Completing a PR Internship during the Pandemic
Hi! I’m Frankie and I’m a final year English literature
student at the University of Birmingham. When I applied for this amazing
opportunity, I imagined that the pandemic would likely compromise my chances of
being able to complete the internship. However, moving the placement online, I
have been able to gain a unique insight into the reopening of Birmingham Museum
& Art Gallery at a crucial time for Arts institutions across the world.
Having volunteered for Birmingham Museums Trust since my
first year of university, I jumped at the chance to further my understanding of
the heritage sector. Working specifically within Marketing was a new experience
for me and involved adapting to a particular style of writing. Communicating
with the team via emails and online meetings, I have created press releases and
social media content for events such as the Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Exhibition and half-term Halloween festivities.
I learned to draft
press releases using clear, objective language that could easily be accessed by
journalists, and to add a bit of flare when creating blog posts for visitors.
Crafting the reopening press release was an exciting moment, as I had to
emphasise why visitors should return to the galleries after almost 7 months,
whilst also reassuring them of their safety.
The project I am most proud of is the ‘Highlights Blog’ that
I created for BMAG, detailing 11 key objects and artworks for visitors to
explore.[1]
This idea emerged from my research into other cultural institutions, such as the
V&A and British Museum, who have been using object trails to help with
reopening. The Marketing team and I put together the 11 highlights, including
some of my favourite Pre-Raphaelite paintings, and the iconic Lucifer statue
that stands proudly in the Round Room.
This internship has also enhanced my understanding and love
for the city of Birmingham. Researching into the history of BMAG, I learnt
about the crucial role that the museum played in educating the working classes
when it opened in 1885, celebrating local artwork. This linked well to my
studies in 19th Century English literature, and I was able to
explore objects and artworks that inspired the likes of Oscar Wilde.
With the time I have left on this placement, I would love to
continue to navigate the reopening and encourage as many people as possible to engage
with Birmingham Museum’s Trust. Whilst I would have enjoyed being based at the
BMAG office, I do not regret that my internship has taken place online, as I
have had the privileged opportunity to contribute to the reopening of a major
museum, which I see as a historical moment.
The support I have been offered from the Marketing team,
particularly my supervisor Zoe, despite the museum being shut has been
tremendous. I would highly recommend this internship to anybody looking for
heritage experience, especially during these uncertain times, as it not only
teaches you vital skills, but also provides a reassurance that the Arts can,
and will, survive this crisis.
Comments
Post a Comment