Have you ever heard of the Basque Country? Well, in case you haven’t – it’s an autonomous region nestled between northern Spain and southern France, bordering the Bay of Biscay. The Basques are one of the oldest ethnic groups in Europe, known for their rich cultural identity and unique language called Euskara.
Now, let’s travel from Europe all the way to Boise, Idaho, where we will find the Basque Museum and Cultural Center (BMCC). Founded in 1985, the BMCC exists to “preserve, promote, and perpetuate Basque history and culture.” The BMCC has been a longtime partner of our Cultural Exchange Programs, hosting many J-1 visitors from the Basque Country over the years.
In today’s blog, we’re highlighting Anne González Aspiazu, a J-1 curatorial intern at the BMCC. Her program, which comes to an end in December, has already been packed full of great experiences!
What have you been working on so far during your time at the BMCC?
My main responsibilities consist of helping to manage the collection of the BMCC, cataloging photographs, documents, archives and objects belonging to the museum, generally donated by Basque families settled in Boise. To do this, I have been part of the entire process: obtaining the photographs while being in direct contact with the families, digitizing them and being able to put them in the database once the families have identified the people, places and dates of the photographs. Additionally, I am also working on some designs for some children’s t-shirts so they can sell them at the museum. (Seen in the photo below!)
What is something you’re looking forward to during the rest of your program?
Starting this summer I will begin curating an exhibition in one of the museum’s spaces, which is very exciting. This, for me, is a professional achievement, since I have already curated exhibitions but never alone.
What is it like to see the Basque influence in an American city?
It is very interesting to see how American and Basque culture created strong ties that endure to this day. I find it fascinating to meet people with Basque surnames and hear them speak Basque with an American accent. I think what happens in Boise is something unique.
Anne’s supervisor, Amaya Herrera, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, also shared her thoughts about Anne’s program.
She joined Boise’s local Basque dancing group, the Oinkari Basque Dancers, and attends their practices, and accompanies them to local festivals and performances. We usually joke – Anne had to come all the way to the United States to learn how to Basque dance! Anne has gone above and beyond during her time at the BMCC; she has excelled at every task we have assigned her. She is attentive to detail, organized, and a hard-worker. She is always ready to learn, eager to help, and is a joy to work with.
We’re glad to see you’re having such a great time, Anne!
If you’d like us to highlight your own J-1 story, send us an email.