What inspired you to travel abroad?
Towards the later-half of 2022, I found myself longing for additional experience within the creative industries. I had just completed a six-month fellowship with Southern Equality Studios, and during the bulk of that fellowship I was able to spearhead multiple creative projects that were not only arts-based, but also people-centered.
That experience was beyond insightful, and it only made me want to apply myself even more. From there, I knew that I would have to take bigger risks; ultimately, I knew that I would have to eventually work my way towards navigating the larger, international scene.
Why did you choose ArtBound Initiative?
Initially, I was interested in applying for the internship program in Berlin; I was desperate to start fresh, and I was convinced that traveling half-way around the world would be the answer. However, since it would be such a tremendous move for me, I figured it would be more practical to move with careful intention, and so I decided to instead apply for the virtual internship program. It's worth mentioning that I had previous experience working both remotely and in-person during previous opportunities, so it wasn't something that was outside of my comfort zone.
Lyn working at 1-54 New York. Much of Lyn’s artistic work explores the construction of identity.
What was your favorite part about New York?
Admittedly, it took me a bit by surprise when my parent company, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, invited me to stay in New York to help onsite during the bulk of their NY 2023 edition. I didn't really expect to relocate for my internship, so when it was revealed to me that my presence would be required in New York City for the fair, I was pleasantly surprised.
In retrospect, my favorite aspect of New York City is just the fact that it's a cultural and creative playground full of limitless potential. There are so many people from so many walks and intersections of life here, and so there's always an opportunity to expand one's worldview.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Overall, I think my time in New York has been quite sobering (in the best of ways) to say the least. I try to be as authentic in my expression of things, and so it would feel like a disservice to say that everything was perfect and void of discomfort.
If I really had to say, I'm actually quite grateful for my stay in New York City because it's definitely forced me to grow and face certain parts of myself that I didn't know needed watering. It also gave root to a newfound sense of appreciation for everything (both big and small) that I have experienced, as well as that which has yet to come. In retrospect, this experience has left me feeling the most human I've felt in years, and so I can't be anything but grateful.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
As far as the actual internship goes, I had quite a lot of support from both ABI and 1-54. I felt quite empowered in my interactions with the team, especially when we were trying to reach deadlines and follow-through on commitments with project collaborators. Overall, the sense of community was one that was undoubtedly paramount to the success of our projects, and so there's really nothing to detest.
This art piece was made by Kenseth Armstead, "True North - Feet Don't Fail Me"
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
In retrospect, it would've been great if I had more control over my accommodations. I think it would've been quite nice to stay closer to my colleagues during the duration of the fair; it probably would've provided a bit more ease and security within our dynamic. It's also worth mentioning that I was technically required to be in New York for two to three weeks, rather than three months, but again there was only so much control (and money) I had, given the circumstances.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
During my internship, my typical day would start at 9 a.m. EST and end at 5 p.m. EST. As far as my tasks are concerned, it would really depend on the day, as well as the progress of my colleagues; prior to the fair, I was responsible for copy-editing and revising a lot of digital material.
It's worth mentioning that during the bulk of my internship, I worked remotely from home, as well as from my base of operations in New York City. However, in the days leading up to the fair my presence was required on-site, and so my tasks from that point on were considered to be hands-on; this included attending coffee meetings, assisting artists and exhibitors in preparation for the fair, managing storage upkeep, and overseeing merchandise.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
There were quite a few times where I was able to go out for a night on the town with my colleagues, as well as just connect with people in the industry over coffee. Of course, I also made it a point to protect my energy as much as I could, whether that meant going to the park, relaxing in bed, or just exploring the boroughs whenever I could. It's also worth mentioning that New York City lives up to its reputation as far as being "the city that never sleeps," because there's always something going on.
The city that never sleeps! This is a photo of the New York skyline at night.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I rented out a fully-furnished apartment with one of ABI's partner companies for the length of my stay in New York City. Overall, I think it's been quite beneficial just having my own space to retreat to, given the circumstances. Being in one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world is a whirlwind in and of itself, so there was some comfort in knowing that I'll have a place to call home.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I'm actually still living in New York until the end of July, so I can't say how exactly I'll feel once I'm home. However, looking back on past experiences that have left a similarly tremendous impact on me, I would say that this experience will always be one that was profound. It's definitely been an experience worth remembering!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
There's no need to give into the pressure of conforming to a specific path, especially if it's one that's already been prescribed to you. I went into my internship program with an open mind, but even then there were still a few limitations to my understanding of the industry's inner-workings.
Upon completion, I can say with much certainty that I am not the same person I was coming in. My outlook, my standards, my goals, and my expectations are not what they once were. To that point, it's also worth mentioning that the concept of discomfort or unease is one that you'll need to become acquainted with; growing in any capacity won't always be pleasant, but of course that is a part of the human condition as much as it is the creative process.
This was the last 1-54 NYC 2023 team dinner. I had a great time with everyone.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Of course! I think some of the most important lessons in life are worth experiencing first-hand, and participating in ABI's program has given me the freedom to do exactly that. Sometimes, the only thing that we need to take risks is the freedom (and support) to do so.
Having said that, I truly do believe that my time with the ArtBound Initiative was one that was fully transformative. It is for that reason that I would recommend the program, or any career accelerator program to creative professionals, regardless of where they are in their career.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Overall, I think the greatest benefit of this experience has just been the expansion of my worldview; it's worth celebrating just how integral it's been for both my personal and professional growth. Hailing from a small town has its limitations, even in the digital age, so being able to travel around and gather first-hand experiences, it's been quite enlightening.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I believe that every place has its own particular vibration, so it's hard to say that one's experience in one place will be the same in another. Nonetheless, I think if you're touched by any aspect of your journey, that in and of itself is meaningful.
The way I see it, we're all here to experience the ever-changing landscape that is life. Having said that, any moment where one's growth (albeit emotional, physical or mental) is at the forefront of an experience, it's one worth celebrating.
