2020, Arts Management, MA
Biography
Tell us about yourself.
Joanne (Shiyun) Tang grew up in Guangzhou, China and finished her undergraduate study in Communication at the State University of New York at Buffalo and the Singapore Institute of Management. She has interned with the Newseum in Washington DC and the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) in Reston, Virginia, specializing in fundraising and membership management. Joanne is expecting to graduate from the George Mason Arts Management program in May 2020 and she aspires to have a career in development and marketing for nonprofits. Joanne is also a landscape photographer in her spare time.
Why did you choose Arts Management at Mason?
George Mason University has a great reputation in the community and the Arts Management program is very unique in this area. The classes are very practical and the class schedules are flexible for both full-time and part-time students. The location of the school also brings a lot of resources and opportunities to its students.
What makes you passionate about the arts?
I am passionate about the arts as it creates an experience that is unique for every individual. I think art is capable of healing souls, as we could always resonate with and find inspirations from a piece of artworks at the museums and galleries regardless of our backgrounds. I believe that art is a common language shared by all human beings and it helps the world become a better place.
What area of arts management are you interested in and why?
I am interested in fundraising and capacity building for nonprofits. The mission and vision of a nonprofit can be impactful but hard to be sustained without strong financial supports. Gaining financial resources from governments, foundations and individuals would be essential for an arts manager to carry out the organization’s programs and continue to improve the community.
What is your favorite art activity in the area and why?
My favorite arts activity in Washington DC is the First Friday Dupont, which is an event for you to explore fine arts such as paintings and sculptures at galleries around Dupont Circle for free every first Friday of the month. This event makes fine arts more accessible for students like us who have limited disposable incomes.
What was a favorite project or class you've had and why?
My favorite class in the Arts Management program is the Arts and Society class with Professor Claire Huschle. This class is very stimulating with a lot of in-depth discussions on issues in the current arts world. It also helps us explore our relationships with the arts and encourages us to think critically by interacting with others who may have different perspectives and life experiences. I have learned a lot from this class and it really helps me build my role as a future arts manager.