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FIU launches Museums Insiders program

FIU launches Museums Insiders program

The free student group for culture-loving Panthers recently gathered at the Frost Art Museum for an exclusive tour

April 26, 2021 at 1:45pm

By Lia Shaw

The FIU Museums Insiders program has officially launched at FIU.

Membership to the new program comes with perks at all three FIU museums, including VIP treatment for members and their families; priority consideration for internships; a voice in the future of the arts at FIU; opportunities to publish, free access to all public programs and behind-the-scenes experiences. 

The Insiders program is open to any currently enrolled student at FIU.

Insiders had their first event earlier this month, where the group received a private tour by Frost Art Chief Curator Amy Galpin. The cohort received a “behind-the-scenes” perspective on the current exhibitions, including "Tesoro," "Accumulate, Classify, Preserve, Display," and "Transfiguration."

After the tour, the dozen participants gathered for a focus group and discussed what they learned and how they might develop the FIU Museums Insiders program further.

The program, launched by FIU’s three museums—Frost Art Museum, Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU and The Wolfsonian-FIU—is geared toward students from all majors. Insider Andrea Rivera, 25, is currently a third-year student at FIU, studying Global and Sociocultural studies. 
 
“After receiving my first-ever behind-the-scenes experience, it made me realize how valuable it is to be properly informed and guided through the exhibits because the knowledge of some museum staff is incredible and eye-opening,” Riviera said.  “I would encourage others to join the Insiders program so that they can make the most of the whole FIU experience and generally enjoy art,” she added.
 
FIU Museums Insiders appeals to students for various reasons. Some simply join for the love of art and others are looking to network.
 
Insider Aileen Carmona, 21, is in her fourth year at FIU, specializing in public relations, advertising and applied communications. 
 
“What encouraged me to join the Insiders program was my love for art museums. Many people don’t know about all the museums available to them. The Insiders program also allows members to get internships and meet other college students,” Carmona said. 
 
Vincent Nastasi, 23, is a junior studying art history at the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA). Nastasti was interested in the program's exclusive access to museum staff. 
 
“The program has inspired. Going to the first event and meeting the curator, I got the idea to email her and ask for a one-on-one conversation/shadowing day, and she accepted. I do foresee, from the first meeting, that the potential benefits will be learning and networking, which will then lead to opportunities to execute projects—and greater job and internship opportunities,” Nastasi said.