Samantha Benson — Master of Science in Arts Administration '12

"I chose the Arts Administration program at Boston University because it allows me to work in the field while attending school. As a result, I am able to apply what I learn in the classroom to challenges I face at work – in the same week! The City of Boston was also an important factor in my decision. The art scene is so vibrant and active, there is no shortage of opportunities. My most important experience outside of the classroom is the relationships I've built with the help of the Arts Administration Student Association (AASA). Social gatherings, arts outings, comprehensive workshops on how to improve our careers -- the experiences AASA facilitates are invaluable. I look forward to the remainder of the program knowing that Boston University has already enabled me to build a strong personal network of arts professionals."

 

 

 

Jennifer Simmons — Master of Science in Arts Administration '12

"Being involved with the arts for most of my life, I attended New York University and graduated with a BA in Art History and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. After graduation, I stayed in New York for several years working in branding, advertising, finance, and fashion. Though I found the pace invigorating, I wanted to connect more with my part and cultivate a different network of people who shared my love of the arts. The Arts Administration program at Boston University gave me this opportunity and gave me the ability to establish strong relationships in the field. At BU, I was able to focus my studies and coursework to support my specific interest in the for profit visual arts. Thanks to my newly acquired skills, I obtained an internship and was consequently offered a permanent position with g a macura inc., the art adviser and curator for GE’s Corporate Collection."

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Coley — Master of Science in Arts Administration '12

"Before I began the Arts Administration program, I worked at the Massachusetts State House for two years. While I soon realized politics was not for me, I also learned you do not have to be on stage, either as a performer or a senator, to be part of something larger than yourself. As I had played jazz piano and dabbled in painting for years, I recognized that I wanted to work behind the scenes in the art world. The BU program immediately opened my eyes to an enormous array of possibilities. My first class was The Art World, and I knew from the first day that I had made the best decision of my life. Professor Ranalli taught me how to follow my passion and made a career in the arts a possibility. The faculty is very connected with the surrounding arts organizations. They helped me find internships in several museums which enabled me to land my current position in an art gallery."

Signe Swenson — Master of Science in Arts Administration '11

"Graduating from Carleton College with a degree in Studio Art, I knew I had a passion for art and the drive to succeed, but something was still missing.  I thought studying Arts Administration at Boston University would provide some answers.  Through my classes, I have acquired a nuanced perspective about the inner workings of the art world and the practical skills required to manage an arts organization.  Factoring in BU’s international reputation, the ability to pursue the program full-time or part-time, and the reasonable overall cost, I knew I had found the missing piece."

Steve Desrosiers — Master of Science in Arts Administration '11

"The Arts Administration program provided me the means to combine my interests in non-profit administration with a lifelong passion for the performing arts. ... the program's flexibility enabled me to juggle school, work, and tours with several local and international world music bands. As an active performer/session player who shares responsibility for managing a band, I was particularly thankful for the Legal Issues in Arts Administration course. What I learned helped my band to effectively negotiate our first overseas distribution deal. I love to Google our band's name, Nomads, and see the results of utilizing principles I learned in the Marketing and Audience Development course."

Ines Hildalgo — Master of Science in Arts Administration '11

"As an international student, I found that attending BU’s Arts Administration program was just the experience I was looking for: a strong program that teaches American management techniques along with the belief that the arts can strengthen communities. In my current position as Head of Cultural Affairs at TAI School of Film and Performing Arts in Spain, I work on developing collaboration agreements with professional art associations, cultural institutions, colleges and universities, as well as facilitating student participation with foundations and festivals. My experiences as a student at BU and as an arts administrator in Spain have led me to believe that now, more than ever, arts administrators in Europe and America need to learn from each other."

 

 

 

Annie Houston— Master of Science in Arts Administration '11

"Having completedmy undergraduate degree in French and Italian at the University of Vermont, I spent two years teaching English in Italy and France immersing myself in the European art scene. When I returned, I had set some goals: I wanted to examine how arts organizations function, pay my bills while going to school, and apply the knowledge acquired at Boston University to my career in real time. What I got was so much more. My time in the program was replete with endless networking and volunteer opportunities, as well as classes that focused on both theory and skill development. This helped me thrive as General Manager of the Boston Camerata while in school, and in my new position at the Massachusetts Cultural Council working with community-based funding initiatives."

 

 

 

 

Abi Rollins — Master of Science in Arts Administration '10

"One of the many strengths of BU's program is its tight-knit community of students, faculty, and alumni. Whether applying for a job, an internship, or conducting research for a class project, this comprehensive network gives you easy access to people who want to support students during their course of study and beyond. In my current position as General Manager of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, I routinely find myself tapping into this network. Whether I'm looking for interns with the know-how to keep up with our fast-paced office or reaching out to former professors for insight on a challenging situation, I know I can always turn to the Arts Admin Program at BU to find the support I need."

 

 

 

 

Erik Johnson — Master of Science in Arts Administration '10

"The strength of Boston University's Arts Administration Program is derived from the combination of a comprehensive curriculum and the vibrant arts community of Boston. With an undergraduate degree in music business from the University of Saint Thomas (MN) and a background in classical music, I knew the ability to learn and work in the field simultaneously was crucial to gaining a complete understanding of the industry. For anyone serious about a career in the arts, those two elements are inseparable."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chiara Marsoner — Master of Science in Arts Administration '09

"I entered the Arts Administration program at BU after working for several years in Spain and Belgium for an international music organization. Coming from a business background and holding a conservatory diploma in classical guitar, this program suited my desire to combine the art and business worlds. The program provided me with a deep understanding of the art world and gave me all the tools to successfully work in the non-profit fine arts world. I especially enjoyed connecting with my classmates and professors, meeting influential personalities in the field, and building a strong network of professional relationships. As an Italian, I particularly valued expanding my knowledge of fundraising theory and practice – though earning the Graduate Certificate in Fundraising Management - and learning the latest arts marketing techniques. The open nature of this program allows international students to learn and challenge themselves daily in a stimulating educational and professional environment. And finally, this program enabled me to achieve the next step in my professional career: I am the Audience Development and Marketing Communications Specialist at the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) and Communications and Events Editor for the Consulate General of Italy in Boston."

 

 

 

 

Caroline Parker — Master of Science in Arts Administration '09

"One outstanding feature of the BU Arts Administration program is the study abroad component. As the art world has no borders, it is important for arts administrators to consider and understand our international cultural partners. The seminar-style course in Barcelona introduced me to cultural policy, cultural tourism, organizational structures and program models in Europe and beyond. The line-up of speakers was most impressive. This course has broadened my understanding of the art world and has prepared me to collaborate with arts organizations outside of the United States."

Hayoung Jeong — Master of Science in Arts Administration '09

"I believe the Arts in Barcelona course is one of the best courses I have ever taken in my life. As arts administration students, we had been able to meet the best lecturers and professionals in the arts in Barcelona. They gave us good insights of the arts administration system in Barcelona, and were very honest about their thoughts and feelings towards their own system. They were also very eager to listen to what we thought of the art world in the United States, and this made me think critically of what we learned through the program. Now, having studied arts administration of the United States and Europe, I feel very confident in being able to provide the best for any arts related career I will have after graduating."

Dia Karakantas — Master of Science in Arts Administration '09

“The Comparative Cultural Policy and Administration class was great  because it gave us a chance to learn about how the arts are handled in other countries, not just England. It was amazing to meet so many interesting people who opened my eyes to topics I hadn't thought about before. I had never been to London, and having the chance to see the British Museum was one of the best  experiences of my life. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to go to other countries while in graduate school. It’s typically something you think only undergraduate students can do.  Overall, it was a fabulous experience.”

 

Sandra Bower — Master of Science in Arts Administration '08

"I applied to the Arts Administration program because I wanted to combine my commitment to public service with my passion for the arts. I have been a practicing lawyer for many years, but I am also a musician, songwriter, and performer. For the past few years, I have been on the board of Speakeasy Stage Company, the Pavilion Resident Theater for the Boston Center for the Arts. My board experience has helped me realize first-hand the many challenges facing a performing arts organization. I am confident that the Arts Administration program will help me be a better board member and arts advocate along with providing opportunities for me to use my legal and writing skills in a more creative environment."

Jinghua Chen — Master of Science in Arts Administration '08

"I decided to attend the Arts Administration program at Boston University because of the knowledgeable faculty and professionals, and the thrilling cultural atmosphere of the city. The comprehensive curriculum and internship opportunities enable me to utilize my education to gain real-world experience. As an international student from China, I envision myself practicing arts administration from a global perspective and engaging in cross-cultural communication. The international study courses are a unique opportunity to explore different styles of arts administration, giving me a competitive advantage in the job market."

Alberto Perez — Master of Science in Arts Administration '08

"During my music composition studies in my home country, Venezuela, I conducted a professional choir, produced concerts, and collaborated with diverse ensembles. After transferring to Florida, I co-founded the Latin American Center for New Music, a non-profit organization supporting academic composers and musicians in Latin America. Today, I consider myself fortunate to experience the Arts Administration program and to reside in one of the top intellectual and cultural cities in the world. The program combines an artist-centric, mission-driven philosophy with practical instruction from specialists in the field. This approach will pay dividends in my future endeavors."

Emily Yoder — Master of Science in Arts Administration '08

"When considering where I wanted to do my graduate studies, one aspect of the program at Boston University that really stood out was the opportunity to take courses while working full-time in the field. Not only have I been able to apply what we are studying in class to my job at the Handel and Haydn Society, I have also benefited from my classmates' work experiences. Our in-class discussions are engaging and relevant to working arts administrators. I have a more comprehensive understanding of the Boston arts scene because the students are engaged in it every day."

 

Heather Berlowitz — Master of Science in Arts Administration '08

"At Boston University, I feel at home within a community of diverse and accomplished peers who share my enthusiasm for arts administration. I appreciate the opportunity to gain new perspectives that enrich my understanding of the art world. I value the relationships I have developed with my professors and their ability to mentor me in my career. Juggling full-time work and graduate school can be a formidable challenge, but the confidence I have acquired in my accelerated professional growth definitely makes it worth the effort!"

 

Anna Justice— Master of Science in Arts Administration '07

" Having graduated from the Arts Administration program at Boston University, I had the necessary confidence to obtain my dream job as the Development Officer for the College of Music and Fine Arts at Loyola University in New Orleans. Building on my foundation as a trumpet performance major at the University of North Carolina, the Arts Administration program equipped me with the business skills and art world knowledge I needed to be successful. I was never going to be the next Wynton Marsalis or Phil Smith, but I now have the ability to assist someone who has that potential, therefore, I am truly appreciative of the unique learning experience I obtained in Boston."

 

 

 

Guillem D'efak Fullana-Ferre — Master of Science in Arts Administration '06

"After working in arts administration in Europe, I came to the United States to learn a different way to manage culture. Boston University gave me exactly what I wanted:an established, diverse academic program offered in a flexible format. I did my required internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York where I was received an extensive, practical, hands-on training that complemented the theory I learned in class. Back in Barcelona,I own and manage a successfulcultural tourism business and a publishinghouse. This undoubtedly happened because of the knowledge and skills I acquired at Boston University. Without a doubt, coming to Boston University was the best decision I could have made".

Emily Day — Master of Science in Arts Administration '05

"I chose the Arts Administration program because it allowed me to work full-time and simultaneously pursue a graduate degree. I had little idea of what I wanted to do in the arts when I entered the program, but it felt like a good way to honor my love of art while gaining practical business skills. The classes were relevant and inspiring. In 2010, I accepted the position of Executive Director of Alumni Relations at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). The Arts Administration program faculty and my fellow students provided me with the skills necessary to be an active, informed, and educated participant in the non-profit visual arts world. I know for a fact that the degree helped me secure my first job in the arts as well as my current position at MassArt."

 

 

 

 

Claudia Nunes de Castro — Master of Science in Arts Administration '04

"I first became interested in Arts Administration while attending music festivals in Brazil (my home country), Germany and England. After completing a Master's degree in Music Performance in New York, I decided to change careers and focus on Arts Administration. I chose Boston University because it offered the two things I needed most at that point in my life: a formal education and the opportunity for practical training. This turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life! The program taught me how to manage an arts organization and piqued my interest in cultural policy. The faculty has been encouraging and supportive — so much that I have been accepted into a doctoral program in public policy to further explore my passion for cultural policy."