Constanze is from Vienna, but has been living in London for almost ten years. She is at the end of the first year of MA Arts and Cultural Enterprise at Central Saint Martins.
Why did you choose to study your course and why CSM?
My background is in classical music and musicology, but I wanted to study art in one way or another for a while. When I researched possible courses at different colleges in London, I came across the MA Arts and Cultural Enterprise at CSM and thought it sounded fantastic - highly relevant and contemporary, a blend of cultural studies and entrepreneurial content, designed for people who've got work experience, and with an emphasis on collaboration. Another important factor in my decision to start the course was that it is a two-year part-time model, which gives me more time to develop my ideas and implement what I've learned.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
It's difficult to choose, but I'd say my favourite research project so far were two case studies we had to conduct on cultural interventions that engage in some way with one or more of the UN global goals for sustainable development, and to see whether they were successful or not. I've learned so much from this and it has improved my work, as I work a lot with communities.
Have you completed any work placements / internships whilst being on the course? If so, can you tell me a little bit about your role? (Job title, company, main responsibilities)
Aside from the course, I am working as a freelancer and a volunteer on several projects at the moment. One of them is fundraising for a fantastic youth charity based in Hackney, called The Crib. I am helping the charity to increase their funds, and am also currently developing a cultural scheme (workshops, exhibitions, shows) for some of their young people who are interested in the arts but have no access otherwise.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Build a community within your cohort from the beginning, immerse yourself in the experience, meet and get to know as many people as you can and make use of the fantastic support network CSM offers (academic support, language support, group tutorials, post-grad community, workshops, socials etc).
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
The people. I feel so lucky to be surrounded and supported by an incredible group of women - we are an all-women cohort - within my course. We learn a lot from each other, and the experience of studying for a master's degree would be very different without our sharings, group exercises, and the constant encouragement and feedback.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years' time?
I want to work in a capacity where I can be effective in contributing to social justice and sustainability as a cultural practitioner. That could be in community work, either as a freelancer with my own business or in an established institution, it could be in an advisory capacity or in policy-making. Art brings so much joy and fulfilment. It is vital for our self-worth, our identity and our understanding of ourselves, but not everyone has (enough) access to it and I want to help changing that.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
I am now approaching every new project or proposal with an initial question, lots of research and reflective cycles. This has transformed the quality of my work and changed me as a person. I have also learned to work in an imperfect way and refine those imperfect versions until they become good enough to be taken further. I no longer strive for perfection and rather embrace opportunities to grow and learn.
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