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.
Arts Administration, Curatorial Practice, Social Impact, Leadership in the Arts, Cultural Equity
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
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Traits
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, Education
Creative
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Empathy and considering diverse perspectives are crucial for success.
2. Actively seeking to understand and address systemic biases is essential.
3. Taking initiative and responsibility for creating positive change is vital.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I think caring about how other people feel and approach things, and spending a lot of time thinking about all the different people who could be impacted by what I do. I try to think about who is in the room and who isn't, really paying attention.
Historically, the arts have had a certain bent towards who is included in the room, based on social or socioeconomic class, or ethnic background. I've wondered why that is.
Learning why these dynamics exist and what we can do differently to change them has been a constant process. This has proven very significant in my career.
The idea that something has to be done differently, and that only we can do it. We can't wait for some future where somebody else notices; we have noticed it. So, the lesson is to take responsibility for being part of the world you want it to be.
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