Behind the alien’s walls: my transformative art internship at Kunsthaus Graz

Hello everyone! My name is Varya, and in this post, I’d love to share my internship experience at Kunsthaus Graz.

Arriving in Graz through the Erasmus+ exchange program felt like winning the lottery—not only did I get to study at one of Austria’s top universities, but I also secured a dream internship at this iconic "friendly alien" (as Kunsthaus is affectionately called!). As an Art Science student, it was crucial for me to immerse myself in the art world, to explore its inner workings firsthand, and to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting. 

Over five transformative months, I gained far more than just practical skills—I lived a whole life surrounded by art, culture, and inspiring professionals. Every day at Kunsthaus brought fresh discoveries, from learning the intricacies of exhibition design to engaging in thought-provoking discussions about contemporary art with the colleagues. This experience revealed just how multifaceted exhibition planning truly is—the meticulous teamwork, the endless coordination, and the creative problem-solving behind every installation.

During this time, I gained hands-on experience working with exhibition archives, communicating directly with artists, and research for the BIX-Media facade project. Navigating multilingual communications became second nature as I collaborated with international team. One of the most valuable aspects was witnessing the behind-the-scenes magic of curatorial work: observing how exhibitions take shape from initial concept to final display, listening to curators debate spatial arrangements, and understanding the technical challenges of installing diverse artworks. These moments shattered my romanticized notions of art institutions and showed me the passionate, often painstaking labor that makes exhibitions possible. 

Now, whenever I pass by galleries, I see them through a different lens—I recognize the invisible effort behind every perfectly lit room and carefully placed artwork. This internship didn’t just teach me about art; it taught me about collaboration, precision, and the vibrant ecosystem that brings art to the public. 

To fellow students considering internships: dive in! The challenges are real, but the rewards—professional growth, unforgettable mentors, and a newfound appreciation for the art world’s hidden mechanics—are beyond worth it.