Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Limited and the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) welcome another year of introducing creative minds to the field of museum and gallery management. The Deutsche Bank National Gallery Internship Programme is an intensive year-long training opportunity for one young Caymanian student to learn, develop their skills, and gain professional experience. Now in its thirteenth year, the 2015-16 placement has been awarded to Ms Candace Welcome.

After graduating from John Gray High School (JGHS) in 2008, Ms Welcome went on to complete her Bachelor’s Degree at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and her Fine Arts Degree with an emphasis in Pre Art-Therapy from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She was also able to take courses at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, Georgia during her studies. “I want to work with children and use my artistic skills to promote healthy lives. I have always had a passion for working with children and am interested in helping kids learn new ways to channel their thoughts and emotions through various art forms,” she explains.

Ms Welcome’s new role, which began in August, covers many aspects of gallery and museum work including art education, collections management, exhibition design, fundraising, public relations, membership, volunteer services and administration. NGCI Deutsche Bank interns also have the unique opportunity to work directly with exhibition curators and to curate their own exhibition as their end-of-year project. Thanks to Deutsche Bank’s annual support, the Intern also receives a full training-level salary and benefits. The experience has helped past interns go on to pursue careers in fine art, graphic design, make-up artistry, non-profit administration, teaching, and illustration.

Ms Welcome has assisted with the planning of The Big Draw festival this October as well as several other administrative projects and art classes at the Gallery. She notes, “So far, what has surprised me the most is the level of planning that goes into every event, programme and exhibit at the National Gallery. Honestly, I didn’t know that there was so much to learn in regards to the running of a Gallery. I have learnt so much since my first day, and I’m looking forward to learning a lot more in the coming months.”

Janet Hislop, Chief Country Officer of Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Limited, explains why this programme remains one of the top areas of interest to the bank. “For more than a decade now, this Internship programme has given local students who share a passion for the arts an opportunity to gain an insight into the operations of a major cultural institution. Time and again, those who have undertaken the Internship have gone on to work in diverse areas of the arts both in and beyond Cayman, and I am delighted that, based on a belief that artistic creativity and business success are so closely aligned, Deutsche Bank maintains its positive relationship with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. I am sure Candace will make the most of this valuable Internship experience.”

After the year-long internship, Ms Welcome hopes to continue her studies and complete a Master’s Degree in Business Administration or Art Management. She says, “I’m still in the process of deciding exactly what area I’d like to focus on, and the location I’d like to go. However, one thing is sure, my journey does not end here!”

For more information about the NGCI Deutsche Bank Internship programme and how to apply, email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.