The New Brunswick Arts Board is an arm’s length arts funding agency with a legislated mandate to facilitate and promote the creation of art as well as administering funding programs for professional artists in the province.
It’s hard to believe that my time as an intern with artsnb has already come to an end. What a joy it has been to spend the past three months working with such a wonderful team. Although I am certainly looking forward to starting classes again this fall, I am sad to be leaving this positive, inviting work environment that I have enjoyed all summer.
One of the highlights of my time at artsnb was having the chance to attend the 2016 Petapan Indigenous Arts Symposium in Dieppe back in June. Before the weekend of the symposium I had never actually heard of Petapan, so I had no idea what to expect. But it wasn’t long before all of the participants made me feel very welcome, and we all had a fantastic time together as we participated in workshops, listened to speakers and performers, and admired the many artistic creations people had brought with them. Attending Petapan introduced me to a whole new world of Indigenous art that I had never really been exposed to before; it was also an excellent opportunity to meet artists and arts representatives from across Canada, as well as to bond with my new co-workers. There’s no question, Petapan was definitely the best way to start the summer!
Working in public relations, a big part of my job at artsnb has been researching various festivals and artistic events that we can share on our social media platforms. This has truly opened my eyes to just how much there is to do in New Brunswick over the summer – for such a small province, we certainly know how to celebrate the arts! Through my PR position I have learned about the many musicians, painters, writers, illustrators, filmmakers, artisans, poets, dancers, sculptors, actors, designers, and other creators who enrich our province in so many ways, sharing their talents and passion as they make New Brunswick an even better place to call home. What an awesome arts community to belong to!
From my very first day at artsnb, I have felt incredibly welcome by the rest of the team. As I biked or drove in to work each day, I always had a smile knowing I would be surrounded by colleagues who were passionate about helping New Brunswick artists and who loved to laugh and have fun. As new tasks and challenges came my way throughout the course of my summer at artsnb, I began to notice that I was developing professionally. I have also developed personally, gaining a new sense of confidence as I embraced new opportunities. But most importantly to me, I have developed such strong relationships that I know will last well beyond my last day at the office. And so I want to say a huge thank you to Joss, Tilly, Greg, Mariah, Monica, Akou, Gary, Jeff, Natalie, and all the others who have made this summer so memorable for me – what a privilege it has been to spend it with each and every one of you.
All my best,
Alex
