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Rachel, Director and Chief Curator at Institute of the Arts and Sciences, UC Santa Cruz: Advize Career Interview
A career shift spurred by Hurricane Katrina led to a path combining art, politics, and social change.
The Director and Chief Curator's journey highlights the importance of adaptability and collaboration, skills crucial for overseeing exhibitions, programs, and events focused on critical issues.
A PhD in visual studies provided a foundation, but success also hinges on strong soft skills and a passion for working with artists and students.
The fast-paced environment and numerous responsibilities present a constant challenge, yet the opportunity to explore art as a means of teaching and learning, coupled with a commitment to inclusivity and equity, make this multifaceted role deeply rewarding.
Advice for aspiring professionals includes embracing flexibility, actively engaging with art, and considering the impact on diverse individuals.
The interviewee's unique background demonstrates the power of seizing every opportunity, leading to a fulfilling career in the arts.
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Rachel Nelson
Director and Chief Curator
Institute of the Arts and Sciences, UC Santa Cruz
Stetson University, 2010
PHD, UCSC Visual Studies
Classics, Spanish Literature
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path of a Director and Chief Curator at UC Santa Cruz
Rachel's career path was unexpectedly shaped by Hurricane Katrina, shifting their focus from literature to the intersection of art, politics, and social change after witnessing "the way that the arts were impacting and affecting the ways in which the recovery" from the devastation. This led to a graduate degree in visual culture and art politics, along with early curatorial work, ultimately culminating in their current role as Director and Chief Curator.
Main Responsibilities of a Director and Chief Curator at UC Santa Cruz Arts and Sciences Institute
As Director and Chief Curator at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences, Rachel oversees all operations, including exhibitions, programs, and events, "deciding what programs we're gonna be doing" and working with others to create programming focused on critical issues like "incarceration, climate change." The role involves managing staff and ensuring the smooth execution of interdisciplinary initiatives.
Most Important Skills for a Director and Chief Curator at UC Santa Cruz Arts and Sciences
As Director and Chief Curator of the Institute of the Arts and Sciences, Rachel oversees all operations, including exhibitions, programs, and events tackling "critical issues of our times" like incarceration and climate change. This involves "deciding what programs we're gonna be doing," collaborating on exhibition development, and managing staff responsible for logistics and installations.
Favorite Parts of Being a Director and Chief Curator at UC Santa Cruz
A PhD in visual studies provides a strong foundation, but success as a Director and Chief Curator requires a blend of deep subject matter expertise ("the study of visual culture and the arts") and crucial soft skills. The ability to "roll with changing environments" while maintaining a strong collaborative spirit and meticulous attention to detail, from "the big picture" to the smallest steps, are key to navigating the complexities of the role.
Life As A Director And Chief Curator At Institute Of The Arts And Sciences UC Santa Cruz
Rachel, Director and Chief Curator at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences, UC Santa Cruz, thrives on the multifaceted nature of her role, citing a deep enjoyment in "working with artists and students," and the unique opportunity to explore "art as a way of teaching and learning" through both public-facing projects and intimate classroom instruction.
Challenges Of Working In Arts Industry As A Director And Chief Curator
Rachel's biggest challenge as Director and Chief Curator is the extremely fast-paced environment and numerous responsibilities resulting from a recent transition to a new facility, requiring "figuring out how to accomplish everything" and effective delegation. This significant increase in workload presents a "good challenge," highlighting the dynamic nature of their career.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Arts Industry, According to a Director and Chief Curator at UC Santa Cruz
Rachel, Director and Chief Curator at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences, UC Santa Cruz, finds the most rewarding aspect of her career to be the "constant challenge of working with artists," whose innovative ideas "push what you think and how you understand the world." This is further enriched by the university setting, allowing for daily learning through collaboration with diverse faculty and students.
What a Director and Chief Curator at Institute of the Arts and Sciences UC Santa Cruz Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Arts Industry
Rachel, a Director and Chief Curator, highlights the importance of creativity, flexibility, and passion for the arts in thriving within the arts industry. The successful professionals in this field enjoy "being able to change paces quickly," "problem solve," and "working with lots of different people," demonstrating adaptability and a collaborative spirit are key attributes.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Directors and Chief Curators at UC Santa Cruz
Rachel, a Director and Chief Curator, advises aspiring professionals to embrace a flexible approach, stating that "if you can imagine doing something, you probably could figure out how to do it." This unconventional perspective highlights the creative freedom within the arts, allowing for the invention of "entirely other things," rather than adhering strictly to established industry norms.
Significant Career Lesson From A Director And Chief Curator At UC Santa Cruz
Rachel, a Director and Chief Curator, highlights paid and unpaid internships at institutions like her own as entry-level opportunities in the arts. Beyond formal positions, Rachel emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with art—"go to museums, go to galleries"—to develop a strong understanding of the field's broader context.
College Experiences That Helped a Director and Chief Curator at UC Santa Cruz Succeed
Rachel's most significant career lesson centers on "caring about how other people feel and approach things," specifically considering the diverse individuals impacted by their work within the historically homogenous arts field. This awareness has driven a commitment to actively change existing power dynamics and to take responsibility for shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.
How Identity Has Influenced A Director And Chief Curator At UC Santa Cruz's Career
Rachel's undergraduate success stemmed from treating "every class and every opportunity...as something that was a real viable opportunity," actively pursuing research grants and funding to maximize learning within four years. This proactive approach, viewing undergraduate education as a crucial element of career development, allowed for significant knowledge acquisition and experience before entering the professional world as Director and Chief Curator.
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