Hello lllinois Tech community,
I wanted to share some very exciting news with all art lovers, creatives, and experience seekers in your midst. Save the date for Saturday, February 15, as the Art Institute of Chicago will be having a University Partner Fest. This will be a day of inspiration, education, and networking at one of the world’s most renowned museums. And the cherry on top: admission is completely free to us, thanks to Illinois Tech being listed as one of the partner institutions with the Art Institute.
This is not about merely exploring the fantastic collections that this museum boasts, but rather it’s all about finding opportunities, networking, and, above all, enjoying the whole thing. Here’s what you can expect:
A Day to Remember
Student-Led Art Talks: Just imagine your peers giving sophisticated discourses on works of art pertaining to anything from science and history to technology. You’ll be seeing it in ways you never could, and who knows, you might even leave with a big idea yourself.
Museum Career Panel: Ever wonder how it feels to work in the museum world? Be a part of this panel of professionals who have made their careers in this exciting industry as they share stories, challenges, and advice for those interested in making their mark within the arts.
Faculty-Led Gallery Activations: Engaging activities and discussions in front of exhibits, led by faculty members from our university partners. It is just like taking a mini-class from inside a world-class museum!
Art-Making Activity: Now, it’s your time to get hands-on and create something for yourself. Be it a pro artist or an amateur wanting to try one, this is going to be lots of fun.
Private Reception: This is a special opportunity for the participants to get to know museum personnel, intern alumni, and colleagues. It promises to be an excellent opportunity to network and learn about different internships or collaborative opportunities.
Career Development: Internship and Job Info-Around Careers: Get ready with resources and guest speakers prepared to talk about both internships and job opportunities in arts and museum fields. Take full advantage of this to ask questions and weigh all your options.
How to join
How’s that for easy? Just show up with your Illinois Tech ID at a registration table in the museum lobbies on February 15. That’s it! You’ll get a free ticket and a program detailing all of the cool stuff happening that day.
Why you should go
You’re probably thinking, “Why should I spend my Saturday afternoon in a museum?” Well, let me count the ways:
Expand Your Horizons: The discussions, panels, and activities will expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking; you definitely will think through art and its place in the world differently.
Build Connections: You will have this rare opportunity to meet with students from other universities, connect with professionals, and start making your network connections.
Career Exploration: For those who may be interested in an arts or museum career, or any number of related options, this can be a goldmine for information and inspiration.
Enjoy the Museum: Let’s not forget the Art Institute itself. From American Gothic to A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, their collections are out of sight. And for us, on this day it’s absolutely free!
Final comments
The University Partner Festival is way beyond an event, it is rather an experience itself. This involves celebration through creative exposure, learning from one another, opening doors toward different opportunities as lovers of the arts, in self-discovery career searches, and simply those expecting fun times.
Let’s go to Illinois Tech and make the most of this amazing opportunity. Bring your curiosity, bring your questions, and maybe bring a couple of friends. See you there!
Visit artic.edu/upf for more information.
