After completing my first year as a graduate student in the School of Information Studies, I was eager to combine my knowledge of archival studies in a setting that encouraged my interest in music and background in live venue management. This past semester, I often felt nervous about my ability to apply the tools and theories I was studying in a future work environment. Though I was confident in my ability to write essays and give school presentations, I was unsure about where my level of knowledge would land me in the real world. Spending the beginning of the summer as the archival intern at Suoni per il Popolo was equal parts eye-opening and validating. My first few weeks were spent learning about Suoni鈥檚 history, the formation of their associated venues (Casa Del Popolo, Sala Rosa and Sotterenea), and the in-house printing press Popolo Press. The festival started as a passion project by music enthusiasts, but has morphed into a Montreal institution, welcoming experimental musicians from around the world to perform and join their peers in a celebration of the art form.
As an archival intern, I oversaw the organization of hundreds of handmade posters owner and artist Kiva Stimac, has created over the past two decades. In this project, I often worked by myself, creating an organizational system for the posters. I was able to learn about the history of the festival and music venues by documenting the events and artists who have performed over time. As a newcomer to Montreal, there could not have been a better way to learn about the city. The posters covered the changing music scene, but also corresponded with different political events and community action over time. This project helped me realize that I am prepared for a career in this field, despite my trepidation. I utilized the methods and theories I have been learning about and was able to contribute positively to the team based on my area of knowledge. The history of the festival is varied and unique, and having a hand in preserving its impact aligns exactly with what I want to do in my future career. Being trusted with responsibility and welcomed by the Suoni team helped rid any of the hesitation I was feeling at the start of my degree. It helped me realize that I am gaining a skill set that not everyone has and can be a part of exciting projects along the way.
The last half of the internship switched to event coordinating mode as I worked as a production manager for most nights of the ten-day festival. Besides working with incredibly engaging and awe-inspiring music and artists every night, I felt fortunate to be in community with them. Each night, Kiva prepares a shared dinner for the many musicians, sound engineers, volunteers and employees. These were some of my favorite moments from the festival. While many organizations throw around the term 鈥渃ommunity鈥� I felt that the Suoni team understands and epitomizes what that means. From tattoo-covered punk musicians from Vancouver to 93-year-old Palestinian activists, the conversations were unexpected, moving and full of joy.
Thank you to the Dean of Arts Development Fund for this opportunity. It represented a pivotal shift in my 缅北强奸 education and reinforced why I chose to come to Montreal for my graduate education. My experience in the city as a student has been significant and formative in many ways, but to be embraced by a long-standing institution as an employee and peer has made all the difference in how I will interact with the city from this point forward. It opened it up in all new ways.
