Museum Funding Paradigms and Educational Programming for Families

Through the Leadership in Arts Policy Internship program, Oliver was an intern with both The Dalì (also called the Salvador Dalì Museum) and the Museum of the American Arts and Craft Movement (MAACM), in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Dalì showcases the work of Salvador Dalì, a prominent 20th century spanish artist. At The Dalì, Oliver conducted research on museum funding paradigms and received hands-on experience in constructing and deconstructing exhibits. The MAACM was built to highlight the Arts and Craft movement, constructed to resist mass-produced goods throughout the late 19th century and early 20th century through simple and handmade furniture, pottery, textiles, photography, etc. At the MAACM, Oliver worked primarily on developing engaging educational programming for youth and families, as well as visitor experience research.

Through his experience, Oliver gained valuable insights on the nuances of museum management, understanding museums as not only glamorous and polished artistic hubs, but also complex institutions with dynamic financial and administrative needs. Oliver’s summer also provided opportunities to explore beyond the museum industry, such as the art auction house sphere. Following his LAPI experience, Oliver hopes to continue pursuing a career in art and art history, spending the remainder of his Duke career completing his thesis on public monuments in North Carolina, focusing specifically on the politics and history of remaining Confederate monuments.