Tag Archives: Graduate

LorenzoBarone

Graduate Profile: Art Gallery Director Lorenzo Barone

In the latest edition of our Graduate Profile series, we are pleased to introduce an alumnus who is still living in Paris. Originally from Italy, Lorenzo Barone came to Paris to pursue our History and Philosophy of Art Master’s Degree Programme, the first step to broadening his horizons and career path in the Paris and international art scene. Learn more about Lorenzo and his current activities in our interview.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris?

I first came to Paris to study at PSAC in order to raise the level ofmy education in an international foreign language like English, as wellas learn a new language like French, and live in a wonderfulinternational capital as Paris.

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?

What attracted me the most was the difference between PSAC’suniversity approach and my past experiences in Italy. More concretely,the debate and free exchange of ideas between professors and students,which I firmly believe is a more solid method for the academicmaturation of the students.

What were some of the highlights of your experience?

Not only is the environment magical at PSAC, where you can reallybreathe history, but I also had the opportunity to express mystudy proposals, and my creativity in front of professors and alumniduring lectures and events. The best moment? The tango lessons!

What are you currently doing and how did that come about?

Right now, I am director of the PIGMENT art gallery in Paris. Ibecame director after several internships in art galleries in Paris andworking in an international gallery in Milan as an in-house curator andlogistic manager.

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career orcreative endeavours?

Absolutely. The open-mindedness, the language, together withextensive studies, and the support of professors toward my interest incontemporary art, what I call “living art,” allowed me to develop acreative sense and rigorous approach, now indispensable in my work. Butalso, the contemporary poetry course, has spurred me to keep expressingmyself creatively and keep writing!

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so what would you tell them?

I would absolutely recommend PSAC to all students who want tocontinue an excellent education in a stimulating environment and amagnificent city that offers not only culture but opportunities forcreative self-expression. If I had to give advice to future students, itwould be to not only think about getting an excellent education, but tomake the most of everything that staying at PSAC can offer, because thetime is not only books and classes, but human and cultural relationshipsthrough the city and events!

Merci Beaucoup, Lorenzo!

You can connect with Lorenzo on LinkedIn or Instagram. Learn more about PIGMENT art gallery and its exhibits on its website or Instagram.

Graduate Profile: Recent Alumna Hana Szobonyova

This latest edition of our Graduate Profile series focuses on a recent graduate of History and Philosophy of Art programme, Hana Szobonyova. Originally from the Czech Republic, Hana completed her MA degree at our Paris School of Arts and Culture in September 2021. In this interview Hana shares her experience during of her studies at our Paris School, which were enhanced by getting involved in our extracurricular activities as well as exciting internship opportunities and future prospectives gained thanks to her degree.

What is it like living and studying in Paris?

There is no better place to study history and philosophy of art than Paris. Although the past year was difficult and complicated with cultural venues being closed, Paris still remained an inspiring place to live. Since restrictions were lifted, there has not been a single week I haven’t go to a museum or a new exhibition. Now, more than ever, I can truly appreciate what this city can offer. Studying in Paris is a valuable experience especially for all those who are strongly interested in design and art.

What did you particularly enjoy about your studies?

The course’s structure perfectly fit my personal interests which are focused on art and history of the 19th and 20th century. Another great thing about the program was the possibility of auditing. Taking additional classes is a great way to expand one’s horizons and to learn more (for example about areas you know very little about). Although, with extra classes there is much more work and readings to do, nevertheless, the rewards are priceless.

How do you think postgraduate study differs from undergraduate study?

It is very different. For me maybe even more as my undergraduate program was mostly focused on business and practise rather than on theory and research. Also, postgraduate studies are very independent and they are also driven by your own personal interests. That is highly advantageous as you have the possibility to expand your knowledge in topics and areas you are truly interested in through your own research and independent studies.

How do you think your studies will affect your employment prospects?

As my education is quite diverse I hope to find a suitable place where I could use and combine all of my skills and knowledge. The last year spent in Paris has definitely impacted me in many ways; It expanded my interests and knowledge in art and philosophy, it also helped me to perceive and comprehend French culture and French history from a new perspective, and lastly, it changed and shaped my future career perspectives and aspirations.

Could you tell us about your internship experience?

During my studies at Kent I participated in the organising committee for the annual postgraduate festival as the art event curator. I was also part of The Menteur team where I helped to shape the visual identity of the magazine for the academic year 2022-2021 as the head of design. When the academic year ended I started my internship at The American Library in Paris as a Communications and Program intern where I stayed until the end of August. That was definitely a valuable experience as it enabled me to perceive the organisation’s structure internally, while working with the Program Manager on upcoming cultural events that the institute runs.

What are you planning to do next?

This week, I am starting my internship at UNESCO, where I will work as an intern for the Permanent Delegation of the Czech Republic. I am very excited to start my new position there as it will be very different from any other previous work experiences I’ve done so far.

Any advice for those thinking about taking this course?

I think it is good to think in advance about what you would like to study and where your interests are. If you want to study history and philosophy or art particularly focusing on the 19th and 20th century, then the Paris School of Arts and Culture might be very suitable.

Sarah Kathryn Cleaver

Graduate Profile: Film Professional Sarah Kathryn Cleaver

In the latest in our Alumni Spotlight series we connect with Sarah Kathryn Cleaver, an alumna of our Film Master’s Programme in Paris. Since graduating from our Paris School of Arts and Culture (PSAC), she has done research and writing for film projects and launched the Zodiac Film Club in London. Read about Sarah’s experience studying at PSAC and her time in Paris in our interview with her below.

Where are you from and what originally brought you to Paris? 

I’m from London (born in Essex) and I’d wanted to spend some time living in Paris since I could remember. I began working straight after my BA, and after about five years I started feeling a bit lost, and knew I wanted to spend some time writing and researching and take a break from the hustle. I had a couple of ideas I thought I could turn into a thesis, and started looking around for a Master’s degree.  

What attracted you most about studying at PSAC?   

Of course it was the ‘living in Paris’ bit, but I’m really glad I got to experience learning in Kent’s film department as well. I did one semester commuting into Kent (very early morning trains) and then two in Paris. My best friend had moved to Paris a couple of years before, so I was excited to join her for a bit. I also just really needed a change, since I’d grown up, studied and worked in London.

What were some of the highlights of your experience? 

My favourite place on earth is The American Library in Paris, I’d go there every weekend and read crime novels to relax. I loved Paris’ cinema culture, it’s so affordable and they show an incredible range of films. I met some really clever and interesting people who I’m terrible at keeping in contact with, but when we do see each other it’s like no time has passed. I think it was really good for me to lead a small life; a few friends, classes, books, the cinema, living alone in the tiniest flat I’ve ever seen. It taught me a lot about how much (or how little) I need to be happy. 

What are you currently doing and how did that opportunity come about? 

A lot of things. Primarily I write and research. When I got back to London, I applied for a job as an image and editorial researcher on a book about London’s 100 Club and got it, so for months I was finding and interviewing people and trying to get them to send me photographs of them in the club in the 80s. That’s led to a few other research and writing jobs. I also have some copywriting jobs for brands and websites which I’ve found I like a lot. Real writing is 90% hideous and 10% satisfying, but copywriting is like word maths; there’s usually a correct answer and it’s pretty difficult to take it personally. I do write properly sometimes, mostly about film. I wish I did more but I’m a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to pitching. 

The other thing I did when I came home was start a film club with a friend. It was very much inspired by cinema culture in Paris–the way I saw a ton of films I would never have otherwise watched. We thought it would just be us and our friends at first, but we grew quite an audience and it led to writing jobs and other interesting opportunities. I’m not totally sure what this is going to be yet but I’d like to grow this more. Dr Tamar Jeffers McDonald at the Kent Campus runs this amazing conference called Gothic Feminism that I look forward to attending again if it continues post-Covid, but it was my first time there that made me realise that what I’m passionate about is delivering an academic approach to a subject in an accessible way to people who aren’t academics. That’s what Zodiac is about, that and very girly, trashy films. And overall I think PSAC encourages that combination of academia and real life.

Do you think that your studies at PSAC helped with your career prospects? 

I think careers and creative development are not necessarily the same thing. This might be a disappointing answer but I’m not sure young people have a ton of control over their career prospects at this particular moment in time, and that’s something we should try not to let damage our view of ourselves. I think everything I’ve learned about work I’ve learned from working. What’s great about PSAC is that it’s really valuable time outside of those kinds of parameters. If you want to do something creative, having something that you’re really interested in and honing your ability to explore and communicate it tends to lead to things in life, whether that’s like minded people or interesting work. That’s what I think studying at PSAC develops. Unless of course you want to continue in academia, and then I can’t imagine anywhere nicer to do that.

Would you recommend PSAC to potential students and if so what would you tell them?

I definitely would. I would tell them laundrettes are the best place to practice French, to eat as many chouquettes as possible because you’ll miss them when you leave, that nannying is a really difficult job but a good way to build character. And to just enjoy themselves.

Merci beaucoup Sarah!

Connect with Sarah here:

@sarahkcleaver

@zodiacfilmclub