Karolina's Story: Arts Administration Internship in Chicago

Meet Karolina!

From Albion College to the heart of Chicago’s visual arts scene, Fine Arts graduate Karolina is making her mark. Through her Arts Administration internship at Hyde Park Art Center—the city’s oldest and most renowned alternative exhibition space—she’s gaining the hands-on experience needed to lead the next generation of the creative industry.

Read more about her experience below!

Karolina setting up installation for a gala exhibit

Could you describe what your day-to-day looks like at the Hyde Park Art Center?

Arriving at the art center, I go around turning on all the lights and opening the galleries, exhibitions, studios & cafe door. Afterwards, I sit at the front desk and go through the general information email & respond to any general questions, connecting the sender with the correct staff member to help them further.

Daily, I greet anyone walking through the door helping them at the same time if they have a question or simply need help. Organizing and maintaining a clean front desk so that everything can be found quickly. I also deliver mail that comes through the front desk. A lot happens everyday and everyday things are different and never the same, so its a treat coming in and getting to do something new.

What was the most rewarding part of your internship?

The most rewarding parts of my internship was meeting some artist that were installing their work, and got to see all the beautiful artwork face to face! Not only was meeting the artist rewarding, the staff that was there made it okay to be yourself and just let loose the right amount. Some may consider it tough or challenging, instead of "enjoyable" but I enjoyed helping set up or move some tables around as it allowed me to be part of the crew that set up for the event. Seems like I like hands on tasks :)

How would you describe the way ArtBound Initiative helped you the most?

The way that the ArtBound Initiative helped me the most was in, pointing out my weak points in resumes and portfolios. This helped me fix the weak point and make them stronger, presenting me as a candidate for a possible hiring position. It also gave me a boost of hope as there is something for me out there after I was able to secure an internship position in the creative field.

ArtBound Initiative helped me tremendously by giving me the confidence I need to move on in the real world. Giving me feedback based on my questions and the work I gave them, helping me fix the mistakes I made, to appear like a desirable hiring candidate. Not only that but the feedback wasn't harsh but straightforward, nothing to be taken to heart because they are only saying that for our own good before we step out into real world jobs. This program is very eye opening and offers fantastic opportunities near you and outside the country if you like a little adventure.

This internship showed me the behind-the-scene when it comes to installing my own work one day, to the processes it takes to even show your work at a Art Center/Gallery.

Karolina

Arts Administration Internship | Hyde Park Arts Center

---

Interested in the program but don't know where to start? Check your eligibility here!

ArtBound Initiative is a fee-based global internship program for creatives. We prepare students for their careers through an online coaching curriculum and by helping them secure an internship in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, London, Berlin, Melbourne, Sydney, and Virtually. With an expansive network of leading creative companies, our program provides access to creative industries that are notoriously insular.

Read more about ArtBound Initiative Chicago Internships here.

Questions? Contact us at info@artboundinitiative.com