Cultch Intern Corner – Meet Noémie Vigier

Internships at The Cultch offer more than just skill-building opportunities, they offer the chance to be directly involved in our creative process. Contributing to everything from marketing plans to theatre strategy, interns have a hand in almost everything. We are pleased to introduce Noémie Vigier, an intern who has come all the way from France to join our marketing department. Besides packing the necessary Vancouver carry-ons (raincoat, umbrella) she has brought her quick thinking and cheery attitude. Noémie has proven to be an invaluable addition to the marketing team and a driving force behind The Cultch’s success. We caught up with her to see how she has been enjoying her time at The Cultch and how her Canadian experience has been so far.

Where is your Hometown? How long have you been in Canada?

I come from a city in the south of France called Narbonne and I study in the north of France. I have been in Vancouver for three months.

What do you at The Cultch?  What did you do at home?

I’m an intern in the marketing and communications department at The Cultch. At home, I have just finished the first year of my master’s degree in communications and marketing. In addition to my studies, I’m also involved in an arts organisation that puts on arts festivals in France.

Why did you want to intern for The Cultch? What have you learned about yourself through this experience?

Last year, it was my dream to come to Canada and I wanted to do my internship in a theatre marketing or education department. In February, I got the opportunity to come to The Cultch. By coming here, I have become aware of a different way of life. While working at The Cultch I’ve been exposed to a different organisational structure: horizontal instead of vertical. It’s a democratic work environment and has made me certain that I want to continue to work in organisations devoted to the arts.

What do you hope to do with the experience you have gained at The Cultch?

Eventually, I hope to work with the public through schools and a variety of other groups, as well as work in communications. I was inspired after seeing The Cultch’s “IGNITE! Youth Festival” as  it was completely organised and run by youth. I’ve decided for my second year of my master’s program that I would like to compare systems of art education and develop one with a group of young people.

What has been your favourite/most unique/bizarre experience so far?

Culture shock! The first meeting I went to was shocking. People were eating and I saw the Executive Director lean back in her chair and put her feet on the table. I almost let my mouth fall open! I’ve learned to be more casual at work.

Most challenging experience?

In the beginning, I found taking notes during the meetings very difficult because of my English!

What projects are you most excited to work on at The Cultch?

I’m excited to participate in the meetings about theatre strategy — how to be receptive to audience requests and improve our services. In general, I’m excited by all the projects with the youth, the volunteers and with the marketing team.

What shows are you looking forward to seeing?

I would be looking forward to seeing Old Thomas and the Little Fairy, but unfortunately I won’t be here.

Are you at all theatrical?

I can be very theatrical and I love acting.

What did you think of Canada before moving here?

I thought there was a lot of green space, that art therapy was a developed and respected form of counseling, and that Canadians were opened-mind, sports-loving, healthy people.

What do you think now?

Canada is very green and more beautiful than I’d expected! I’ve found that art therapy (psychological therapy using drawing and painting) is developed almost to the same extent that it is in France and I’m so happy I’ve found many people here who are interested in it.  In terms of open-mindedness — I’ve found that there are lots of different kinds of people; no two people are the same. However, I can say that I have met only interesting and nice people so far.

Most surprising thing about Canada/Canadians?

In the beginning, I was surprised by small details such as: the postal codes (in France the postal codes don’t have letters and we write it before the town and not after); animals like coyotes, skunks and raccoons; and Canadian flags being flown outside some of the houses. (In France, flying a French flag outside your house is considered a sign of extremist views).

Moreover, in Canada you don’t kiss people on both cheeks to greet them. You hug. I was quite confused the first time someone hugged me and I kissed him!

Finally, what really surprised me was the difference in Canada’s funding for arts organisations. You have less provincial financing than in France. People in Canada donate more money and supplies, as well as their time.

Most interesting food you have tried here?

I have discovered Mexican and Persian food; they are delicious! Before coming here, I didn’t know that I loved spicy food.

Favourite place you have visited in the city?

In the city, I love walking by the ocean. It’s gorgeous to be at the beach and to look at the sky, the water and the mountains. For me, it’s the most beautiful thing in Vancouver.

What do you want to see here before you return home?

I’d love to see the beautiful islands around Vancouver and would like to go to the Vancouver Art Gallery.

What do you miss most from home?

I don’t yet miss my country or its culture, only the people I love.

What is the first thing you will do when you return?

I’ll kiss my boyfriend at the airport! After five months, this kiss promises to be magical and memorable!