With the help of Centennial College's SAGE, Rebecca Peirson, Program Coordinator of our Arts Management program, took four students (now graduates) to Washington, D.C., for the Emerging Arts Leaders Symposium at American University from March 25-28.
This symposium, similar to the annual Arts Ahead Symposium run by Arts Management students allowed students to learn more about the arts sector in the United States, connect with the organizing students, and bring home some ideas for improving their own Arts Ahead. While they were only there briefly, they were also able to make some incredible stops, including the Smithsonian Museums.
R. Reid, a 2023 graduate of the program, enjoyed the experience of attending the symposium in Washington during their studies and shares how the Arts Management program is structured in such a way as to provide students with a well-rounded experience. “The program gets students to study the main areas that are needed when in arts management. Personally, this variety was something that I particularly enjoyed because it was a chance to explore areas that I was genuinely interested in and gain enough knowledge and understanding to appreciate the ones that I wasn’t as focused on. At the end of the program, I am confident that I have the skills needed to work in any area of arts management.”
Reid also shares how the knowledge provided in the program gave them a clear insight into how other departments work—something that made them more thoughtful of their management style, which helped them empathize with other departments on a deeper level. “The program also inspires confidence in your own skills by providing a place to learn about management with room to fail,” they add. An example of this is the Arts Ahead symposium, which Reid was Co-Chair of. They explain that taking on this role allowed them to support the other departments, which strengthened their event management skills.
Click HERE to hear Reid and their fellow classmate Charmian discuss the ins and outs of the Arts Ahead symposium on our podcast, Storyteller In-Depth.
To be selected for the trip to D.C., Reid explains that there was an application and interview process, and they were given the opportunity to explain why attending would benefit them. Reflecting on their time there, they share, “The entire trip was extremely engaging as we were able to attend a symposium which was similar to the one that we had just put on but on a larger stage. Making contacts and connections from all over the USA was an incredible way to increase our network as we moved on into working in the arts.”
Seeing the contrasting similarities and differences between the arts symposium at American University and theirs at Centennial stood out to Reid, as they explain, “We were both operating on different budgets and with different levels of support. While our program included the symposium as a main project, their program features the symposium as an extracurricular volunteer project.”
This opportunity to travel while in the program is something that Reid highly recommends students explore. “It is a very affordable way to go abroad while continuing with your studies. I was able to really connect with my classmates and my professor in a way that I would not have had the opportunity to otherwise because of this trip. The Washington trip was an incredible experience, as we were able to explore the city as well as attend this symposium. I was able to cross the Smithsonian off my bucket list!”
This trip to Washington, along with the Arts Ahead symposium, are some ways the program explores an experiential, hands-on approach to learning, which Reid especially enjoyed in the program. They share, “The cohort that you are with will stay with you throughout the program, and having a small group of 20 or so people means that you will be able to get to know them closely as friends and collaborators.”
Reid also adds that the program's internship component was yet another way students are exposed to experiential learning. They explain that there are several opportunities available to work with the professors within the program to select an internship that will best meet your needs, and there is space to work with companies that interest you.
“This is also an amazing place to network and build up a community of mentors and connections. Aside from the Arts Ahead symposium, where you are able to seek out guests you are interested in speaking with, there are a lot of opportunities for you to reach out to people and companies that you want to work with,” Reid shares. “My advice here is to not be afraid to ask! The program offers easy ways for you to reach out to and learn from someone you’d like to connect with who is already in the role you want. Additionally, the Arts Management program has graduates all over Toronto, making it easier to tap into a network that spans visual arts, dance, theatre, film, opera, and more.”
If you would like to learn more about the Arts Management program at the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design, be sure to check out our recent Q&A with Program Coordinator Rebecca Peirson.
Article by: Alexandra Few
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