As an Art History student approaching graduation this fall, this internship has opened the door for me to begin building my career in the art world. My long-term goal is to become a curator and organize art-based events and exhibitions in Canada and internationally. This summer has further strengthened my passion for art history, as I had the opportunity to observe the roles of board members for the Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums (CFFM) and to engage with a broader network of professionals involved in the heritage sector in various capacities. I am proud to have developed several valuable professional skills throughout my internship, which have helped build my confidence as I move forward in my career. These include coordinating meetings and events, fostering community engagement through social media, and contributing to preservation initiatives.
The CFFM, my host organization, is a non-profit rooted in strong values of community, education, and collaboration, which made me feel that my contributions had a meaningful impact. The organization鈥檚 mission is to encourage, represent, and honour the work of the thousands of volunteers serving museums and heritage institutions across the country. The CFFM also promotes youth engagement in arts and culture as part of its broader preservation goals. During my time with the CFFM, I had the privilege of contributing to several projects, including writing and producing the monthly newsletter distributed to hundreds of members, curating a public display case featuring highlights from the CFFM archives, and coordinating an Open House that provided guided tours at Maison Forget in celebration of National Historic Places Day.
My academic background in Art History certainly helped prepare me for the internship. This gave me a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to apply the skills I鈥檝e learned beyond the classroom. For example, my training in visual analysis allowed me to contribute an added layer of description and insight to our Open House tours by drawing attention to the intricate nineteenth-century Victorian architectural details of the home, as well as the various historic paintings, stained glass, and antiques housed there. Additionally, my research skills as a student proved especially valuable when sourcing compelling funding opportunities, events, and educational resources to feature in our newsletter and social media.
One challenge I faced during my internship was coordinating a budget for events within the constraints of a charitable organization. I learned firsthand the various obstacles and considerations involved in planning, especially when determining where and how funding would be sourced. This experience gave me insight into the practical realities of working within a non-profit framework. When this challenge arose, I was able to develop a broader understanding of the financial and logistical aspects of cultural programming with the encouragement of my supervisor.
Again, thank you so much for your generosity in funding this opportunity, allowing me to gain the beginner's experience needed to embark on my future career.
