Master Arts and Culture Studies Alumni Experiences

Study programme: Master Arts, Culture & Society 
Graduation year: 2021
Job: Project manager and curator of exhibitions at Museum Kranenburgh

Broad orientation

My bachelor’s degree in Art, Media and Society (Tilburg University) was mostly focused on digital culture and media, but after completing this study I wanted to shift my focus more towards art and culture from a sociological perspective. The master specialisation in Arts, Culture & Society at Erasmus University aligned perfectly with this ambition. It was the wide range of compulsory and elective subjects that really appealed to me.

Working with artists

Since 2021, I have been working at Museum Kranenburgh as project manager of exhibitions, and since 2025, I have also taken on the role of curator. This means that I act as a project manager for all exhibitions at the museum, and as a curator for two exhibitions per year. The work is very varied, and because it is a small organisation, the position encompasses many different tasks: attending meetings with the artistic team about programming, coordinating with artists and designers, writing project plans, assisting with grant applications, and drafting and editing exhibition texts. Additionally, I manage budgets, create schedules, and plan the installation of exhibitions. What I enjoy most about my job is this diversity, working with artists, and collaborating with others in working towards the opening of an exhibition. In my role as curator, I now also have greater responsibilities of the artistic content, which I find very challenging.

Useful skills

The most useful skills I acquired during my master’s degree are analytical and critical thinking, as well as strong writing skills. These skills are always valuable, especially in my work as a curator. Most of my colleagues are art historians, and I have noticed that with my background in cultural studies (my bachelor’s degree) and the Master’s in Arts, Culture & Society, I bring a broader social perspective to the programming.

The importance of a network

I found my job through my network. That is also the advice I would like to pass on: having a network is important when it comes to finding a job. If you have the opportunity to do an internship, volunteer, or get involved in Rotterdam’s cultural sector, go for it! It will definitely help you in your career.

Study programme: Bachelor Arts and Culture Studies and Master Arts, Culture & Society
Graduation year: 2021 & 2023
Current job: Project Manager Hall of Fame on Tour (freelance) at Nederlands Fotomuseum

Broad approach to the cultural sector

When I had to choose a degree programme, I knew right away that I wanted to study something related to arts and culture. I visited several universities offering programmes in this field, but ultimately chose the Bachelor Arts & Culture Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). The broad approach to the cultural sector in this programme appealed to me the most. The programme examines art and culture from multiple perspectives, including sociological, media, and economic viewpoints. This provides a complete picture of the cultural sector, which I found incredibly interesting. 

Gaining practical experience

A highlight of the bachelor programme for me was my internship at the Netherlands Photomuseum (Nederlands Fotomuseum) and my exchange to Aarhus (Denmark). During my internship, I got to see what it is like to work in a museum and, in addition to all the theoretical knowledge, I gained a lot of practical experience. It was also a very special experience to live and study in a completely different country and city for one semester. During this time, I made new friends with whom I am still in contact.  

Increasing opportunities on the job market

During my master's programme in Arts, Culture & Society, I already started thinking about how I could increase my chances on the job market in the cultural sector. I took a part-time job at Cinerama, Rotterdam's oldest movie theatre, and did an internship at the Council for Culture in The Hague. This allowed me to gain work experience not only in the cultural sector but also in cultural policy, helping me to further build my professional network. Additionally, I collaborated with two cultural institutions while working on my master's thesis.

After graduating, I was able to start working full-time as a floor manager at Cinerama. I also applied for many jobs, and kept in touch with my internship organisations. Ultimately, building a network and gaining experience is very important if you want to work in the cultural sector. Thanks to the network I had built up during my studies, I eventually landed my first real assignments: both the Nederlands Fotomuseum and the Raad voor Cultuur  asked me back for a project six months after graduation. I became a freelancer and my career in the cultural sector really took off, allowing me to work on some really fun and interesting projects as a recent graduate. 

I am currently the project manager for a project at the Nederlands Fotomuseum. This involves many different tasks, but my main responsibility is to ensure that all the practical aspects of the project are taken care of and run smoothly. This includes communication and coordination with suppliers, design agencies, and photographers, as well as monitoring the planning and progress of projects, and overseeing finances.

Added value academic knowledge

The broad Arts & Culture studies at EUR have taught me a great deal of knowledge and skills that I now apply in my position as project manager. For example, in the community project I am currently working on, we think a lot about making art more accessible. My knowledge of cultural sociology is extremely useful in this regard. What is really good and unique about the Bachelor Arts & Culture Studies is that the curriculum also includes courses in economics and management, which has given me a lot of knowledge about budgeting and planning. This is now helping me in arranging the practical aspects of a project.

Advice for arts and culture students 

Gain as much (practical) experience as possible and build a social network. For example, become a volunteer at a festival or organisation that you really like, or find a part-time job that is somewhat related to the direction you want to work in. Many cultural organisations need volunteers; this is an easy way to get a glimpse into a cultural institution and meet other people in the sector!

Plus, an internship is very helpful in gaining valuable work experience: this is a mandatory component of the bachelor's programme. It is an opportunity to develop yourself professionally and build your network with relevant people from the sector. This network is important for getting started in the cultural sector, especially if you want to work as a freelancer. Your network will help you find new assignments in the sector.

Beatriz Merino graduated from the Master Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) in 2020. She works in a creative, international environment as Senior Marketing Coordinator at Berklee College of Music. In a short interview, we asked her to reflect on the master programme and how it has helped her shape her professional path to this day. In Beatriz’ words: “Use your studies not just to absorb knowledge, but to experiment, collaborate, and find your own voice within the cultural field.”

What makes the Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship (CEE) master programme unique in your opinion?

I was looking for an international master’s programme that could bridge my previous education in business with my passion for culture, especially music, music performance, and the performing arts. The Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship master at Erasmus University Rotterdam offered exactly that blend. Both the academic quality, as well as the reputation of the programme and its scholars is what attracted me most about studying this master. 

The courses and electives encouraged me to explore topics I was interested in, while also exposing me to a wide range of perspectives from classmates passionate about other areas like visual arts, cultural policy, cinema, sustainability, fashion, architecture, and more. What I valued the most was the freedom to develop my own interests. Through research, I created my own ideas, thought critically about the cultural sector, and understood how economics, creativity, and entrepreneurship intersect. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.

Can you tell us a bit more about your career?

Currently, I work as a Senior Marketing Coordinator at Berklee Valencia, the international campus of the prestigious Berklee College of Music. My work involves developing and executing digital marketing campaigns, conducting market research, and defining and coordinating content to increase audience awareness and engagement. What I enjoy most is the challenge of communicating the value of a world-class music education through both creativity and data-informed strategies.

What skills that you learned during the Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship master turn out to be of most value in your current position? 

The master’s degree strengthened my research and analytical thinking. It taught me, for instance, to understand how cultural and creative industries evolve and how audiences engage with them. This knowledge helps me today to connect broader cultural and music industry trends with what we offer at Berklee Valencia, making our communication and marketing more relevant and meaningful.

How did you get this job? 

After graduation, I explored multiple opportunities across Europe. When I discovered the position at Berklee Valencia - a creative, international environment which is also closer to home - it immediately felt like the perfect match. I feel very fortunate to have joined the team. I believe that my unique combination of skills and perspectives developed during the CEE programme helped me stand out among other applicants.

Which elements and/or (extracurricular) activities of the study programme have helped you prepare yourself for your career?

Besides my thesis, I particularly valued the courses ‘Cultural Organizations’ and ‘Applied Cultural Entrepreneurship’. In Cultural Organizations, we worked on case studies that developed our strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Applied Cultural Entrepreneurship allowed us to work to launch our own artistic productions. We also worked on consultancy projects with real companies and institutions from the cultural sector, acting as junior agents in roles like programmers, managers, marketers, and fundraisers. 

Studying at Erasmus University also offers access to student clubs and associations, where you can learn while meeting like-minded people. In my case, I joined the Stukafest festival as PR and Marketing Coordinator, collaborating with fellow master students and other cultural enthusiasts from the Rotterdam community.

What would be your advice for arts and culture students or future graduates?

Stay curious and open-minded. Learn not only from the theory and classes, but also from your peers, their perspectives, interests, and experiences. Rotterdam has a lot to offer: a vibrant cultural scene, museums, performances... And while studying, stay true to your passions and explore them through research. Use your studies not just to absorb knowledge, but to experiment, collaborate, and find your own voice within the cultural field.

Getting to know various disciplines

Getting a job in the arts and culture sector can be quite challenging. There are many great positions, but the competition is high. This makes it a challenging sector to start working in after your studies. I therefore decided to first expand and specialise my knowledge in the field of arts and culture after obtaining my bachelor degree in Arts & Culture.

I chose to study the master specialisation Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, as it connected well with my bachelor's degree, and I could learn more about the various disciplines within the arts and culture sector. There was a wide range of electives, which made it not only possible to study the subjects that I was interested in, but also to look at the field from different perspectives.

Landing a job in the heritage field

During my bachelor and master, I always had an interest in heritage and followed electives that addressed this topic. When I finally started writing my master thesis, I chose to write about the reallocation of cultural heritage in the Netherlands. I had several conversations with heritage organisations. During one of those talks, I was offered a job, which made it possible for me to start working in the heritage field right after completing my studies.

After three years working as a property manager at a commercial heritage organisation, it was time to move to a position where I would be more substantively involved with heritage. And so it happened: since April 2024, I am working as a policy officer for the Municipality of Nissewaard.

Why I love my job! 

As policy advisor for monuments and heritage at the municipality, I deal with various tasks. Just a few examples; I am secretary of the Heritage Committee, I process and advise on applications for the subsidy for municipal monuments, and I think along about the future of church buildings within our municipality.

Working for a municipality also means that I get to work with different parties. One moment I am talking to the aldermen, and the next I am on-site talking to monument owners. This diversity in my work and environment, as well as being able to contribute to the preservation of heritage makes me really enjoy my job!

The master programme Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship taught me to be critical, but also to look at the bigger picture and think beyond what is in front of me. This is really helpful in my current position at the municipality. 

Choosing an Arts & Culture study programme

After high school and a subsequent gap year, I did not have a specific career path in mind. The only thing I knew is that I wanted to be involved in the cultural sector, as in my spare time I regularly went to the cinema, museums, concerts, and I enjoyed nightlife. I ended up studying the International Bachelor Arts & Culture Studies (IBACS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). Why I chose this study programme? That’s what you will read below!

The main reason for me to study IBACS was the broad approach of this bachelor programme, which is unique in the Netherlands. It allows you to study culture from different theoretical perspectives, from sociology to economics. In addition, studying on campus in an international environment really appealed to me. I thought learning in a classroom with students from all over the world, who all bring their own stories to the table, is extremely valuable - especially in the context of arts and culture. In retrospect, this certainly turns out to be true. The possibility to go on exchange was another important factor for me to choose IBACS. During my studies, I gladly made use of this opportunity by studying in Tokyo for six months.

Last but not least, I found the fact that this international programme is taught in Rotterdam a big plus. It is a super-diverse city home to many creative and talented people. The cultural and creative industries are vibrant and resilient, ranging from interesting established cultural institutions and world-renowned architecture firms to impactful grassroots initiatives. 

Job hunt

After completing my master programme Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship at EUR, I was ready to enter the labour market. I started looking for vacancies and applied to various cultural and government organisations in the Netherlands. In my search, I visited several places, such as museums, to discover whether I could envision myself working there. Besides that, I told my network – friends, family and acquaintances – that I was looking for a job. 

At some point the vacancy of Assistant to the Board of Directors at International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) caught my attention. The position matched my interest in the film industry, as well as my work experience, as I had previously completed an internship at a film production and distribution company. Since I was not exactly sure what specific direction would suit me when job hunting, I thought it would be a perfect starting position to get to know the insights of an organisation and develop myself professionally. Now I am working as Coordinator Funding and Private Partners at International Film Festival Rotterdam.  

Theory put into practice at IFFR

Together with three colleagues, I work in the Funding and Business Growth department at International Film Festival Rotterdam. I find it very valuable to work in a small team, as we exchange ideas and learn from each other's expertise and jointly contribute to improving the financial position of the organisation. The focus in my role is mainly on identifying funding opportunities, writing funding applications and relationship management. My role requires staying up-to-date on the (inter)national cultural funding landscape, creating and executing communication plans, and doing research.

My studies at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication have backed me up with knowledge on the value of culture from different academic perspectives and deepened my understanding of the developments and mechanisms driving the cultural and creative industries. I literally put the academic theory I learned during my studies into daily practice when writing and brainstorming. The various group assignments during my studies have contributed to my ability to collaborate on projects at work. Different concepts covered during the courses, for example social impact and cultural participation, are important when thinking about organising and financing our activities. Here, the analytical and critical thinking skills I learned at the university, come in handy. 

Golden tip(s)

My first tip is to gain experience and practical skills outside your studies, by volunteering, working and/or joining an association. Most cultural events in Rotterdam simply cannot exist without their volunteers. The film festival, for example, would not take place without its 600 volunteers, many of which are – international – students. Through volunteering you get a behind the scenes experience and connect with fellow Rotterdam residents over a shared passion.

Secondly, the mandatory internship in IBACS is a great opportunity to find out where your qualities lie and to gain confidence in the professional field. This period helps to reflect and ask yourself questions to figure out in what field you want to enter the labour market. The internship also allows you to think about the kind of working environment that makes you thrive: a small or large organisation, hierarchical or more horizontal, and so on. 

Finally, and perhaps the most important tip: explore and enjoy all that the city of Rotterdam has to offer. The Rotterdam mentality is contagious. Try to look around and see what is happening in the city. Visit places that give you energy and inspiration. You never know who you will meet and what it can bring you. 

Interest in the cultural sector

As a student in the master Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship, I had many enriching and memorable experiences that I will cherish for a lifetime. The programme provided me with valuable knowledge on theory and research in cultural economics and cultural entrepreneurship and offered me the freedom to apply this knowledge to my areas of interest within the cultural sector. I particularly enjoyed learning about the societal impact of culture and exploring this in applied research during my academic experience. This also helped me discover my interest in the relationship between culture and regional development, and the facilitating role of public policy in the process. It is worth mentioning that the curriculum was highly demanding, making the programme challenging and intense at times. Nonetheless, there was much support available at all stages of the learning process. Apart from academic knowledge, all programme activities and assignments helped me grow on a personal level, by helping me develop valuable interpersonal skills, shaping my interests and by exposing me to a beautiful and diverse community of students and teachers.

From music creation to implementing public policies

Since finishing my studies in July 2021, I was fortunate to gain valuable work experience in both the public and the private sectors. Shortly after my graduation, I landed a full time position as an A&R for Global Records, the biggest independent music label in Romania. Here I contributed to the music creation and release processes by coordinating songwriting sessions according to the record label’s priorities, critically assessing and selecting music for releases. Being directly involved in the music making and release process was a unique and rewarding experience for me, and I was very happy to find that much of the knowledge and skills I gained during the master’s proved to be useful in my daily tasks, in particular with regards to strategy-making and critical analyses of potential releases.

More recently, I started a new position as a Blue Book trainee at the European Commission in Brussels, working for the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) towards implementing the Commission’s public policies relating to culture and education. I find this role incredibly rewarding and exciting as I get to contribute to the support of and to witness the progress of many initiatives that promote positive social development at European level through culture and education.

I owe my current role to my master’s experience, as it was through my studies that I discovered and developed a strong interest for the public cultural sector and a strong passion for facilitating positive societal impact through culture. The knowledge and skills I gained during my master’s studies motivated me to explore career opportunities in this direction and enabled me with the confidence to apply for this role.

Advice

If you are a current or prospective student for the Master’s programme in Cultural Economics & Entrepreneurship, I believe you chose or you are looking at a great place to cultivate your interest in the cultural sector. Take this as an opportunity to explore your career options in the cultural sector and to grow, both personally and professionally.