Author: Emma Carpenter
Museum Studies (Editorial) Intern at Bunker Review - Fall 2023
As an editorial intern at Bunker Review, an influential online publication dedicated to covering contemporary art in Pittsburgh, my role took on a dual significance, integrating my academic background in Art History and Museum Studies with the editorial demands of a platform known for amplifying diverse voices in the local art community. Bunker Review, as one of Pittsburgh's critical art publications, places a distinct emphasis on featuring pieces from writers of varied backgrounds and experiences. This commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a shared interest that I aim to include in my work, which added to my excitement to be part of the Bunker Review team. As an editorial intern, I learned all facets of the arts publication process, including soliciting and liaising with contributors, editing multiple drafts, and finding new content.
My responsibilities extended beyond the familiar terrain of college assignments, delving into the world of preserving authors' voices while ensuring grammatical precision. This presented an opportunity to not only contribute to the diverse narrative of Bunker Review but also to develop an understanding of narrative construction – a skill set that transcends the boundaries of academic editing.
Integral to my responsibilities was exploring ongoing art exhibitions in Pittsburgh. I spent much of my time searching for ongoing and upcoming exhibitions and events that would be a good fit for a contributor to cover for publishing. This gave me an excellent opportunity to stay informed on what is happening in the Pittsburgh art scene, which is essential to my studies and everyday life. This experience broadened my appreciation for diverse artistic forms and positioned me as a bridge between the literary and art communities.
Beyond editing and art exploration, a significant aspect of my internship involved connecting with potential writing contributors. While contributing to the development of a diverse contributor pool, this task also enhanced my communication and networking skills — skills that will undoubtedly prove valuable as I pursue graduate studies and my future career.
As an Art History and Museum Studies major, this internship holds particular significance in the context of my future academic pursuits. With plans to attend graduate school for Art Librarianship, the editorial and networking skills acquired at Bunker Review will form a solid foundation. The experience of connecting literature and art, coupled with the responsibilities of identifying and cultivating relationships with contributors, aligns seamlessly with my aspirations to navigate the intersection of literature and art.