ArtBound Initiative Reviews

Without ABI, I wouldn’t have met like-minded people who are just as passionate and creative at this age. I had the opportunity to form a network that helped not only push professional aspirations, but also meaningful friendships.

My NYC internship has given me a step in the creative industry far earlier than I would have ever imagined. ABI catered to my goals and with this personalised experience, helped make the integration - visa, portfolio and resume workshops, interview training - as seamless as possible. They helped connect me with an internship opportunity that I would've never been able to gain this early on in my career. Through this internship, it helped answer questions about what I want to achieve and learn even more in my career, which is an invaluable experience that’s helped shaped my passion in this industry.

Just returned from NY a couple days ago and all I have to say is great things about it & ABI. I was nervous going into the program for obvious reasons but they made the whole process a breeze. They organised or helped organise pretty much everything from the accommodation to the visa to the placement so you have to worry about as little as possible. Plus, the CEO of the company is literally a phone call away at all times, is super responsive and never once did it seem like I was bothering her. On top of this the network of local people they set you up with is amazing and super useful to have while you're in the city.

I could detail my unreal time in New York but I feel like New York speaks for itself; it was an amazing experience but at the end of the day without ABI providing the platform for me to get out there I wouldn't have had any of it. Beforehand I had my doubts about wasting time, money etc but I can say confidently that there is not a bone in my body that regrets the last 4 months and I can only recommend that you go ahead and apply to ABI, every other ABI member I met has said the same thing; you just gotta do it.

I was placed with Freunde von Freunden, an online magazine that produces online multi-media content based in Berlin, Germany. From portraits, articles, podcasts, events and mix-tapes FvF seems to have a stake in a tonne of different projects which for me, was extremely enticing. I worked an in-house audio production intern and was given the opportunity to take on a multitude of tasks in this field. I was editing, mixing, mastering podcasts, designing sound for video portraits, composing & producing bespoke musical pieces for company showreels & promo materials. There was never a dull moment! I had flexibility and freedom to work in the office or from home depending on the task and felt both valued and supported by the company. The office was located right in the heart of the ultra-trendy Kreuzberg neighbourhood of Berlin, making for some cool adventures when going for lunch or commuting.

This internship has been hugely valuable in expanding my network in Europe as well as helping me broaden my professional skills. Due to the varied tasks I was asked to work on, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged to take on projects I never thought I would when in university. I am very proud of the work I’ve done with FvF and made valuable connections that have already helped me further my career.

With the help of Laura from ArtBound Initiative, my CV and portfolio are polished and refined. I have also been advised in the best way to approach interviews with prospective employers in the creative sector, and business etiquette. ABI have taught me a number of valuable lessons, from how to promote your work, how to network, even how to manage your social media to be more employable!

ABI’s network of interns also look out for each other and do whatever they can to help you settle in your new city. From banking advice, city registration or even where to find the best restaurants or events, they’ve got your back!

Applying for the ABI program was probably the best decision I ever made! I had the chance to work for a prestigious company right after graduating, and gained a lot of professional experience which isn't always easy in the creative industry. ABI gave me the chance to end up in a company I could otherwise have never even dreamed of. The network and experience I gained here will definitely influence the rest of my career. ABI was also a great help in all the administrative problems that come with working abroad, like arranging the visa and finding a house. Last but not least, with ABI I had the chance to meet other young creatives that are going through the same experience, and making amazing friends from all over the world has probably been the best part of my experience.

The ABI crew are really helpful and supportive. They're also pretty much available all the time and their response time is really quick. It's cool that they always organise gallery visits and meet ups for the interns. Through this you get to meet other artists and it makes the whole experience more comfortable.
I was working with two artists, a painter and a performance artist. The overall experience was great. I have learnt a lot of practical skills and now have contacts in Berlin that I can contact any time and I know that they will be supportive and give me the best advice. The artists are really friendly and welcoming. It didn't feel like I was working for them but with them which makes a huge difference. And I really enjoyed the fact that they allowed me to be involved in their work.

ArtBound helped me find my dream internship at a creative agency in New York and made what seemed like a daunting process seamless. They also introduced me to amazing creative minds, made me feel comfortable networking and allowed me to make connections in both a professional and personal sense.

I would recommend Artbound to those looking to have a international experience while gaining professional experience in there field. Thanks to Artbound I was able to work with dream clients and build my portfolio. This experience allowed me to feel the value of my work, and has ultimately given me an amazing head start in the industry.

Artbound assisted in finding my accommodation, sorting my visa and making me feel safe and welcomed in New York. I had a once in a lifetime experience and am so thankful to Artbound for making it possible.

Artbound Initiative has given me the fantastic opportunity of interning at The Studio NYC, a very reputable animation and design studio based in New York. The staff from Artbound were dedicated to providing me with the best opportunity based on my interests and career goals. Even before my application, the staff were happy to answer any questions about the program. During this internship I was able to grow and learn professionally, which will broaden my prospects in the workforce and allow me to present a very competitive resume and portfolio. Additionally, Artbound provides a network of other creative people to connect to within this program, which makes the experience doubly as valuable as an internship alone. Furthermore, this network of people become your friends while overseas. Living alone in a new city can be daunting, so having this group is a wonderful thing.

Overall, I have had a truly exceptional experience working with Artbound Initiative. They really help guide you through the process of getting an internship in a field you will enjoy, as well as offering professional advice and insights into the creative industry as a whole. This is a wonderful and personalised experience for each participant, and I highly recommend it!

From helping me find a great internship placement to getting the chance to meet and network with amazing people, ABI has helped me in so many different ways. I am more comfortable working in an arts environment, with skills that prove that I am capable of good work. The idea of moving through this industry is no wonder daunting. With connections now abroad, I can start to create that professional network that is so vital in this industry.
I was placed with Momentum Worldwide located in Kunstquartier Bethanien, Berlin. They are a non for profit gallery that centres around time-based art and video art. It was founded by Rachel Rits-Volloch back in 2. I ran both their Instagram and Facebook pages, creating content and establishing a media schedule that promoted their exhibition Water(Proof). I also helped organise the exhibitions, contacting artists on a daily basis. I also got the opportunity to interview artists in their studios as another way to provide content for the gallery.I really enjoyed this as it was a way to network and establish connections, but also a way for me to improve my writing skills.
My confidence has grown so much because of this internship. While before I would have said that I think I am good at something, I can now say that I am good at it. I have also met some amazing people in Berlin, through meeting the other interns in ABI but also with my work in Momentum Worldwide. Having these connections will help me find future internships or work.

I first learnt ABI from my school and had my NYC internship here, and I'm so glad I made this as this is my best internship experience so far (among four of them)! The team invites cultural exploration with other participants and shows you around in the city with museums and cultural heritages. This brings all participants together and keep us included in the city, as it can be rough to know nobody in a new place.

It is awesome to be here as you're building your professional network with other participants in the fields here with great potentials. Explore people around you to get your horizon broadened with different conversations! The team also recommends accommodation for decent places to stay in the city! I'm satisfied with the experience here as they made my internship here reassured! I have nothing to complain here frankly saying.

Through the Art Bound Initiative programme, I was able to intern at a wonderful production company in New York - I learned so much and had an amazing summer. I 100% recommend to anyone interested in furhterting their careers in any of the creative industries the programme offers. Without the help of Art Bound, who was there to help me every step of the process and during my time in New York, I would definitely not have been able to intern at such a prestigious company and gain the experience and knowledge I now have. My time as an intern has directed my career path and I have also met such great people I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Being able to spend my summer in New York was fantastic and I definitely want to return in order to continue my career there. Overall it was a fantastic opportunity and am so thankful for the organisation and to Jean Doumanian Productions for taking me on.