Leah Clark
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I was looking for a theoretical and global Art History degree. I loved that it was a forerunner in its theoretical approaches but also offering a global specialization, when most departments just offered Western Art History.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I was an undergraduate student representative and attended department meetings, which allowed me to have a student voice. It also opened my eyes to what being an academic is actually like. I also volunteered for the Belkin Art Gallery, which was great to see openings and exhibitions. I really enjoyed my Italian classes too.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Taking Italian alongside my Art History degree meant that I came out with a good understanding of Italian that allowed me to go on to do an MA and PhD in Italian Renaissance Art History, where I was required to read Italian.
I had to fund my own education so the scholarships I received from UBC set me on the right path to be able to realize my dream of becoming an Art Historian.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I continued as a student right through to grad school, and after finishing my PhD at McGill University my first job was actually back in the same classroom I learned Art History: but now I was behind the lectern teaching Renaissance Art History to UBC undergrads as a sessional lecturer!
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Yes! Following the PhD, there were/are very few jobs in my area of specialization, but in the end I got a dream job in the UK, working at the Open University. I did have to take temporary positions and I moved around a lot in the US before I managed to secure a permanent position.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I absolutely love the ability to make academic research accessible through the open resources that the university supports, such as Open Arts Objects, a project I founded which has over 50 free films to educate anyone who wants to learn about Art History. These films are now regularly used in high school (A-level) curriculum in the UK.
I often find it hard to have enough time to do research alongside teaching and administrative commitments, but I love the opportunity when I get it. I did a BA in Art History, so I now teach in the same field.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree
It allows you to critically assess the world around you and makes you a better citizen. An Arts degree relates to all the things you do in your daily life, as well as in work, from your decision making in electing a local MP to reading a newspaper and knowing how to critically assess the images and information you receive.
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
I’ve recently been Shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Award: Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year (in the UK these are known as the Oscars of Higher Education, and they will be announced Nov 28 2019) for my work on Open Arts Objects. I’ve also recently published a book, Collecting Art in the Italian Renaissance Court: Objects and Exchanges (Cambridge University Press, 2018) as well as co-edited with Kathleen Christian the first textbook on the global Renaissance, European Art and the Wider World 1350-1550 (Manchester University Press, 2017).
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Work hard! Follow your passion and make sure you take every opportunity you can to get experience.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Have confidence in your abilities!
Leah Clark
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I was looking for a theoretical and global Art History degree. I loved that it was a forerunner in its theoretical approaches but also offering a global specialization, when most departments just offered Western Art History.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
I was an undergraduate student representative and attended department meetings, which allowed me to have a student voice. It also opened my eyes to what being an academic is actually like. I also volunteered for the Belkin Art Gallery, which was great to see openings and exhibitions. I really enjoyed my Italian classes too.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Taking Italian alongside my Art History degree meant that I came out with a good understanding of Italian that allowed me to go on to do an MA and PhD in Italian Renaissance Art History, where I was required to read Italian.
I had to fund my own education so the scholarships I received from UBC set me on the right path to be able to realize my dream of becoming an Art Historian.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I continued as a student right through to grad school, and after finishing my PhD at McGill University my first job was actually back in the same classroom I learned Art History: but now I was behind the lectern teaching Renaissance Art History to UBC undergrads as a sessional lecturer!
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
Yes! Following the PhD, there were/are very few jobs in my area of specialization, but in the end I got a dream job in the UK, working at the Open University. I did have to take temporary positions and I moved around a lot in the US before I managed to secure a permanent position.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
I absolutely love the ability to make academic research accessible through the open resources that the university supports, such as Open Arts Objects, a project I founded which has over 50 free films to educate anyone who wants to learn about Art History. These films are now regularly used in high school (A-level) curriculum in the UK.
I often find it hard to have enough time to do research alongside teaching and administrative commitments, but I love the opportunity when I get it. I did a BA in Art History, so I now teach in the same field.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree
It allows you to critically assess the world around you and makes you a better citizen. An Arts degree relates to all the things you do in your daily life, as well as in work, from your decision making in electing a local MP to reading a newspaper and knowing how to critically assess the images and information you receive.
Are there any other achievements or activities you would like to highlight?
I’ve recently been Shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Award: Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year (in the UK these are known as the Oscars of Higher Education, and they will be announced Nov 28 2019) for my work on Open Arts Objects. I’ve also recently published a book, Collecting Art in the Italian Renaissance Court: Objects and Exchanges (Cambridge University Press, 2018) as well as co-edited with Kathleen Christian the first textbook on the global Renaissance, European Art and the Wider World 1350-1550 (Manchester University Press, 2017).
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Work hard! Follow your passion and make sure you take every opportunity you can to get experience.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Have confidence in your abilities!
