Cultch Intern Corner: Meet Daniela Núñez

Bustling with staff, interns, volunteers and the occasional dog, The Cultch is a busy place. Everyone is working hard to keep on top of things and our interns are right in there, collaborating on ideas and working on various projects. Usually a semester long, Cultch internships offer valuable work experience with positions ranging from marketing to videography. Many of our interns are from Vancouver, but a few lucky ones are from places a bit warmer. Take Daniela Núñez for instance. She is a marketing intern at The Cultch and has recently moved here from Mexico. Daniela has become a key player in the marketing department and we wanted to check in with her to find out her impressions of The Cultch and her experience so far living in Canada.

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

I’ve lived my whole life in Mexico City and it’s been one year since I arrived in Canada.

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

At The Cultch I’m working in the marketing department with Rebecca, Denise and Noemie. In Mexico, I worked as a radio producer at a cultural radio broadcast station for two programs. One show promoted the artistic and cultural events happening in the national and international arena and the other was created by my best friend and me; It was about mythology, literature and music. After The Cultch, I will start exploring marketing agencies in Mexico that promote social campaigns sponsored by private companies.

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

I was invited a couple of times by a friend to come and see a show at The Cultch. I felt immediately engaged by the quality of the shows, the low price and the environment.  This experience has been meaningful to me because I wanted to experience being immersed in a company that focuses on dance, theatre and music events, which are my main interests at the moment. I also realized that I would like to continue working in the cultural field in combination with social welfare development.

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

I want to apply what I have learned when I go back home. Having worked abroad will be useful when applying for a master’s degree in cultural management or another related field.

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

Honestly, I have been impressed by the personality, culture, enthusiasm and commitment of the people working at The Cultch.  Everyone’s talent is really unique and they
have become not only colleagues, but good friends both at work and outside of it.

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

I am excited to work with Rebecca on the marketing plan for the next season and the community partnerships on The Drive.

What shows are you looking forward to seeing?

1) Agokwe, because I like solo performances as they tend to have more impact on me.

2)Firebird, because I love dance!

3)after the quake, because I ‘m curious if Murakami will be able to impress me more in a theatrical version.

Are you at all theatrical? I don’t think so, but I’m “dance-ical”.

What did you think of Canada before moving here?

This is the second time I have come to Canada. The last time I visited only the East Coast and it left a sweet flavor in my mouth as well as a determination to come back. My expectations for Vancouver were very high.

What do you think now?

The positive: I think it’s a great city if you are into outdoor activities and meeting interesting people. The public transport is amazing and the size of the city is just perfect for me because it’s so easy to go anywhere quickly and safely. It’s an expensive city, but you can find ways to live comfortably on a budget. Also, the variety of food is great and the summer is just fantastic!

The less positive:  I find the weather difficult; I need sun at least 80% of the year. I felt overwhelmed by the prices of accommodation, basic food items (cheese, beer), travelling costs and some cultural events. I also felt a little bit disappointed by the night life, the freezing water at the beaches and how the city can be boring in the winter if you don’t ski.

Most surprising thing about Canada/Canadians?

1) Main and Hastings. It’s a very interesting socio-cultural phenomenon to see and (try to) understand.  It’s so complex and unique.

2) Dogs at work places and the general fondness that Canadians have for their dogs are funny.

3) Canadians tend to be very cheery and enthusiastic people. They are incredibly polite and it’s contagious. I’m now saying “sorry” all the time.  Also, their passion for sports (especially skiing!), healthy food and their environmental consciousness is unique.

4) There are Buddhist centres everywhere, which I find very pleasant.

Most interesting food you have tried here?

I’m a vegetarian, so for me it is great to enjoy a wide variety of vegetarian options and all kinds of food from different countries, especially good vegetarian Indian food.

Favorite place you have visited in the city?

All-you-can-eat sushi restaurants because I love sushi with no limits; Commercial Drive because there are a lot of restaurants and bars; Value Village because I have bought a lot of cheap clothes; and The Cultch of course. Places close to the city: Chaekamus Lake with its mountainous background and turquoise water.

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

I would like to go to the Yukon, Tofino and the Rocky Mountains…oh, and the Museum of Anthropology.

What do you miss most from home?

The street food that’s everywhere in Mexico City; my mom’s cooking; real corn tortillas; cheap organic food and drink;­ the beaches with warm water; the weather; and the bubbly night life.

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

Go to the beach with my friends, swim in the warm water and drink a fresh coconut. After, I’ll start job hunting for a position in a cultural organization or festival.