Meeting new people and exploring different places is what cultural exchange is all about! Exchange programs give students and recent graduates the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, to share their talents, and to acquire new ones. Perhaps most importantly, exchanges have the potential to broaden one’s perspective and see the world in a new light.
We recently had the chance to catch up with Bob, an exchange visitor from Luxembourg, to hear more about his exchange experience! During his program, he interned with an art gallery in New York, NY, helping plan and host events, exhibition openings, and more. Through his internship, he was also able to work directly with artists the gallery represented. He visited their studios, handled their work, and helped field requests alongside his colleagues. As he told us, “The daily contact with artists and their artworks changed my perspective on the art market and the commitment it takes to successfully run a gallery.”
Keep reading to learn more about his incredible experience in New York!
What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?
This exchange program allowed me to gain professional and practical skills that complement my academic background. Being part of a cultural institution like a gallery or a museum is an incredibly rewarding experience and the expertise I acquired during my exchange program provided me with invaluable insights into the contemporary art world.
With the help of IA&A, I was able to work in one of New York’s most fascinating areas, SoHo, with its countless galleries and artist studios. The daily contact with artists and their artworks changed my perspective on the art market and the commitment it takes to successfully run a gallery. The cultural resources of New York’s museums and institutions broadened my horizon and made me gain memories that last for a lifetime.
What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?
My favorite memory from my exchange program is the evening I spent at Carnegie Hall for the Richard Tucker Gala. I am a great admirer of operatic talents and the Tucker Award is the biggest recognition that an emerging singer can get. It was hence an enormous pleasure to enter the wonderfully decorated auditorium of Carnegie Hall and to witness the high artistic standards of the Metropolitan orchestra that accompanied the singers. I remember the performance of Angela Meade particularly well. She is an American soprano with an agile and powerful voice that was thrilling to hear when it pierced through the orchestra and choir of Verdi’s “I Lombardi”.
What was your favorite cultural activity to do in New York?
My favorite cultural activity was to visit the galleries of SoHo. It was encouraged by my host organization; my coworkers and I would spend our lunch break or the evening discussing the artists we discovered. I would like to point out that the cultural topography of New York is unique as emerging artists receive support from institutions like the Whitney or MoMA and the quality of their artworks is generally outstanding. There is no doubt that New York is the capital of the contemporary art world and provides learning opportunities that I was ready to seize whenever I could.
What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?
My advice to future exchange visitors is to seize the cultural opportunities of the United States. The museums are among the best in the world and the musical institutions are outstanding. I would also like to point out the importance of travelling as much as possible. My trip to Washington, DC, showed me the cultural diversity of the United States. In addition to the Smithsonian museums I would recommend a tour of the Capitol and the Library of Congress.
What does cultural exchange mean to you?
Cultural exchange is a means to promote friendship and the values of tolerance and respect in a world that faces social and political instability. I believe that the Exchange Visitor Program gives young adults the opportunity to broaden their cultural horizon and to learn not only from the professional framework of the host organization, but from the daily life in a fascinating new country and city. I would strongly recommend to participate in an exchange program as it shapes one’s perspective on the world in a wonderful way.
Learn more about IA&A's programs for arts and gallery management, and start planning your unique exchange experience!