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STUDENT INTERNS AT THE PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION
A major project of the Trust is to sponsor the participation of UK students in the renowned internship programme of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice. In 2009 the Trust sponsored 12 students from the United Kingdom who came from a diverse range of backgrounds. The internship programme delivers vital inspiration to young people as they start out on their careers in the art world and makes a lasting impact on their career development. Please do have a look at the remarks from students who have been on this programme over the past years.
Ruth Burgon
Intern: October-December 2009
Having lived and studied in Venice for almost three months a year before starting this internship, I have been amazed at how different the city feels through a ‘Guggenheim lens’. The museum really is one of the most refreshing places in Venice and it has been a privilege to work here, not only because of the wonderful collection, garden and location, but also because of the people. Meeting and working with such an internationally diverse team of interns has made the world at the same time both smaller and larger; smaller in the sense of getting to know people from across the globe; larger in the sense of my awareness of other countries and cultures and the opportunities they hold. It has given me the gumption to look beyond the UK. The internship program is constantly improving and developing to give the interns more and more opportunities to get involved in every aspect of the day to day functioning of the museum as well as benefiting from seminars, trips and lectures. I have been pleasantly surprised at the study focus of the program; in preparing for talks and tours I feel I have had a crash course in Modern Art, building on prior knowledge, which will no doubt stand me in good stead for the future, as indeed the whole experience will.
Olivia Pilc
Intern: Novembre-December 2009
When I found out that I had the opportunity to work at the Guggenheim I had extremely high expectations and I can honestly say that they have been completely fulfilled. Interning at the Guggenheim has given me the chance to experience the responsibilities and expectations of a world renowned museum from a real insider’s perspective. I have had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people from the other interns to the director of the museum and all of them have been fascinating and so welcoming. If you have the opportunity to apply for this internship I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Fiona Henderson
Intern: September-November 2009
Being an intern at the PGC has been a brilliant experience for me in so many different ways. For anyone interested in pursuing a career in the art world, it is an incredible opportunity to learn about the inner-workings of a museum. From the day-to-day work of guarding galleries and selling tickets, to working alongside museum professionals in the various different departments, you play a part in all aspects of running a museum, from the bottom to the top! Moreover, you get to know a really amazing collection of artworks. I constantly find myself referring to ‘our Picassos’ or ‘our Brancusi’s, because you can’t help but develop a personal attachment to the collection. I particularly enjoyed giving talks on individual artworks and on Peggy’s life, which not only allowed me to develop my public speaking skills but also brought me into contact with new and interesting people everyday. It was so rewarding to feel that one was helping people to look at the artworks with fresh eyes and a greater appreciation. Aside from this, being an intern is like joining a giant family of young art-lovers, and through our seminars and general day to day discussions, I feel I have learnt so much and made some lifelong friends! And finally, on top of all this, the internship gives one the chance to live in Venice and really get to know this incredible, beautiful city. In short, what’s not to like?
Rebecca Lewin
Intern August 2008
This has been a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience for me. It has given me great insights into the day-to-day requirements of running a museum from the point of view of the staff, whilst providing frequent opportunities to interact with the public. In particular the talks that we are required to give, on Peggy’s life, on the temporary exhibition and on a piece of our choice from the permanent collection have served as an excellent reminder to me why I began to study art history in the first place—the conviction that art has the power to interest, excite and move people. Beyond all of this, however, the internship program has been brilliant; organized visits, seminars and above all the memory of the camaraderie that has come from being part of a team with so many shared interests will stay with me much longer than the all-too-brief month I spent here.
Eleanor Beth Earl
Intern July-August 2008
From start to finish, my two months at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection have been a truly rewarding and enriching experience. What makes this program unique is that you have the opportunity to work in many different departments, in a variety of roles—and through this you get a real understanding of what it takes to make a museum function. I have particularly enjoyed having the chance to speak many different languages every day, with both visitors and interns—who come from all corners of the world—which has really opened my eyes to a wide range of cultures. Having studied Classics, and not History of Art, at university, I had been apprehensive before I arrived about the steep learning curve I would have to climb to work in a museum of Modern Art. However the seminar program, impressive research library and the help of the staff and my fellow students ensured that within just a few weeks I was able to confidently deliver talks, seminars and guided tours to large groups of people—and to enjoy it, too! Being able to pass on my newfound knowledge to our enthusiastic visitors has been a real highpoint of my time here. Most of all, the wonderful people I've met and worked with during my internship made me happy to come into work every day. It's been a pleasure and a privilege, and I'd encourage anyone interested in a career in museums and galleries to apply.
Jessica Hamblett
Intern February-April 2008
I spent three months at the Peggy Guggenheim collection in Venice, from January to May 2008. The daily tasks consisted of front of house jobs such as selling tickets, keeping coats, guarding galleries, cleaning, and carrying posters. After a few weeks I began to work with the registrar department on the administration of a private donation and the re-installation of works to the gallery. By the end of three months I was working with the chief conservator on his biennial sculpture restoration and re-shuffle of his storage. Meanwhile I had perfected public speaking in regular talks to the public about works in the collection and Peggy Guggenheim’s life, and was working as a tour guide to visiting groups. Every week seminars were given by fellow interns, presenting a wealth of fascinating information on various subjects. Talks from the Director of the Museum were complemented by museum visits and artists’ talks. And in the meantime I had the opportunity to spend time and become familiar with one of the most special collections of Modern art. I encountered at every step helpful and passionate staff. I also learned some Italian. The internship program at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection offered the opportunity to expand and develop various skills. It also provided an opportunity to meet inspirational and international people, and to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
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