jamanitas. Inspired by work done in Europe by artists such as Gaudi and Brâncuși, Fuster began incorporating his artistic practice into his surroundings. Visit Fusterlandia and experience the wonder of his whimsical ceramic, mosaic tile, and recycled art creations.

Fabrica de Arte Cubano

Immerse yourself in the cultured nightlife of Havana! Listen to live music, dance, see a play, movie, or other art installation at this cultural powerhouse. Once an old peanut oil factory, Fabrica holds a multitude of events and workshops in celebration of all branches of art, including theater, dance, visual art, photography, fashion, graphic art, architecture, and more! Learn and let loose at this hip new venue.    

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de Cuba

Attending the Havana Biennial and still find yourself craving more art? The National Museum of Fine Arts holds the largest collection of art in the country, with a section solely exhibiting Cuban artists and the rest of the museum displaying a multitude of international artists. Located in two buildings next to the famous Martí Promenade, the museum also boasts one of the largest collections of paintings and sculptures in all Latin America.

Finca Vigía

Love Ernest Hemingway? Finca Vigía was where this prolific author lived and wrote some of his most impressive works, including For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. The estate is now a museum where visitors can walk around the gardens, peer into the interior of the home, and imagine his genius at work.

El Malecón

Stroll down this broad five mile esplanade for spectacular views of Havana. Stretching from Old Havana to El Vedado, this place is the ultimate melting pot where people from all over the city gather. Take pictures, relax, and enjoy the warm sea breeze! Plus, see if you can spot the lighthouse at El Morro Castle, which guards the entrance to the Havana bay.

El Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón 

In the mood for something ominous? Venture to Colón, considered one of the most remarkable cemeteries in the world. Created in 1876, it contains elaborately sculpted memorials in architectural styles ranging from art deco to neoclassical to renaissance.  

Ready to book your flight to Cuba? Learn more about International Arts & Artists’ trip to the Havana Biennial here and sign up using the button below.

Host Spotlight: The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine

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Since 1994, the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine (LACMM) at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York has been providing music therapy clinical services both in the hospital and in the community. By using music within the therapeutic relationship, the team at LACMM is able to address the many physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of patients. The music therapists at LACMM work with patients at all stages of their life, from premature infants to patients recovering from surgery to end-of-life care, making it an ideal complement to traditional medical treatment. As Dr. Joanne Loewy, Director of LACMM, explains “We are truly in-tune with our patients!”

Each year, International Arts & Artists partners with LACMM to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for international fellows and graduate interns participating in the Center’s educational and training program. LACMM’s program focuses on specialist-level care, giving fellows and interns the opportunity to develop professional skills including the principles of music therapy assessment, ethics, treatment planning, evaluation, and more.

We recently caught up with John Mondanaro, Clinical Director at LACMM, to learn more about LACMM, its training programs for future music therapists, and its experience working with international exchange visitors. “International Arts & Artists has been tremendous resource for talented individuals wishing to participate in all that the LACMM has to offer,” John told us. “As a grant funded program, the LACMM’s ability and desire to host such individuals has come to fruition more fluidly with the International Arts & Artists’ capability to provide sponsorship unique to each situation.”

What’s a day in the life of an exchange visitor at the LACMM like?

A day in the life of one of our exchange visitors can begin with a didactic seminar focusing on current methodology, experiential of clinical intervention, and trial within a lab-format. Clinical supervision with a designated licensed and board-certified music therapist on staff follows. Here the exchange visitor is provided with confidential space in which to process feelings, challenges, and successes he or she may be experiencing. The day can unfold as spontaneously as one might expect in a busy acute care medical setting in one of the busiest cities in the world. Clinical observation and application of learned interventions; participation in various research protocols in which the exchange visitor is either gathering data and questionnaires, or providing the music based intervention under investigation; sending time in outreach efforts, are all possibilities. The LACMM’s involvement in cultural initiatives and staff wellness offerings may draw the exchange visitor into the provision of such offerings. There is often time built into the day for exchange visitors to read from the LACMM’s library of our own publications, or visit the medical library to expedite literature review on a clinical phenomenon that the LACMM is studying. Additionally, exchange visitors are encouraged along with our interns and fellows to practice musical skills on the assortment of instruments that we maintain in our inventory. An ending of the day may be spent in attendance to one or our outreach efforts with marginalized populations such as a community choir for stroke survivors or a support group for individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or HIV.

What are some of your favorite things about hosting exchange visitors?

LACMM has had a growing presence internationally for 25 years, because our model of Medical Music Psychotherapy across the lifespan is unique in the world. Dr. Joanne Loewy and the LACMM team of therapists remains at the cutting edge of research and clinical practice, which draws much attention from music therapy students and professionals worldwide. The ability to share what we are growing with exchange visitors is a privilege that is made possible by the sponsorship opportunities afforded by International Arts & Artists. That many of our trainees will build programs in their own countries gives us tremendous pride, because at the center of such programming is the wellness and care of others.

What are some of the cultural activities that exchange visitors participate in during their program?

New York City offers a wide range of cultural events, some of which have affiliations with the LACMM. Our work with Lincoln Center in a program for adults with Alzheimer’s stands among many opportunities for the visitors’ exposure and immersion in this rich art scene. The LACMM has hosted visits with such music celebrities as Jon Batiste to the inner city schools of New York to promote music therapy with Asthma; conducted wellness groups and workshops with the Actor’s Fund; hosted departmental visits with opera star Renee Fleming, Grammy winner, Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer; and has welcomed and honored at our annual What A Wonderful World Gala, such celebrities as Jon Hendricks, Pete Seeger, Levon Helm, Dionne Warwick, Vanessa Williams, Dave Brubeck, Jon Batiste, Roy Haynes, and Bernie Williams.

What is the value to LACMM in hosting international visitors?

The LACMM receives from its visitors and trainees in the same spirit in which it gives: sharing the gold and planting seeds for future music therapy programs that will benefit people around the world. Cultural diversity stands at the forefront of healthcare initiatives, and the LACMM endorses music and music therapy as the treatment modality that unabashedly meets these initiatives because nothing like music can both viscerally engage and also transcend cultural barriers. By hosting candidates from around the world, we inspire this philosophy in others.

Learn more about IA&A's programs for music therapists and start planning your unique exchange experience!

 

Supporting Artists and Exploring Museums in NYC

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Many of us know why exchanges matter! Exchange programs give visitors from around the world the chance to experience America’s diverse culture, to learn more about the arts in America, and to develop the skills they need to thrive in their professional careers.

We recently caught up with Heliis, a #J1Alum from Estonia who learn more about her internship at the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) in New York, NY. ISCP is an incredible organization that supports the creative development of artists and curators, and promotes exchange through residencies and public programs. The organization is New York’s most comprehensive international visual arts residency program, with over 1350 artists and curators from over 80 countries having undertaken residencies at ISCP.

During her internship with ISCP, Heliis had the opportunity to learn many new skills, particularly in communications and fundraising, by participating in many different projects throughout her exchange program. Keep reading to learn more about her fascinating experience in New York!

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

Thanks to this exchange experience I feel much more confident in myself and my skills. Working in a foreign office was a very enlightening experience, especially in giving me the entry-level skills I needed to get my career started. Since most of the jobs in the job market require at least some sort of professional experience, I think a full year-long internship was a good choice to obtain knowledge and also build my network. During the internship, I connected with so many different aspects of working in a nonprofit organization. I was trusted with important responsibilities which gave me more confidence in myself. This exchange year has definitely made me open up more about my career choices and what I would like to focus on in the future.

What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?

I have a lot of fond memories of my program. I enjoyed assisting the most with ISCP's social art offsite project Pablo Helguera: La Austral S.A. de C.V. This entire program consisted of telling stories of life and memories, and it was an amazing experience to see all the participants building their stories and the public express their experiences in a small community.

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

New York is such a huge city, that you can get lost in the activities that you can take part in there. However, I would say that I definitely enjoyed the rich museum scene, especially the art museums. Since I very much enjoy interactive experiences, I developed a few favorite museums such as the Whitney Museum, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York, which I visited numerous times during my exchange.

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

I would definitely say be very open-minded, be open to conversations, and be willing to share your experience. Americans are very open themselves and like to get to know you, what your interests are, and what your dreams are. At first, it might feel overwhelming because the culture is so diverse, but soon you will encounter so many different ideas, thoughts, experiences, and really meet people from all areas of life, which makes you feel part of it with your own experience.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

I feel like the cultural exchange is very important in giving us as humans an opportunity to discover new things in life as well as within ourselves. Connecting with others and their cultures have enriched my life tremendously, and I am more than thankful for those experiences.