Program Reviews

As a student getting my master's degree, it was helpful to see the world inside the experiential design field. I am interested in entering this industry when I graduate from Parsons in May of 2022- and this internship taught me and helped me excel in my understanding of designing for events. From inspiration, research, prototyping, rendering, manufacturing process, blueprints, etc. Mark Stephen Agency made me more confident in the design process- I feel that I can be successful in the design field.

I'm really grateful because taking part in ABI gave me the nudge I'd always needed to finally move abroad and start my life in a new country. I will always cherish the program for that. Laura is a real powerhouse and any conversation with her feels deeply empowering. Ginda is also very responsive, supportive and overall helpful.

I never felt alone, I do still sense the presence of the ABI network around me and I will never stop thanking all the members of the staff for their outstanding patience and support.

My internship was very intense! I had the opportunity to meet and work with a wide range of artists as well as the honour to hear their insights on their work, I helped set up and promote different exhibitions, took part in studio visits and even had a pretty fun work trip to Ansbach.

You have to put in the work if you want to have an unforgettable, long lasting experience. What's certain is ABI really gives you all the tools and feedback you need to succeed.

Artbound gave me such an incredible opportunity to grow and branch out within Sydney, their training and meetings to develop and better my resumes and portfolios are invaluable for me and the future. Without the help and guidance of ABI, I would never have been able to have this amazing opportunity and I would have never met such amazing, like minded people who share the same drive and creative passions as me. I have grown not only my social network but my industry network. I would recommend ArtBound_Initiative.

ArtBound Initiative is a great support network to be apart of, they have helped me clarify the career paths best suited for me to enter and how to put it into action. They are really communicative regarding the placement process, informing any opportunities suited to me. As a media arts production student, my first internship placement at Inck Merchandise was not exactly what I had originally set on (due to COVID-19), but it was still a worthwhile experience, allowing me to start video editing in a professional setting for the company's marketing activities and branching out of my retail experience. I am still in contact with them from periodically for any video marketing freelance work they may need, as their main focus in operations are in branded merchandising. After production companies were starting to get busy again and recover from the pandemic effects, ArtBound was able to put me through to Found At Sea, a video production company that is more up my alley. In my time at Found At Sea, I was able to help out with putting together client treatments, creative development, coordinating pre-production (casting, sourcing wardrobe, call sheets, etc.) and being on set. I always look forward to going into the office! I understand that those interested in the ArtBound Initiative may feel iffy about program costs, which is a valid concern - though in my experience, the people (particularly Laura and Ginda) have made it very worthwhile for someone who wasn't even sure if they could even take a step into the industry :) Thank you ABI!

In the highly competitive World we live in today, I'm sure most students who graduate from their degree face the stress of finding a job and having to wait months and months to get a response from employers. They ask themselves the frustrating question of "how do I get my foot through the door?" That student was me until I met ABI. Their program changed my life. I feel extremely lucky that I came across their email one day and decided to apply. Ever since then it has been an incredible journey for me. I was given a full scholarship because I applied through my Institute and received free training and coaching from ABI's talented team. I received career changing advice from Laura, Marion Sadavoy, and Sasha Nycole. They helped me in my professional growth from resume building to developing my artist portfolio to actually getting an internship. Zulfa and Ginda were also great mentors and guided me along the way. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of such a realistic and credible program. I simply wouldn't be where I am today without ABI. It's the people you surround yourself with that ultimately push you to be your best and I'm glad I got to meet the ABI team and be a part of this program.

Artbound Initiative was just what I needed after graduating from undergrad. The career coaching sessions, portfolio review, and resume help were really beneficial as I am going into the professional world. The ABI team always responded quickly and were very hands on through out the process. My internship was virtual since the company was still working from home. It can be hard to network and fully immerse yourself into the creative field when everything is virtual but that is just how things are right now. Nevertheless, I love how ABI has its own network I can continue to use after my internship.

ABI had put in so much to help guide me onto the right path! They make sure we are always prepared - resume, portfolio & even practicing interview questions before my actual appointment. ABI ensures I am well prepared and confident!

Due to COVID, I wasn’t able to travel to Berlin, Germany for my internship, which had affected me emotionally. But Laura have been encouraging me that there will be another opportunity for me and Melbourne would be a better option. She said “things happened for a reason”.

With that said, I took her advise and came to Melbourne! Turns out, this is the best internship experience I’ve gotten, best times of my life!

Artbound Initiative is a wonderful program for students or recent graduates in the arts looking for internships abroad. The process of arranging visas and housing was so helpful and easy, and the coaching really prepared me for putting myself out there in the professional world and landing an internship. I did my internship in Berlin, and would not have had the materials or connections to do so had it not been for Artbound Initiative helping me throughout the process. The experience as a whole was wonderful and I would highly recommend to anyone interested!

Interning with TBWA Hong Kong was an amazing experience. Not only was I able to do real work for clients, have a much deeper understanding of how advertising campaigns are created, I also got to know very nice and generous colleagues that gave me many advices and guidance throughout, AND I even got a full-time position out of it! This was not an outcome I expected, but even without the full-time offer, I would say it's worth it. From my previous internship experiences, I believe it's very rare that you get a chance to present directly to clients as an intern. Working with copywriter, other art directors, and the creative director directly was extremely valuable.

I can't say too much about living in Hong Kong, because my family moved here since 2014, so it's not exactly foreign to me, but it's surely a fun and busy city that I imagine many people would enjoy!

This experience allowed me to network with young artistic professionals from all around the world while still in undergrad. I received a great internship at a leading contemporary gallery in Berlin and was able to utilize all of my skills in writing, management, marketing, and general knowledge of contemporary art. Housing and insurance were adequately provided through ABI, and it was nice knowing that I always had that support. Since there were other ABI participants in the apartment building, making friends was no issue.