The August interview

Claire Baker is undertaking an internship with Arts Access Aotearoa as part of her masters degree in museum and heritage studies. She is working with Pippa Sanderson, Community Development Advisor, Arts Access Aotearoa to co-ordinate Original Voices, an exhibition of work by creative space artists.

Q. Why did you choose to do an internship at Arts Access Aotearoa?

Because it combines my interests in social inclusion and art in a practical way. I’ve worked mainly in the social services, including as a social worker. Plus I’ve always loved visual art – creating my own and visiting art galleries are favourite pastimes.

Q. What does your role entail?
A diverse range of work, from research and communications to data administration. The most important job has been communicating with creative spaces around the country to keep them updated about the exhibition. I enjoyed drafting a story for the Art News magazine and writing an essay for the exhibition catalogue.

Q. Where would you like to be in five years’ time?

I’m at the beginning of my career in the creative and museum sectors. In May and June, I was volunteer co-director of a community art project, called Home is where the Art is. This project extended me and made me realise how transferable my skills are. In the future, l want to contribute to the development of art exhibitions in museums and galleries with the major goal of positive social change.

Original Voices opens at Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures in Porirua on 6 September.