An Internship Reflection: Sam Cifani

Throughout my life I’ve always engrossed myself in creative projects. When I was very little I remember I wanted to be an artist; I loved to draw and paint. Oftentimes my dad would help me make stop motion movies, or I would write poetry. During Covid I occupied myself writing short stories and painting. I found my passion for music around middle and high school as well, and became a jazz pianist, which I have been committed to for years. Now I’m experimenting with collage and multimedia, finding easy ways to explore and decompress while having fun and not worrying about the final product. And after all of this, it was only until this summer that I realized I don’t have to be an artist to be involved in the Arts and Culture sector. This summer I learned that there is a place for me in the Arts world.

Arts+ is an organization staffed by about fourteen people as well as several contract workers who provide high quality arts and music classes, workshops, private lessons, and more, all for free or at a reduced cost. The organization has existed for over fifty years and serves communities of all ages and socioeconomic demographics throughout Charlotte. Not only did I enjoy my time at Arts+ with its connection to the arts, but I also admire its commitment to accessibility. Services are available to young children, teenagers, and adults of all ages, all with no prior experience. Work culture at Arts+ is also accessible. The staff members are friendly, efficient, and relaxed. Connecting with other coworkers is part of the work culture, and by day one I was surprised by everyone’s friendliness.

Working at Arts+ this summer was the perfect balance between personal growth and professional experience. I was guided by Associate Executive Director Stephanie Stenglein, and she did an excellent job of providing this balance. I learned a lot of valuable resume skills such as writing, research, and graphic design. At first, working on grants seemed intimidating and mysterious, but my coworkers helped me a lot. Director of Philanthropy Haley Rafferty was very kind and patient when it came to writing grants and acknowledgment letters. I was slowly eased into the process, and getting to be involved in projects that are beyond what most interns get to do was a privilege. I also appreciate how constructive Haley was, taking the time to teach and give feedback rather than doing them herself, which would ideally be faster.

As I mentioned earlier, Arts+’s work culture is very relaxed and friendly. Connection with coworkers is valued at Arts+, and it is something I’ve come to appreciate as well. I will never forget my first day where I sat in on a staff meeting, and the topic oscillated between workplace discussion and light-hearted personal or even whimsical chatting. Much of my first day was spent just getting to know my coworkers, and eight weeks later I recognize this as a sign of Arts+’s commitment to connection and inclusivity. Through this connectedness, my communication skills have actually improved. I’ve always been a bit shy, but Arts+ made me feel I was really able to be myself at work. During my time here, I definitely learned the importance of small talk and chatting, which can really connect a team and improve productivity. I pondered this a lot, realizing how becoming less “professional” and more sensitive and open in the workplace could actually lead to better teamwork. Not only did I grow in my communication skills, but I also gained some confidence in my ability to navigate the adult world and prove myself. I also believe light-hearted discussion and connection can actually lighten up or ease the mundaneness or stress of the workload.

This internship was incredibly valuable. I got to experience a new way of living in a new city, work for a great organization that I could get behind, and make new friends and connections. My trajectory changed as well, and I’ve found a place to commit myself to something that I have always deeply cared about: arts education and culture. Arts education has been incredibly valuable to me, and as a musician, I know the struggle of finding the best teacher for me at an affordable cost. I want to be able to give back and contribute to this cause, and working at Arts+ helps to set me on a path that I really care about.