My Internship Experience: Preparing the Demonstration Exhibition at Mid-America Arts Alliance

Earlier this year, M-AAA welcomed two talented interns from Bethune-Cookman University to our Kansas City offices for the summer as a way to increase awareness of careers in the arts and arts administration. Annetta Henderson and Breya Tyler joined M-AAA as interns for ExhibitsUSA, our traveling exhibition program, and in our finance department. 

Below, Annetta shares her experiences as she assisted and oversaw the creation of an entire exhibition focused on demonstrating the behind-the-scenes process. —M-AAA Staff

As I reflect on my time as an intern at Mid-America Arts Alliance, I can’t help but be thankful for the unexpected and instructive experience I gained while working on the demonstration exhibition. When I began my internship, I was aware that one of the requirements was to complete a project.

However, I had no idea that my project would involve managing and assisting in the creation of an entire exhibition, my very first one to be exact. The irony is not lost on me that the exhibition itself is about the process of curating an exhibition—an experience that has been both helpful and rewarding as I prepare to produce an exhibition on my own at my university.

The process of putting together an exhibition is complex, with different components and moving parts. During my internship, I had the opportunity to witness this “behind-the-scenes magic” firsthand, and more importantly, I was able to contribute meaningfully to the shaping of the exhibition. My first tasks were to research and outline the demonstration exhibition, then develop the layout. With the guidance of my colleagues and supervisors—Kathy, Kaitlyn, Cat, and the preparations team Art and Jess—we laid the groundwork for the exhibition’s structure. From that point on, the exhibition began to take shape, and I was heavily involved in its development.

One of the most significant tasks I worked on was creating the interpretive texts for each panel. These panels provide visitors with information about the different phases of the exhibition development process.

Working on these didactics was an eye-opening experience, as it allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how ExhibitsUSA, the touring exhibitions program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, operates and excels in curating and producing exhibitions.

The exhibition I helped develop outlines six key steps in the exhibition development process, from the research stage to the preparation for touring. These steps include review of
the guest curator’s proposal, budgeting and logistics, marketing, refining the interpretive texts and developing education materials, designing the exhibition, and finally, preparing the exhibition for tour. Not only did I have the chance to write about these stages, but I also experienced them firsthand and was able to contribute ideas.

For instance, I attended a project kick-off meeting where my supervisor, Kathy Dowell, explained the overarching concept and key elements that would shape the exhibition. I also sat in on several meetings with the marketing and communications division, where strategies to spread the word about the exhibition were discussed. I learned about the importance of refining messaging to create engaging and informative content that resonates with audiences. Rewriting and revising the didactic texts with Kaitlyn, Kathy, and Cat was a particularly valuable learning experience as it showed me how essential collaboration is in developing exhibition content.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to sit in on meetings with Annie, the exhibition’s graphic designer, as we selected color palettes, fonts, and visual elements that would best suit the exhibition’s theme. Collaborating with Annie was a great way to see how design choices impact the overall aesthetic and experience of the exhibition. Once the design was finalized, I worked with the preparations team—Art and Jess—who helped materialize the exhibition layout, ensuring the flow and structure were cohesive and engaging for visitors.

The Demonstration Exhibition at Mid-America Alliance Culture Lab

Working on this project was the perfect way for me to gain a comprehensive understanding of what goes into producing an exhibition, especially within the ExhibitsUSA department. From my brief time in Kansas City to the remote portion of my internship, I gained invaluable insight into the art of exhibition making. The team at Mid-America Arts Alliance gave me the chance to see every stage of the process, and their guidance has been instrumental in my growth as a budding curator.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to intern at Mid-America Arts Alliance, particularly with the ExhibitsUSA team. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained will undoubtedly serve me as I continue my career in the arts. This experience is especially relevant as I work on curating my own exhibition, Echos, Vision, Heritage, which will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of my alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University.

My upcoming exhibition will highlight the core values, beliefs, and vision that Dr. Bethune had when she founded the university with just $1.50 in 1904. In addition to showcasing Dr. Bethune’s historical impact, Echos, Vision, Heritage will also feature contemporary artwork and live performance work from the student body, reflecting what Bethune-Cookman University represents today and how we continue to uphold her legacy.

The insights I’ve gained from working on the demonstration exhibition have been crucial as I prepare for this project, and I look forward to applying all that I’ve learned in making my exhibition a meaningful and memorable experience for the community.