Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

This presentation shows findings of an impact study of a talent development program initiated by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: The Junior Fellowship Program (JF). The research was executed on the request of the museum. The starting point for this program is to challenge, inspire and reward a small group of talented high school students and to give them a glimpse into the kitchen of a career in culture. After careful selection students attended the Rijksmuseum for participation sessions, during which time they learned practical applications of art and history in the museum world: restoration, conservation, exhibitions, research. This presentation will share the results from an in-depth research project using survey and innovative interviewing of a total of 37 students. Findings provided insight into the effectiveness of the program from the perspective of a selected group of participants. Findings focused on how the traineeship was experienced, and the impact of the program on their lives, both personally and professionally.