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Andrew Bryant at Tate Media
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, ‘Artists talking Online Editor Andrew Bryant in his Studio.’.
Internships can prove to be a good way ‘into’ an organisation, as Andrew Bryant is discovering, even if it means planning well ahead financially and preparing well beforehand.
Andrew is undertaking an internship with Tate Media, based at Tate Britain. Tate Media produces Tate Etc Magazine, TateShots, and the Tate website.
During his internship Andrew’s specific role is to assist the Online Exhibitions Editor, Kirstie Beavan. His job is mainly to work on content for the Turner Prize microsite, and to develop a specific section of it called Debate. He is also developing content for the Ben Nicholson microsite to coincide with the up-coming show at Tate St. Ives.
Andrew is 2 months into the 3 month long internship, and is due to end in December.
What’s it for?
Taking on the internship for me was all about gaining experience of working with a large organisation such as Tate, and making contacts within it. I had specifically decided to take some time out from my full time teaching work, and applied for this internship.
Best bits?
A trip to St Ives to meet one of the curators. We’re making an interactive guide of Tate St. Ives for the website and we went to St. Ives to look at locations. We also found the grave of Alfred Wallis.
I’ve also made lots of contacts, and can add the internship to my CV – internships at Tate are quite competitive and difficult to get, so this will look good to potential employers. I’ve actively made contact with people from all different departments at Tate.
Challenges?
The internship has been a challenge in itself, partly because it’s a new job and the feeling that brings and getting used to the working environment.
The job is a steep learning curve, and having not done very much video editing before, I’m now coordinating interviews and working with technical crew and new editing software. I’ve had to learn new skills very quickly under the pressure of deadlines.
Managing the workload has been a challenge, I’m working on the internship two days a week, sometimes three. It’s hard to hit the ground running every week.
It’s hard work. There’s nothing casual about it – the Tate is a serious place.
Is it paid?
No – the Tate covers travel and expenses.
I have a lodger and other part time work, and occasional supply teaching as and when I need to.
I planned in some time for my practice after working full time in teaching, and I’ve built up some savings to allow time for this development.
Has it paid off?
It has opened doors - it’s put me in the right place for things to happen.
I’ve already met an independent curator and we hope to be working on an exhibition together in the future.
What would you pass on to artists and employers?
Tate accommodated me really well, I have been treated as an equal, as part of the staff, rather than a lowly intern.
As an artist, if you get a chance to work with a big organisation such as Tate, do it.
But make the most of it while you are there – learn new skills, get involved as much as you can and network like a whore.
Links:Turner Prize Debate »
Following his internship, Andrew has now become a fully paid freelance editor for Tate.
Are you undertaking an internship or residency or professional development programme? Or are you an organisation managing a similar programme? Have a story to tell? Let us know.
Kate Gilman Brundrett, Andrew Bryant
First published: a-n.co.uk November 2008
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