Stevia Roxanne's Museum Internship: Growth, Mentorship, and Career Clarity
Studio Institute's Arts Intern program gives students an understanding of arts careers through meaningful, paid internships at leading cultural institutions. The paid arts internship goes beyond traditional programs—we provide department-specific, project-focused placements where Arts Interns contribute to real institutional work while building professional networks and skills.
We sat down with interdisciplinary artist and photographer and former Arts Intern Stevia Roxanne to spotlight her arts career journey. As a photography and art history student at New York University (NYU) with a focus on the Black African diaspora and contemporary art, Stevia brought academic knowledge and enthusiasm to her curatorial internship at the Studio Museum in Harlem. During her museum internship, Stevia worked on projects that she felt strongly about, developing her writing skills, and building professional relationships. Her experience provided unexpected insight into museum work, clarifying her career direction.
We’re excited to see all the great things Stevia has in store for us! In this Q&A, Stevia reflects on how her experience in museum work has shaped her arts practice and shares advice on maximizing internship opportunities.
Finding the Right Arts Internship
Q: How did you learn about the arts intern position, and why did you decide to apply?
A: I learned about the Arts Intern position through an NYU email. Once I became eligible, I applied, because I was interested in museum positions and learning how museums operate, particularly in the curatorial department.
Q: How did your academic background align with your internship work?
A: My photography and art history study areas, particularly my focus on the Black African diaspora and contemporary art, directly supported my work at the Studio Museum in Harlem. I conducted extensive research on artists and developed their biographies, drawing from my coursework to create profiles for the Studio Museum in Harlem website. As a fan of some of the featured artists, it was meaningful to research and write about their career paths. I learned that writing institutionally is not about how well you write, but about how accessible it is to the public.
Q: What other responsibilities did you have as an Arts Intern?
A: Beyond the biographical work, I handled library accessioning—a learning area in which I'm particularly interested—and organized significant amounts of ephemera (historical and artistic documentation). I also digitized archival materials and co-hosted weekly book club meetings with my fellow intern.
“Sometimes learning what doesn’t interest you helps you find what does.”
Arts Intern Career Impact
Q: Tell us about your experience with the book club meetings.
Stevia’s BFA thesis reimagines West African Orishas as hair deities, a nod to childhood memories at her mother’s salon.
A: During the program, I connected with people at multiple levels—from museum leaders to fellow interns. The book club meetings were among the networking opportunities available at the museum, where I built lasting relationships. To this day, my co-interns remain close friends, and I stay in touch with some museum staff.
Q: What unexpected discoveries did you make about working in the arts sector?
A: I discovered the arts sector can be quite hierarchical. However, I feel fortunate that the Studio Museum integrated interns into their programs, assigning us responsibilities that felt genuinely purposeful rather than just busy work.
Q: How has your experience changed the way you think about or approach art?
A: Working in a museum internship was eye-opening—I learned how these institutions function from the ground up. As an artist, I realized that I prefer engaging with museums as a freelancer. The experience clarified that the museum may not be a fit for how I see myself in the future. Sometimes learning what doesn't interest you helps you find what does.
Q: Which site visit had the most impact on you, professionally or personally, and why?
Stevia and co-Arts Interns in the summer of 2025.
A: During our visit to the Brooklyn Museum, we spoke with representatives from various departments. As a photography student, I was particularly drawn to the conservation and photography teams. It was fascinating to see photography in museums—how important it is for digital archiving and cataloging collections.
I especially enjoyed speaking with the conservation team, since we rarely get to discuss conservation work. As a former astrophysics major, the scientist in me was excited to learn about the technical processes behind conserving and restoring artwork to make it accessible to the public in good condition.
Q: How did mentorship shape your understanding of arts administration and arts careers?
A: During your arts internship, It’s essential to connect with people who share similar interests, and mentorship is at the heart of my artistic practice. I found mentors in my co-interns, whom I could approach with questions about anything arts-related, without judgment. I also found a mentor within Studio Institute—Sophia Domeville, Senior Manager, Arts Intern. Her openness about her career path and skills development helped me understand that I'd love to pursue a similar role after graduation.
Q: What advice would you give to future Arts Interns about maximizing this opportunity?
A: Having helped numerous applicants secure internships, my key advice is: don't be afraid to ask for what you need. While entry-level positions can feel intimidating, advocating for yourself creates learning opportunities you'll use throughout your career. Send those emails, connect with colleagues and cohort members, and be upfront about your internship goals. This opportunity is about you—take what you need and learn about yourself.