Every fall, a new class of Arts Administration (ARAD) students arrives at Teachers College, Columbia University, each carrying a unique story of where they come from and why they chose this program. Together, their voices form a mosaic of perspectives, hopes, and ambitions that reflect both the diversity of our cohort and the shared commitment that unites us.
Amanda Ortiz-Espinell (Puerto Rico , Strategic Communications, Universidad del Sagrado Corazon)
Why did you choose ARAD at TC?
“The program looks very holistic and it was a new challenge. Also, a perfect path to develop and use my passion for visual arts.”
What do you think of ARAD and NYC thus far?
“I’m enjoying this learning experience, both academically and personally. Both are filled of great opportunities.”
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
“I hope to leave empowered, with knowledge I can use to support better cultural policy, uplift art and communities, and make myself proud :)”
Michelle Ha (Seoul, Korea, Fine Arts, School of the Art Institute of Chicago)
Why did you choose ARAD at TC?
“I chose the Arts Administration program at Teachers College because it bridges my background as a practicing artist and curator with the leadership and policy training I need to shape cultural institutions.”
What do you think of ARAD and NYC thus far?
“I have been enjoying ARAD so far, and being in New York makes it even better since the city’s museums and cultural spaces bring everything we are learning to life.”
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
“I hope to use my time at TC to combine academic training with the hands-on opportunities New York offers through its museums and cultural institutions. I want to build connections with peers and mentors who share a passion for equity in the arts. When I graduate, I would like to walk away with both leadership skills and a clear vision for how to make museums more inclusive and representative.”
Meiqi (May) Di (Hangzhou, China, Broadcasting and Hosting Arts, Communication University of Zhejiang)
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
“I have always believed that practice is the sole criterion for testing truth. So during my undergraduate years, I participated in many internships and jobs. In the past, I was a host as well as a director for variety shows and concerts. Today, it’s my honor to be here. I hope to have more communication with everyone and explore more possibilities in art together.”
Aaliyah Turrietta (Albuquerque, New Mexico, Visual & Media Studies, Duke University)
Why did you choose ARAD at TC?
“The professors and the values of the program!”
What do you think of ARAD and NYC thus far?
“I love the program so far, but I have not been able to explore New York as much as I’d like to.”
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
“I am looking forward to exploring the art world of NYC and hope to learn how to be a leader I would follow. I want to round out my perspective, learning from others’ experiences and my own.”
Lindsay Jiang (Chicago, IL, Vocal Performance & Business Marketing, Berklee College of Music)
Why did you choose ARAD at TC?
“I chose to attend ARAD because it connects my passion for performance with my interest in shaping the broader ecosystem that supports the arts. As a singer, I’ve seen how powerful the arts can be not only on stage but also in communities. I want to gain the knowledge and tools to go beyond performing and better understand the business, policy, and organizational side of the arts.”
What do you think of ARAD and NYC thus far?
“At first I found the chaos of NYC overwhelming, but over time I’ve come to appreciate its energy and I am slowly falling in love with the city. What excites me most is how art is woven into every corner of life here, along with the diverse resources available for music, art and fashion. Being in NYC feels inspiring both as a student and as an artist. Within ARAD, my first semester has already deepened my knowledge and broadened my outlook, while also giving me the chance to connect with peers in the visual arts field who have shared perspectives very different from my own. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead!”
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
“During my time at TC, I hope to reflect more deeply on my artistic path and explore how I can continue to grow and expand it while gaining new experiences. I want to focus not only on my development as a performer but also on how I can contribute to the arts in broader and more meaningful ways. By the time I graduate, I hope to walk away with a clear career direction as well as the skills and confidence to bring my ideas to life and make a lasting impact in the arts world.”
Ashley Martin (Jackson, New Jersey, B.M. Music Education, Montclair State University)
Why did you choose ARAD at TC?
“I chose ARAD at TC because I knew I would be most successful in a cultural hub like New York City, where I would have ample opportunities to form lifelong connections within an internationally recognized institution. I also appreciated the structure of the ARAD program and was particularly intrigued by the internship requirement. From an educational perspective, it is crucial to personally experience the field you are entering in order to make, as well as learn from, inevitable mistakes. It is a priority for me to engulf myself in safe and inclusive spaces to flourish both professionally and as a person.”
What do you think of ARAD and NYC thus far?
“So far, I am thoroughly enjoying my time as an ARAD student at TC and remain confident of my decision to pursue this avenue. Everyone has been nothing but so kind and welcoming! It has been both a privilege and an honor to share such intellectual ideas with people who are equally as passionate as I am about the arts. While I am definitely still adjusting to the NYC commute as a New Jerseyan, I have developed necessary time management skills as a result. Above all, I learned to better take care of and go easier on myself as I embark on this exciting journey in my life. I am so grateful!”
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
“During my time at TC, I hope to experience the most well-rounded education I can while gaining authentic experience in my field of study. Something I quickly learned as an ARAD student is how diverse our cohort is! Not only do I have colleagues from all over the world, but also artists, filmmakers, dancers, and musicians alike who share a common goal of increasing accessibility of our crafts. I aspire to learn from as many people as possible during my time at TC and firmly believe that everyone has something to offer if we provide a space for them to openly share their ideas. Moreover, I would like to walk away with a newfound and colorful perspective on the arts that would, in turn, fuel my determination to contribute to the greater good.”
Yiting Du (Chengdu, Sichuan, China, DePauw University, USA)
Why did you choose ARAD at TC?
“To experience NYC while also exploring arts administration.”
What do you think of ARAD and NYC thus far?
“Fabulous. Very different from my undergrad life but makes me excited.”
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
“Make friends with same interests but also learn from those who have different career goals. I wanna graduate with my true passionate goal and determination.”
Any other statements you would like to make regarding your personal experience with ARAD at TC?
“Be present and be determined.”
Chenhao Xu (China, New Media Studies & Arts and Media Management, University of Toronto)
Why did you choose ARAD at TC?
This ARAD program combines theories with applications and practices in arts management, while TC, Columbia University, is located in NYC, where I can meet talented peers and access a wealth of relevant resources .
What do you think of ARAD and NYC thus far?
The input of professional knowledge in academic studies is very intensive, while NYC has shown me its busy vibe, I think that I have gained a lot of new experiences this month.
What do you hope to experience during your time at TC? What do you wish to walk away with once you have graduated?
I hope to pursue a specialization in arts administration in depth at TC, learning how to put my vision into practice. Meanwhile, I wish to walk away with an abundant professional knowledge and a group of like-minded friends once I have graduated.
Any other statements you would like to make regarding your personal experience with ARAD at TC?
I’ve met so many excellent classmates at TC, and I hope to have meaningful communications with everyone. I also hope to achieve significant personal growth through the ARAD project at TC!
Arts Administration 
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