What led your path to the launch of ArtBound Initiative?
I worked as the Managing Director of the Berlin Collective, an international artist network which was founded by Nicole Cohen. The Berlin Collective was connecting students with artists and galleries in Berlin, and I suggested to Nicole that we launch a new platform which would take the program to the next level, including other aspects such as career coaching, travel support, events and networking opportunities! I also wanted to launch this platform in New York as I wished something like this would be in place when I first moved there. It was such a nightmare to find any company who would sponsor me for an internship visa!
Gallery tour in New York
Can you tell us about your current position as the CEO of ArtBound?
As the CEO of ArtBound Initiative, my main job is to make sure all our operations run smoothly, whether it’s with our participants, our visa and housing partners, or the universities we work with. Another great aspect of my position is developing great relationships with companies in New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong who hire our participants.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is being in touch with the participants and mentoring them. All of our participants are eager to launch their career and they are often only missing a few tools to be able to access great opportunities and develop a strong network in the field. Seeing our participants getting hired after their internship or getting great opportunities is the most rewarding part of my job.
Dinner with participants in Berlin
How do your experiences in marketing, program directing, and producing influence your current work?
Having worked in the creative fields gives me a great insight to advise and mentor our participants. I know exactly what their challenges are and what the specificities of starting a creative career are. The fact that all staff from ArtBound Initiative are creative professionals really helps us to be closer to the needs to our participants. We are pragmatic and are able to give them great insight about the reality of the industry.
Why should students consider ArtBound Initiative over other art institutions?
ArtBound Initiative is quite selective and only accepts 15 participants per term. The reason why we are so selective is because we want to act as a real support for each of our participants which is something that bigger programs cannot do. If you join our program, we will help you beyond your internship and make sure we open all of our connections to you in order to see you succeed. I think that is our main added value, and all of our alumni have mentioned that the support system and the network we offer has been the greatest benefit they got from joining ArtBound Initiative.
Hangout in the Lower East Side in New York
Why is it important to travel and experience new cultures?
Traveling and experiencing new cultures gives you an edge. Most leaders in the creative industries have global profiles. The Arts and Design industries are functioning on a global scale and new creative professionals need to experience this and get experience in several creative hubs if they can. It will make them much more competitive and also fulfilled on a personal level.
Do you have any advice to share for individuals looking to work, study, or live abroad?
Immerse yourself in the local creative scene. Forget about the touristy stuff, try to meet people who know what’s going on in the scene. Don’t be judgemental, remember you are seeing things through your own cultural spectrum but that it doesn’t mean it’s the truth. If you are interning abroad, make sure you create connections with your supervisors and other staff. Creating solid networks abroad will be something you can leverage when you get back home to get better positions.
Met Museum tour in New York
What hopes do you have for the future of ArtBound?
My hopes for ArtBound Initiative are that we continue to grow and receive amazing participants. We are also hoping to expand to other creative hubs in places such as Paris, London, Shanghai, and beyond. Through our program we are building an amazing network of emerging creative professionals who are coming from all over the globe. Our alumni in 5, 10, 15 years will all be key players in their own industry and regions, and that’s something we are looking forward to witnessing.
