Bloomberg Arts Internship Spotlight: Elijah

This interview was conducted and photographed by fellow Bloomberg Arts Intern Zahraa W. for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

What worksite were you paired with and what is the project that you are working on? 

I work with Tiny WPA which is an organization that builds play areas for various communities. My job is to assist in completing these projects. For example, I recently helped build a see-saw and a bench for local parks.

What are some things that you have learned while working on the project? 

While working on the projects, I have learned my preferred work environment. For example, I enjoy being in my own world working on a project. I also learned time management skills as there are various deadlines by which things need to be completed by. 

What has been your favorite part of working in the project so far? 

My first favorite part is the process. For example, there may be times when you complete a project and you have to go back and fix things which I love. I also enjoy looking back on projects when they are complete and seeing the final product of what I’ve just created and having that moment when I realize, “Wow I built that.” 

What did you most enjoy about the program? Or you can share a memorable memory from the program that you've had thus far!

I enjoy the Cultural Immersion visits that we have every Friday and being with my friends that I’ve been able to make from the program. Being around people who enjoy art motivates me to also want to step into my artistic and creative side. One memory that I have is traveling with a coworker to complete an off-site job and we had an amazing time!

How has the internship prepared you for your decision after high school? 

The classes that we take on Mondays during professional development have helped me tremendously. For example, my post-secondary readiness has allowed me to think more critically. I also want to be an engineer so the work that I have been doing at my worksite has allowed me to get a lot of experience. 

Who would you encourage to be part of the program next year? 

I would encourage people who love art and have a passion for learning more about the art world. It’s for people who enjoy using their creativity to express themselves and motivate others. 

What is one thing you learned about the art world or art industry throughout the program? 

I learned that art isn’t what normal people think that it is. In the first few days of the internship, we learned that art is deeper than painting and drawing which opened my eyes. To me, I learned that art is using your creativity to express yourself which usually impacts other people. We see this today as things that people once used to express themselves are still being showcased today.