In today’s quickly growing technological world, the importance of acquiring an international audience is becoming more and more crucial within the art world. While the internet and social media have made this much more accessible for artists to achieve, it is equally important to have an understanding and knowledge of your audience and their various cultures. There is no better way to gain knowledge of various art cultures than by completing an art internship abroad.
Why Intern Abroad in Fine Arts
Interning abroad in the arts will expose you to various cultural art standards that will broaden your repertoire. Through art internships abroad, you will get to know the standards of a new country’s art scene and more importantly the expectations of the local audience. You will then learn to adjust your artwork to meet the expectations of the audience you are marketing your product to. This doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your unique style to meet customers needs, but rather you will be enhancing and broadening your style to expand and grow your business and ability to create art for a larger audience.
Participating in art internships abroad will also inevitably lead to networking within the field. By establishing yourself as an artist in another country, you will have the chance to work with known artists that will provide insight into how to be successful in that country. The connections you make while interning abroad are sure to lead to other opportunities, as working on an international stage is highly respected, and will likely lead to more travel in the future.
Locations
No matter where you find an art internship abroad, you are sure to broaden your cultural understanding of the local art. This is the key to further developing a sense of style as you will expand your realm of artistic possibilities. While traveling abroad to anywhere new and unfamiliar is greatly beneficial to your art career, here are a few locations where the art scene is particularly flourishing which has led to exceptional art internship opportunities.
England. Full of historic architecture, famous museums, and an art enthused public, England offers a diverse range of opportunities for art internships abroad. England is internationally recognized for its exceptional presence in the performing arts, particularly within the capital city, London. London is home to many world renowned theater and dance schools that are sure to make an impact on your resume and on your development as a performing artist.
In addition to the performing arts, England also excels within the fields of fashion, photography, and marketing. Internships in England in any of the latter fields will be advantageous to your art career. Art internships in England may also place you on an international stage with major organizations, such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, which is located in London.
China is a great location to intern abroad in fine arts, especially for anyone from the Western Hemisphere who is looking for a new and unfamiliar art culture. China is home to some of the oldest art practices and traditions which are still prevalent in much of today’s modern art. Although China places an important emphasis on preserving artistic traditions, the country is also insistent on cultural development and progression. Interning in China in fine arts will give you a perfect blend of conservative ancient traditions mixed with trendy new ideas that push the boundaries of modernity.
United States. With such as diverse range of cities, small towns, and people, the U.S. makes for an excellent country for international internships in fine arts. Home to so many subcultures, there is no real standard for art in the U.S., which allows interns to experience a range of art tastes and styles. New York City is the epicenter for art and cultural diversity in the U.S. There is nothing that you can’t find in terms of art in New York, and by attending various museums, art galleries, and live art demonstrations, you will be able to acquire a newfound appreciation for the arts.
On the opposite side of the country resides the home to filmmaking and acting in Hollywood, California. Interning in Hollywood will leave you surrounded by other aspiring artists that may inspire and help develop your own career as an artist. Wherever you decide to intern in the U.S. you are sure to find an eclectic art scene and population.
Art Internships Abroad
Museums & Art Galleries. Learn the ins and outs of what it takes to work in a museum and/or art gallery by participating in in-depth art internships abroad. Interns will not only learn about the artifacts within the museum and art gallery by shadowing multiple tours a day, but you will also gain insight into the business and administrative side of museums and art galleries as well. This may consist of monitoring sales and acquisitions, guest relations, art conservation, as well as other curatorial and administrative duties.
Art Studios & Workshops. Have the chance to work hands on with a professional artist by interning abroad as an assistant in a workshop or studio. Whether your interest lies in painting, jewelry, photography, or glass blowing, there is an international internship in fine arts out there for you to assist in an artist’s workspace. Working directly with an established artist is an excellent opportunity to gain hands on experience while also developing a strong professional relationship with the artist. This relationship you build with the artist is essential for building your portfolio and letters of recommendation for any art jobs in the future.
Film & Video. Interning in film and video abroad is sure to give you critical experience that will greatly aid your career in the film industry. No matter what your internship duties include, it is always beneficial to just be present on the set of a film shooting. This allows you the chance to observe and learn about all of the intricacies that go on during a major production. You will most likely be given the chance to gain hands on experience handling equipment while also being able to directly ask the professionals questions. Whether you are playing a major role as a production assistant on a major motion picture production or are just simply shadowing on the set of a television commercial production, you are sure to gain essential knowledge about the production process.
Benefits & Challenges
- Gain the Ability to Think Outside of the Box. Interning abroad opens you up to a plethora of new ideas and customs that can greatly benefit your own art and future career goals. By being exposed to new people and places, you will gain the ability to generate fresh creative ideas that are sure to support you as an artist or your business or company’s agenda.
- Discover New Ways to “Make it” as an Artist: In an industry that many perceive as being difficult to make a living in, traveling abroad to intern in fine arts will broaden the possibilities of your career. By networking and getting to know different artists from around the world, you will make note of the various ways in which artists are able to make a living. The tips and observations you receive while interning abroad will inspire you to find creative ways to turn your passion into your profession.
