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Erasmus Testimonies: Emma

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Emma Erasmus Experience

Meet Emma – Gallery Assistant at a contemporary art gallery

We caught up with Emma, who has a passion for learning new languages and recently graduated in History of Art & Architecture and French at university. She discusses her creative passions for art, design, architecture and languages.

Emma is one of our current Erasmus Plus students from Capacity Ireland and is doing a 3-month placement here in beautiful Sevilla.

It was wonderful to sit down and hear about her experience so far, with Emma’s natural elegance in art and design her placement working in one of Sevilla’s top gallery’s was a perfect match.

Her placement helped her build on new skills and see the behind the scenes of working inside the art industry. Let’s see how she got on…

Emma Erasmus

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m 24 years old and from Galway. I studied History of Art & Architecture and French at university and I love art, design, architecture and languages.

What is your work placement and what’s it like?

I work as a Gallery Assistant at a contemporary art gallery. My daily tasks vary, but mostly involve doing graphic design for the gallery website and social media, photographing and editing photos of artworks for the online catalogue and website, welcoming visitors to the gallery and translating art writing from Spanish to English! It has definitely been a challenge, especially working through the Spanish language which I’m not that familiar with. Overall however I’m really enjoying it and feel like I’m learning so much from the people I work with.

What do you think of the art scene in Seville?

I love it! While there aren’t as many galleries or museums to visit as some of the bigger Spanish cities, it feels like there are a lot of creative people living in the city, with exhibitions and creative events happening all the time.

Erasmus Art Gallery

How does Seville compare to your expectations of what it would be like?

I didn’t quite know what to expect but I’m loving it. It feels like there is a lot to explore, the food, architecture, music and atmosphere in general has been amazing.

What’s the number one thing you want to get out of this experience?

I really want to gain professional creative industry experience in an international setting. More practically, I really want to expand my photography and graphic design skills which I’m happy to have been doing a lot of so far.

Do you consider Seville to be a good city for creative practitioners? Why?

In my experience it feels like there are lots of like minded creative people here to meet and collaborate with, and the city itself provides beautiful inspiration if you’re an artist or creative practitioner.

What places have you discovered so far?

My favourite place so far has been Parque de María Luisa (which isn’t exactly a hidden gem as the main city park!), but it’s such a beautiful spot to relax in the sun with friends or read a book. Every time I go I find a new corner I haven’t discovered yet.

In 3 words how would you describe your experience in Seville so far?

Inspiring, adventurous, challenging