Profile

New Directions in Performance Art

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After graduating from university and working for several contemporary art galleries in Italy, Manuela Nebuloni was ready for a bigger challenge. Her goal was to dive deeper into the field of performance and cultural production, learning more about how American organizations present these types of events. So, when the opportunity to do an internship in the United States arose, Manuela jumped at the chance!

We recently caught up with Manuela to learn more about her internship in New York, NY. Founded in 2004 by art historian and curator RoseLee Goldberg, Performa is the leading organization dedicated to exploring the critical role of live performance in the history of twentieth-century art and encouraging new directions in performance for the twenty-first century.

During her internship with Performa, Manuela had the chance to work as a Production Fellow with other outstanding professionals from the United States and beyond. “I learned a lot about producing shows in a fast-paced environment,” she told us, adding, “I took a deeper look into the American art scene, contemporary African art, and social engagement in urban centers.” Keep reading to learn more about her incredible experience in New York!

What impact has your traineeship with Performa had on your life and your career?

My exchange program allowed me to spend a six-month fellowship at Performa, a leader in commissioning artists whose work explores the critical role of live performance and encouraging new directions in performance for the twenty-first century. In my country, there is great interest in performance art right now and we are eager to learn about the research currently being conducted in the United States.

I especially appreciated the variety and diversity of the cultural offerings in New York. So many artists I admire chose New York as their base, or are drawn here from all over the world. I was part of a team I loved and very much enjoyed working with. There was never a dull day!

From the personal point of view the impact has been even greater; this experience in the United States has helped shape my vision on the role of art in our cities and everyday life. I expanded my understanding of American culture and benefited from a multicultural work environment. This is something that can be gained by diving everyday into a new context and by relating to people from another country.

What was your favorite memory from your exchange program?

As part of Performa17 Biennial, I had the chance to collaborate to the production of a piece by artist Kelly Nipper, in collaboration with MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab and the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts at Brown University. Working with a multi-disciplinary team over several months was an intense and enriching production experience. The work involved liaising daily with MIT, producing custom elements, and setting up for the performance. A captivating choreography on a newly-created soundtrack, it was a real opportunity to witness closely the full creative process. Supporting an artist in achieving her vision was a real privilege.

What was it like living in New York and what was your favorite thing to do in the city?

I loved spending six months in New York! I have fond memories of its streets, the cafes in Brooklyn, as well as its parks, beaches and art centers. It’s vibrant and felt like home. I feel I was totally immersed in the arts and part of the big machine of cultural production of New York. I couldn’t choose among the many performances, experimental theatre shows, contemporary art exhibitions, and live music concerts I saw. Every day was slightly overwhelming, in a good way.

Did you experience cultural differences when you first arrived, and how did you react to this?

As someone coming from a country that is proudly rooted in its past, it’s still mind-blowing to me to observe how quickly America changes. The age of buildings, habits, and provenance of people is quite a difference with Italy, which makes me curious to learn more about it. There are for sure differences in daily life, especially due to the big size of New York and its peculiarities. I felt that Italian culture is quite present in the American one. Adaptability when you are in another country is a must, it can be an effort sometimes but most of the time I regard it as funny and a chance of personal growth.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Taking the time to look intensely into another culture. There’s a great range of cultures if you go to the United States, diverse and multi-faced. It also means being open, curious, and allowing oneself to add an experience to your life. There is a lot to learn out there and many possibilities you’ll only see if you change point of view.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

Go! You can’t help feeling enriched by the experience. Allow yourself to spend enough time in the United States. And travel, it’s a big country.

Learn more about IA&A's programs for performing arts managers and start planning your unique exchange experience!

 

Host Spotlight: The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine

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Since 1994, the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine (LACMM) at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York has been providing music therapy clinical services both in the hospital and in the community. By using music within the therapeutic relationship, the team at LACMM is able to address the many physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of patients. The music therapists at LACMM work with patients at all stages of their life, from premature infants to patients recovering from surgery to end-of-life care, making it an ideal complement to traditional medical treatment. As Dr. Joanne Loewy, Director of LACMM, explains “We are truly in-tune with our patients!”

Each year, International Arts & Artists partners with LACMM to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for international fellows and graduate interns participating in the Center’s educational and training program. LACMM’s program focuses on specialist-level care, giving fellows and interns the opportunity to develop professional skills including the principles of music therapy assessment, ethics, treatment planning, evaluation, and more.

We recently caught up with John Mondanaro, Clinical Director at LACMM, to learn more about LACMM, its training programs for future music therapists, and its experience working with international exchange visitors. “International Arts & Artists has been tremendous resource for talented individuals wishing to participate in all that the LACMM has to offer,” John told us. “As a grant funded program, the LACMM’s ability and desire to host such individuals has come to fruition more fluidly with the International Arts & Artists’ capability to provide sponsorship unique to each situation.”

What’s a day in the life of an exchange visitor at the LACMM like?

A day in the life of one of our exchange visitors can begin with a didactic seminar focusing on current methodology, experiential of clinical intervention, and trial within a lab-format. Clinical supervision with a designated licensed and board-certified music therapist on staff follows. Here the exchange visitor is provided with confidential space in which to process feelings, challenges, and successes he or she may be experiencing. The day can unfold as spontaneously as one might expect in a busy acute care medical setting in one of the busiest cities in the world. Clinical observation and application of learned interventions; participation in various research protocols in which the exchange visitor is either gathering data and questionnaires, or providing the music based intervention under investigation; sending time in outreach efforts, are all possibilities. The LACMM’s involvement in cultural initiatives and staff wellness offerings may draw the exchange visitor into the provision of such offerings. There is often time built into the day for exchange visitors to read from the LACMM’s library of our own publications, or visit the medical library to expedite literature review on a clinical phenomenon that the LACMM is studying. Additionally, exchange visitors are encouraged along with our interns and fellows to practice musical skills on the assortment of instruments that we maintain in our inventory. An ending of the day may be spent in attendance to one or our outreach efforts with marginalized populations such as a community choir for stroke survivors or a support group for individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or HIV.

What are some of your favorite things about hosting exchange visitors?

LACMM has had a growing presence internationally for 25 years, because our model of Medical Music Psychotherapy across the lifespan is unique in the world. Dr. Joanne Loewy and the LACMM team of therapists remains at the cutting edge of research and clinical practice, which draws much attention from music therapy students and professionals worldwide. The ability to share what we are growing with exchange visitors is a privilege that is made possible by the sponsorship opportunities afforded by International Arts & Artists. That many of our trainees will build programs in their own countries gives us tremendous pride, because at the center of such programming is the wellness and care of others.

What are some of the cultural activities that exchange visitors participate in during their program?

New York City offers a wide range of cultural events, some of which have affiliations with the LACMM. Our work with Lincoln Center in a program for adults with Alzheimer’s stands among many opportunities for the visitors’ exposure and immersion in this rich art scene. The LACMM has hosted visits with such music celebrities as Jon Batiste to the inner city schools of New York to promote music therapy with Asthma; conducted wellness groups and workshops with the Actor’s Fund; hosted departmental visits with opera star Renee Fleming, Grammy winner, Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer; and has welcomed and honored at our annual What A Wonderful World Gala, such celebrities as Jon Hendricks, Pete Seeger, Levon Helm, Dionne Warwick, Vanessa Williams, Dave Brubeck, Jon Batiste, Roy Haynes, and Bernie Williams.

What is the value to LACMM in hosting international visitors?

The LACMM receives from its visitors and trainees in the same spirit in which it gives: sharing the gold and planting seeds for future music therapy programs that will benefit people around the world. Cultural diversity stands at the forefront of healthcare initiatives, and the LACMM endorses music and music therapy as the treatment modality that unabashedly meets these initiatives because nothing like music can both viscerally engage and also transcend cultural barriers. By hosting candidates from around the world, we inspire this philosophy in others.

Learn more about IA&A's programs for music therapists and start planning your unique exchange experience!

 

Supporting Artists and Exploring Museums in NYC

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Many of us know why exchanges matter! Exchange programs give visitors from around the world the chance to experience America’s diverse culture, to learn more about the arts in America, and to develop the skills they need to thrive in their professional careers.

We recently caught up with Heliis, a #J1Alum from Estonia who learn more about her internship at the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) in New York, NY. ISCP is an incredible organization that supports the creative development of artists and curators, and promotes exchange through residencies and public programs. The organization is New York’s most comprehensive international visual arts residency program, with over 1350 artists and curators from over 80 countries having undertaken residencies at ISCP.

During her internship with ISCP, Heliis had the opportunity to learn many new skills, particularly in communications and fundraising, by participating in many different projects throughout her exchange program. Keep reading to learn more about her fascinating experience in New York!

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

Thanks to this exchange experience I feel much more confident in myself and my skills. Working in a foreign office was a very enlightening experience, especially in giving me the entry-level skills I needed to get my career started. Since most of the jobs in the job market require at least some sort of professional experience, I think a full year-long internship was a good choice to obtain knowledge and also build my network. During the internship, I connected with so many different aspects of working in a nonprofit organization. I was trusted with important responsibilities which gave me more confidence in myself. This exchange year has definitely made me open up more about my career choices and what I would like to focus on in the future.

What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?

I have a lot of fond memories of my program. I enjoyed assisting the most with ISCP's social art offsite project Pablo Helguera: La Austral S.A. de C.V. This entire program consisted of telling stories of life and memories, and it was an amazing experience to see all the participants building their stories and the public express their experiences in a small community.

What was your favorite cultural activity to do in New York?

New York is such a huge city, that you can get lost in the activities that you can take part in there. However, I would say that I definitely enjoyed the rich museum scene, especially the art museums. Since I very much enjoy interactive experiences, I developed a few favorite museums such as the Whitney Museum, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York, which I visited numerous times during my exchange.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

I would definitely say be very open-minded, be open to conversations, and be willing to share your experience. Americans are very open themselves and like to get to know you, what your interests are, and what your dreams are. At first, it might feel overwhelming because the culture is so diverse, but soon you will encounter so many different ideas, thoughts, experiences, and really meet people from all areas of life, which makes you feel part of it with your own experience.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

I feel like the cultural exchange is very important in giving us as humans an opportunity to discover new things in life as well as within ourselves. Connecting with others and their cultures have enriched my life tremendously, and I am more than thankful for those experiences.

Building a Future Through New Experiences

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Jannis Acbard has always been fascinated with the design process and exploring new countries. While pursuing a degree in landscape and garden architecture, New York always stood out as the perfect place to gain work experience in a new and fast-paced environment. Thanks to his exchange program, Jannis was able to live in New York while interning with Joanna Pertz Landscape Architecture (JPLA).

During his internship, he worked on a variety of tasks, including drafting landscape plans, writing maintenance and planting reports, and assisting with on-site planting and installation. JPLA allowed Jannis to be part of a design team, improve his English, and gain skills necessary to further his studies and career in landscape architecture.

We recently caught up with Jannis to hear more about his internship and his time in New York!

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

​I gained a lot of experience working at JPLA working with the most familiar programs (Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD) to me. This made me better and faster at working with these programs. It also gave me a nice life experience of living by myself and living in another country.

What is your favorite memory from your exchange program?

​Living in an entire new city outside of Europe. Getting to experience a totally different lifestyle and pace of life. It has been a really nice time getting to explore everything that NYC had to offer and I never had enough of it.

What was your favorite cultural activity to do in New York?

​I enjoyed visiting museums and architectural landmarks. Besides that I always enjoyed just walking and discovering new things in my neighborhood or in another part of the city.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

​If you are going to the United States, be sure to plan everything way ahead and have a second plan in case anything doesn’t go as planned. If you come from Europe, it will be quite the opposite for you when visiting but everything is so nice there!

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

​It means getting to experience a different culture of an entire new city and country. Discovering the way of living, the way people are and live, and tasting the food and culture.

Ancient Ceramics in New England

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Hailing from Canada, Mia Riley is an emerging ceramic artist who has called many Albertan cities, towns, and tents her home. She often finds inspiration in the transience and landscapes within her life, having moved and lived in various places across western Canada. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, Mia has also completed several residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, researching wood kiln building, alternative making processes, and the natural disasters that have affected her home province in the last decade.

For the past eight months, Mia has been interning with Harvard University’s Ceramics Program as part of IA&A’s Exchange Visitor Program. During her program, she had the opportunity to explore her own art practice and gain hands-on experience running studio operations. As an added bonus, Mia was also the winner of IA&A’s first-ever photo contest!

We recently caught up with Mia and Kathy King, Director of Education for the Ceramics Program, to learn more about the program and Mia’s exchange experience!

Kathy, can you tell us a bit more about the Ceramics Program at Harvard University?

The Ceramics Program falls under the umbrella of the Office for the Arts at Harvard that includes theater, dance, music and the visual arts. Our program in unique in that, for almost 50 years, we have served both the Harvard and the Boston-area communities. We provide non-credit courses three semesters a year and in any of these classes you might be sitting next to a Harvard Professor, staff, graduate or undergraduate student or someone who lives down the street! Our courses span everything from using the potter’s wheel, sculpting from a model, glaze chemistry or printing ceramic forms with a 3D printer. In addition to the courses offered, we work with different courses and departments within Harvard. Last year, we worked with the Graduate School of Design, the School of Engineering, Departments of Anthropology, Humanities, Art History and Architecture, the Graduate School of Education as well as our fine arts equivalent – Visual Environmental Studies. There are so many ways that we intersect with the ceramic medium, whether it is looking at examples of ancient vessels in an Anthropology or Art History course to designing new ways to use ceramics in architectural applications at the Graduate School of Design. We also work with the curators and conservation scientists at the Harvard Art Museum and the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture whereby we may be asked to replicate the techniques used in a ceramic form being studied.

Mia, why did you choose the Ceramics Program at Harvard for your exchange?

I was originally interested in the traineeship at the Ceramics Program at Harvard because I wanted the chance to connect with the American ceramics community. The program has ultimately provided me the opportunity to gain access to studio facilities where I can explore my own art practice and gain hands-on experience running studio operations. I have also had the chance to collaborate on projects with academic faculty and have gained many new friendships and connections.

Mia, what projects have you been working on during your internship?

One of the things I have been most excited to work on has been the animal head vessel project, which is featured in some the photos I have included in the profile. Many branches of this project have arisen out of an exhibition on ancient animal drinking vessels that will be exhibited at Harvard later this year. My role has been to assist in a workshop with anthropology students in making replicas of these vessels, design a child friendly craft for Harvard’s upcoming Arts First Festival, and create replicas that will potentially be used as teaching tools for the exhibition. This project has furthered my interest in ancient ceramics history and process, which was one of the aspects of my undergraduate studies. Also, I have enjoyed the access to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, where I have visited regularly to study these objects.

What has been your favorite part about interning with the Ceramics Program?

My favorite part about my internship has been meeting new artists and sharing our experiences. Because the Harvard studio is home to a large number of artists, professionals and students at many stages of their careers, I have had the chance to meet and exchange ideas on many levels. It has inspired me to see how ceramic art and pottery can exist in many different aspects in one’s life and career. I have loved being able to participate in all of the workshops we have held this year with world renowned artists such as Walter Keeler, Sunshine Cobb, Jason Burnett, and Bai Ming.

Kathy, what have been some of your favorite things about hosting an exchange visitor?

Mia brought with her energy and passion about working in ceramics and the technical knowledge that allowed her to jump right into our wide array of activities within the program. Mia was invited to give a lecture on her work and her life in Canada to our community and that conversation of how our cultures differ that has been on-going in the studio – whether it be art making, educational systems or even food!

What has Mia contributed to the Ceramics Program?

Mia has contributed her talents and assistance and we will be hard-pressed to find someone who was able to integrate into our community with such ease. Her wonderful sense of humor and friendly disposition paired with her skills as an artist has proven Mia as an effective educator as well. She has been a Teaching Assistant for a number of different classes and has assisted students in their own making, firing of kilns and helping with glazing work. She treats everyone equally and fairly – whether they are 20 or 80 years old, a beginning student to a master.

Kathy, what were some of the cultural activities that Mia got to participate in during her exchange program?

Mia is an avid outdoors-person as well as art lover! She has been active in exploring New England’s museums, historical sites as well as its wilderness. Mia has attended all our exhibitions, lectures and workshops by visiting artists at our program from China, the UK to all over the U.S. and has been integral to being able to get to know these artists behind the scenes as well.

Mia, what have you been able to get out of this internship that you couldn’t get elsewhere?

The work that I have been able to do in collaboration with other departments at Harvard has been very rewarding. Being able to assist students from the Graduate School of Design on architectural ceramics projects, teach students from the art history department about ceramics making techniques and many other projects have given me a lot to think about in terms of bringing makers and artists into the academic world. I have been inspired by the work that my supervisor, Kathy King, has been doing to make these connections possible and has opened my eyes to the new ways in which ceramics can be incorporated into academic studies and research. In the future I would like to continue working on these types of projects and am looking forward to seeing how I might initiate these collaborations once I return to Canada.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

I’d like to let future interns and trainees know that they will get the most out of their experience if they are proactive in pursuing learning through their experience. Being engaged and enthusiastic from the start will show your host that you are eager for new opportunities and challenges, and may lead to taking on further responsibilities. During your working hours make sure you ask questions and highlight your specific areas of interest. As well, take use of your time outside of work to explore a new place and participate in arts and culture activities, such as visiting museums, attending special festivals and events and go out with friends!

Finally, as IA&A’s first-ever photo contest winner, what do you plan to spend your Amazon gift card on?

New work boots for the studio!

Learn more about the Ceramics Program at Harvard here and follow Mia Riley on Instagram!

Host Spotlight: UnionDocs

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Based in Brooklyn, NY, UnionDocs (UNDO) is a non-profit Center for Documentary Art that presents, produces, publishes, and educates. It brings together a diverse community of activist artists, experimental media-makers, dedicated journalists, big thinkers, and local partners to search for urgent expressions of the human experience, practical perspectives on the world today, and compelling visions for the future.

Each year, International Arts & Artists partners with UNDO to provide J-1 visa sponsorship for international fellows participating in the Collaborative Studio (CoLAB) program. This ten-month fellowship brings together individual talents, voices, and stories to create multi-dimensional documentaries. CoLAB offers a platform for these artists to explore contemporary approaches to the documentary arts and a process for developing an innovative collaborative project. The program consists of weekly production meetings, seminars, screenings and other public programs, along with regular masterclasses and critiques with visiting artists.

We recently caught up with Ansh Vohra, one of the 2017-18 CoLAB fellows, and Sarah Lerner, UNDO’s Director of Operations, to learn more about the CoLAB program and UNDO’s experience as a J-1 host organization.

Sarah, what are some of your favorite things about hosting exchange visitors?

We are able to host up to six international fellows and six local fellows each year as part of our CoLAB program. The opportunity is as valuable for us as it is for them, as we greatly appreciate being able to expand our documentary arts community on a global scale. We have extensive international partnerships on our public facing events and workshops by bringing together artists, journalists, critics and curators from around the world, so we feel it is important to continue the tradition within the film production side of the organization as well. One of our primary goals as part of our fellowship program is to create multi-dimensional pieces in a collaborative format, and cross-cultural exchange is one of the most effective ways to do that.

Ansh, what impact has your J-1 experience with UnionDocs had on your life and your career?

UnionDocs came into my life at a time when I was just beginning to comfortably settle into my work as a filmmaker. However, I wasn’t sure that being comfortable was the right thing to do at the age of 25. I began making film four years ago and I couldn’t help but wonder whether I’d pushed myself to have new experiences. My time here at UnionDocs has been a big step forward in overcoming that obstacle. I’ve had the opportunity to challenge my notions of what makes for a good film, and I feel as though I will come out of this opportunity a filmmaker who isn’t afraid to take risks. Additionally, living in the United States, and in New York especially, has given me the opportunity to interact with cultures that I wouldn’t otherwise be privy to back home in Delhi. I’m working on projects that focus on people of Indian, Syrian and Azeri origins, something that probably wouldn’t have been possible in any other city in the world.

Sarah, what are some of activities that CoLAB fellows get to take part in?

​​Our fellows spend ten months at UnionDocs, meeting twice a week for production meetings, master classes and seminars with notable members of the documentary field. We have had the opportunity to work with notable filmmakers (such as Deborah Stratman), radio producers (such as Jad Abumrad) and curators (such as ​ Sally Berger​). We are sponsored by AbelCine, one of the industry’s most comprehensive sources for state-of-the-art camera equipment and accessories. Our fellows receive training support from AbelCine staff. ​We are also sponsored by Canon, who lease cameras for Collaborative Studio productions.

Ansh, what are some of the projects that you’ve been working on during your time at UnionDocs?

I’m currently working on three documentary projects at UnionDocs, two of which I’m directing. The first one is a film that follows three immigrant narratives that originate within a 100 miles of each other in Punjab (India) and culminate in a taxi school in Queens, NY. The second one, which I’m co-directing with Daniel Sitts, is an animated film that chronicles the family history of some of the first few Syrians to arrive in the United States back in the 1890s. The third one follows an Azerbaijani family and tells the story of a generational divide between a traditionally Azeri grandmother and her American granddaughter.

Sarah, tell us about some of the cultural activities that UnionDocs fellows participate in during their program!

Our fellows are able to attend all of the 100+ events held at UnionDocs free of charge, and are encouraged to do so. We take an annual trip to the Camden International Film Festival in Maine each fall. Group field trips have also included Documentary Fortnight at MoMA, Art of the Real at Film Society Lincoln Center and HotDocs in Toronto. In addition, we share word of local events at other micro-cinemas and festival opportunities that might be of interest.

Ansh, what does cultural exchange mean to you?

Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. We’re a group of people you would usually have never found inside one room had it not been for a program like UnionDocs and International Arts & Artists. To work with all of them as equals, exchange ideas, collaborate on projects and become friends has been an incredible experience. I will hopefully be in touch with everyone for a long time.

Learn more about the CoLAB program here and follow Ansh Vohra on Instagram!

Soaring in San José with Odwa and Lwando

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Lwando and Odwa have come a long way together, both literally and figuratively! Dancers from South Africa, the duo first met over twelve years ago and have been friends ever since. From studying together at the Cape Academy of Performing Arts to performing with the Cape Dance Company, the pair have been there for each another at every step of their professional careers.

In 2017, Lwando and Odwa seized the opportunity to train together at the New Ballet School, a classical ballet training program led by Dalia Rawson and based in San José, CA. The duo also benefited from the support of the Gugulethu Ballet Project, a non-profit organization that partners with dance communities to expand opportunities for children in the townships of South Africa. Founded by former American Ballet Theatre soloist Kristine Elliott, the Gugulethu Ballet Project provides scholarships and other resources for exceptionally gifted youth from South Africa to study and train in the United States.

Thanks to the New Ballet School and the Gugulethu Ballet Project, Lwando and Odwa have spent the past few months immersed in the performing arts world of San José. And, from performing The Nutcracker to seeing snow for the first time, they’ve experienced it alongside one another! We caught up with the duo to hear more about their experience in San José, what it’s like living with a host family, and what’s next for these talented dancers.

What’s the best part about participating in an exchange program alongside your friend?

Lwando: Travelling can be hard, especially when you don’t know anyone, so having a friend by my side has been so helpful, especially since I have known Odwa for 12 years. He knows everything about me and I about him. It’s hard being away from home for so long, but Odwa has made it so much easier. Whenever one of us is feeling down we know how to pick the other one up!

Odwa: The best part is to see improvement in each other as we each know our strength and weaknesses. It also made us grow closer as friends because we’re staying under the same roof with our host family.

Can you tell us about living with a host family and how that has impacted your exchange?

Lwando: Living with a host family has been amazing and life changing. They have exposed us to so many new things in California. Odwa and I are now in the process of learning how to drive, which we have always wanted to do but haven’t been able to in South Africa.

Odwa: Our host family is the best and they have truly made this exchange memorable. Before this exchange, I didn’t really take into consideration what I put in my body because back home organic food is really expensive, but they taught me about healthy eating, and my body and dancing has responded positively.

How was performing The Nutcracker for the first time? How does it compare to performing in South Africa?

Lwando: Performing The Nutcracker for the first time was so much fun and a life changing experience, because I never once thought I would perform a historical ballet on stage. I learned about it at my ballet school in South Africa, but I usually perform neo-classical contemporary style. I have to say, I enjoy performing both genres, even though they are widely different.

Odwa: Lwando and I had never performed The Nutcracker before. No company in South Africa does it. It was so nerve wracking for the first few performances because it’s a signature ballet of every ballet company in the United States and you cannot afford to look bad. People who have been performing The Nutcracker their whole lives will even say they are sick of the music, but I ended up loving every moment on stage. I was just enjoying myself, especially when we performed with a live orchestra.

Tell us about a funny or interesting moment you’ve experienced during your program!

Lwando: Performing in public places has been an interesting experience for me, because I had never performed in front of people like that. We performed in the shopping center, and I was amazed to see people appreciating the performance and giving us the respect and silence we needed. This was interesting to me because I had never experienced this in South Africa.

Odwa: Being in the snow for the first time was such an experience. I was like a little kid who is impressed by something he always thought it was a myth. Another interesting thing is the time difference between here and home. I remember back in school we were told that when we have the sunlight in South Africa, other places in the world are dark. So this one time I video called my grandmother and it was crack of dawn for her. The disbelief in her face when I showed her that I must still go to bed was priceless!

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Lwando: Cultural exchange means people coming together to promote mutual understanding about the place or places they came from. It helps many people learn about other countries and how people live in other places. It also helps build relationships between countries so that we can all know how to work together and make this world a better place.

Odwa: Cultural exchange means being exposed to things that you’re not used to. It means you’re going to find out things you didn’t know about yourself, because you act differently when you’re not in your natural habitat.

What advice can you offer future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

Lwando: I would tell a future exchange visitor that they should never hold themselves back from experiencing all the fun things the US has to offer. They should be nice to people because that’s how you make many friends, and they should always live in the moment while they’re here because these kinds of experiences only come once in a lifetime.

Odwa: Future exchange students should prepare themselves for lots of different American sub-cultures and should be curious enough to learn more about them.

Keep up with Lwando and Odwa by following them on Instagram @iam_lwando22_ and @odwamakanda.

Taking a Leap of Faith with Megan Shave

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While pursuing her law degree, Megan Shave decided to take a huge leap of faith and apply for an internship with Chain Camera Pictures. The production company behind the film The Hunting Ground, Chain Camera Pictures had inspired Megan to write her thesis on how social media can be a catalyst for change in legal culture. She had no idea that this bold leap would lead to the opportunity to work alongside the people she admired on social justice issues that she is passionate about. The fact that she was in Los Angeles, the center of the film and entertainment industry, was just a bonus!

Fast forward four months and Megan is now returning to her home country of South Africa with a newfound confidence for her own potential and a new career path. We caught up with Megan to hear about her internship, her experience living in Los Angeles, and the self-growth she experienced during her exchange program.

Why did you choose Chain Camera Pictures for a J-1 internship?

While pursuing my law degree, I chose to do my thesis on how social media could be a catalyst for change in legal culture and how it dealt with rape culture, especially at universities. This paper was inspired by one of Chain Camera Pictures’ films The Hunting Ground, which I watched in class. I realized that law was not right for me at that moment, so I took a chance and asked if I could participate in Chain Camera Picture’s internship program. I had no idea what to expect when I applied because I was still very focused from my legal education background. I was from the other side of the world, and I did not know nearly enough about film (or so I thought) to be a productive member of their team. Yet they took me on!
I do not think I chose Chain Camera Pictures because I would never have the arrogance to think I would be capable of choosing a company as brave, brilliant, and creative as Chain Camera Pictures. Rather, I believe that Chain Camera Pictures chose me to be a small part of their incredible journey. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a team of the most talented, hardworking, dedicated, and inspirational people I have had the pleasure of meeting. Everyday has presented an unbelievable chance to learn, grow, and discover something new about myself, America, or film in general.

What was your favorite part of your internship at Chain Camera Pictures?

To narrow it down to one moment would be impossible. Every activity, no matter how small at the time, has let me grow and develop my skills as a researcher and allowed me to learn an industry I hope to continue working in when I return home. I participated in a phone campaign with [former Vice President] Joe Biden, which was amazing and exceptionally surreal. I was also able to go on set and learn the entire post-production process of a film. My colleagues and I have lunch together every day, which has allowed me to forge really special relationships with all of them. They let me choose research topics and invited me to interesting cultural events to make sure I was getting the most out of my time in Los Angeles.  All of these isolated moments have created the most unbelievable time for me, and I could not thank Chain Camera Pictures enough for having me.

What has it been like living in Los Angeles?

I have experienced a plethora of cultural activities, from attending the tapings of The Late Late Show with James Corden, to attending a live production of Willy Wonka at the Hollywood Bowl to soaking up the awesome theatre and food scene in Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to go to The Museum of Ice Cream, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and other incredible pop-up exhibitions that exposed me to new artists and encouraged me to diversify my taste in art. Walking around Los Angeles is a cultural experience, with people from all over the world all living and creating in the city, you really are immersed in a cultural melting pot when you live Los Angeles. This has been an incredible place to live and work, and I will forever love the world of art and culture that of Los Angeles created for me.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

This exchange has meant that I can return to a country that is brimming with potential full of my own potential. I now have the most unbelievable skill set, tastes, preferences and ideas that were given to me from cultural exchange. My previously held beliefs have been expanded, eviscerated, and tested, and I could not thank America enough for that. It has meant that I can grow while also witnessing firsthand how I can help my own country grow. I have been able to educate people about South Africa and what an amazing place it is, while experiencing the unique realities of living in the United States. I have been able to encounter cultures that were previously foreign to me and which I now embrace. Cultural exchange means being extremely far away from all that I know and yet feeling totally at home from the very first moment. It has meant being brave and bold when I was apprehensive and nervous. It has meant being happy and excited while embracing people and experiences that are now so engrained in my future yet absolutely absent from my past.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States?

Enjoy, savor, and relish. Those three words have taken on a whole new meaning to me since doing this exchange. Enjoy everything, even the boring or uninteresting moments, because they will be the moments that teach you about yourself, test your patience, and make you grow. Savor every smell, sight, and taste. There is so much diversity in America, and the people, places and things you will encounter are indescribable. You will never experience anything like it again, so make sure you take it all on and embrace every curveball thrown your way. Relish every moment. I cannot fathom how quickly this experience has flown by, and I would not change a thing. Every mistake or choice that I have made has resulted in me meeting new people that will be friends for life, tasting foods that I will crave forever, and teaching me to grow in ways I did not think I needed. So throw away your preconceived notions of America and allow yourself to get caught up in the clichés. After all, you are there to exchange cultures with a completely foreign world, so make sure you embrace that. Do not hesitate to speak up and pursue opportunities that cross your path because they will not come around again, so pursue them and be proud of yourself for taking such a leap.

To read more from Megan, connect with her on Twitter!

A Bibliophile’s Guide to the Book Business

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Enobong Essien always knew that she wanted to share her love of stories with others. Growing up, she surrounded herself with books and eagerly read whatever she could get her hands on. Her passion for reading led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, writing in her spare time for her blog, Coconut Confessions.

For the past three months, Enobong has been interning with Booklist, the American Library Association’s review journal for public and school librarians. Booklist reviews over 8000 books each year to help librarians select books, develop their collections, and advise readers. As an intern, Enobong has received a crash course in magazine publishing and an overview of the American publishing world. She’s also had the opportunity to review books for the Booklist blog.

We caught up with Enobong to hear more about her internship experience and her must-dos in Chicago!

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

My J-1 experience has taught me a lot about adapting to a new workplace and making new relationships. Career-wise, I know now that I definitely want to enter into publishing, and I feel like I have a better idea about how to enter into the industry. It has opened my eyes to see that there are people as passionate about books and publishing as I am.

What was your favorite memory from your exchange experience?

My favourite memory is actually doing the mail with the other intern here. I had no idea just how many books are published every day and the range in qualities. I do wonder how there is a market for some of the books we open in the mail. My other favourite thing has been writing reviews. I love to read anyway, but it’s nice to add another purpose to reading for leisure.

What was your favorite thing to do in Chicago?

My favourite cultural activity was going to the downtown lighting ceremony and parade. The parade was unlike anything we have in England. I’ve also enjoyed attending live sports games, I’ve seen a football and a hockey game. But I love how metropolitan Chicago is and how vast the music scene and varied the arts and museum scene is. I spent a lot of my free time attending live music events and exploring art galleries and museums. Chicago also has some spectacular architecture, and in October, they had an open house, opening up otherwise private buildings to the public. I was allowed into City Hall and saw the inside of some amazing buildings. Plus, I got to see Hamilton, which was outstanding!

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States? 

The advice I would give is to dive fully into all opportunities available to you. Americans are very friendly people, and it’s easy to make friends, which I would highly encourage.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

Cultural exchange means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing fully the new culture that you are a part of. It means taking risks and trying new things.

To read more from Enobong, check out her blog, connect with her on Twitter, or follow her on Instagram!

Finding New Meanings in American History and Culture

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In her doctoral research at the University of Hull, aspiring curator Elizabeth (Lizzie) Rogers has typically focused on researching the collections amassed by women in the eighteenth century England. But this past summer, Lizzie had the opportunity to expand her understanding of collections by interning at Stratford Hall, a historic American house museum in Virginia. During her internship at Stratford Hall, Lizzie worked extensively on the Margaret Law collection, researching its origins, re-cataloguing it through object research and photography, and creating an online exhibition that included pieces from the collection.

Beyond her research, the location of Lizzie’s internship gave her a unique insight into how collections and historic homes are preserved in the United States, an often contentious topic as the U.S. reflects on the figures and practices of its history. Stratford Hall was the home of the Lee family of Virginia and the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Interning at Stratford Hall led Lizzie to consider how American history and the diversity of the American people intersect, as well as the debates surrounding the presentation of historical culture. “[Museums] have such an important role to play in considering how things should be preserved and how messages perpetuated by monuments and places change over time,” she explains.

We caught up with Elizabeth to hear more about her experience at Stratford Hall and how her internship inspired her new career path as a curator.

What impact has your exchange experience had on your life and your career?

Being able to undertake a curatorial internship in the U.S. has had a big impact on my life and future career aspirations. It gave me the chance to travel and explore new places, which, as I was on my own and meeting people for the first time, really built my confidence and also taught me how much I enjoy it. I realised very quickly I want to work towards a career in curatorship and public history – being able to be so hands on with historic objects was so interesting, and I was able to gain experience in putting together exhibitions both in physical spaces and online. The way history is communicated to the public and the opportunities made available for public engagement are so important, and gaining experience in these areas at Stratford has helped me to focus my career goals.

What was your favorite memory from your exchange experience?

My exchange program is certainly one I will never forget – I had such a great time that it is difficult pick one favourite memory! I loved helping to put together an exhibition on the Stuart family at Stratford Hall – it was really fun helping to get the space ready and getting the objects in place, including dressing a mannequin with a dress from the early 1900s. I loved visiting Jamestown – I have always wanted to visit, so was really excited when I found out I was spending ten weeks in Virginia and knew I had to go. In the end, I went twice, which was so fun! I should also probably mention the weather – I think I only experienced about a week’s worth of rain in the whole time I was there, which was so nice for someone who is used to British summertime! It was also amazing to spend time visiting the museums and galleries in Washington, DC, Boston, and New York when I finished – as well as trying all the food and drinks. My new favourite place is Georgetown Cupcake, so I’m really sad we don’t have one in the UK!

What was your favorite thing to do in Stratford?

I was lucky enough that my internship covered Stratford Hall’s Wine and Oyster Festival, which was held in mid-September. It was such a great weekend trying local food and wine, alongside perusing the stalls from local artisans and listening to local musicians play.

What advice can you offer to future exchange visitors coming to the United States? 

I think my biggest piece of advice would definitely be to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to you. I wanted to make sure I tried lots of new things, from foods to going to my first ever baseball game (which was great fun – I would definitely go again!), as well as trying to visit as many places as possible.

What does cultural exchange mean to you?

I think cultural exchange means the chance to surround yourself with new people and learn from them and their experiences, as well as taking in the history, culture, and heritage of the place you are staying in. I think it also means the chance to share things from your own culture, discuss how things are different or similar and learn from each other. It is so important to ask questions of the friends you make, learn where you can and enjoy immersing yourself in a different place.

 

To read more from Lizzie, check out her blog, connect with her on Twitter, or follow her on Instagram!