This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Suoni per il Popolo, a music festival in Montreal. As a student majoring in Cultural Studies at Â鶹AV, I have always been passionate about the intersection of culture, community engagement, and social justice advocacy. This internship was a perfect fit for my interests and career aspirations.
I was particularly drawn to this internship because of Suoni per il Popolo's reputation for promoting avant-garde music and its commitment to supporting diverse and underrepresented artists. My immersion into Montreal's independent music scene has ignited a desire to connect people through music in accessible and creative spaces. I wanted to explore how the intersections of space, community, and art can form radical sites of resistance through moments of shared feeling. My learning objectives included gaining hands-on experience in event production, enhancing my social media management skills, and understanding the operational dynamics of a large-scale festival.
Suoni per il Popolo is dedicated to showcasing innovative music and fostering a sense of community through its events. The festival's mission is to provide a platform for experimental and independent artists, promoting cultural diversity and artistic freedom. My role as a Festival Intern involved a wide range of responsibilities both before and during the festival.
Leading up to the festival, I updated the festival's website with event details and created engaging content for their social media platforms. This included curating promotional videos from participating bands, crafting compelling stories and reels, and managing scheduling to maintain a dynamic online presence. Additionally, I played a key role in coordinating efforts through a CKUT radio hour, managed spreadsheets, and schedules to organize the festival, and communicated with non-profit partners to arrange tabling at shows, sent out newsletters to the festival’s audience, and attended strategic meetings to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Once the festival commenced, my responsibilities expanded significantly. I collaborated closely with production managers to oversee show logistics, from supervising soundchecks to briefing volunteers and ensuring artists were well-informed about performance schedules and hospitality arrangements. Helping to maintain the operational flow, I managed cash floats nightly, counting funds and documenting attendance. Beyond financial oversight, I played a hands-on role in equipment organization, liaising with venue staff and bartenders to optimize concert settings and maintain a seamless guest experience.
One of the most memorable aspects of my internship was the opportunity to gather each evening for dinner prepared by Kiva Stimac, the festival’s Executive Director and co-founder. These dinners brought together artists, volunteers, staff, and fellow interns in a communal setting that truly embodied the festival's spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie. Sharing meals with such a diverse group of individuals allowed me to forge new connections and deepen my sense of belonging within the festival community.
Navigating the internship presented challenges, notably managing the dynamic demands of festival operations and ensuring effective communication amidst bustling event environments. These challenges underscored the importance of adaptability and proactive problem-solving, skills I honed through hands-on experience and mentorship within the festival team.
This experience has significantly impacted my university experience. It has provided me with practical skills and insights that help to complement my academic experience in Cultural Studies. The internship has also reinforced my passion for working in the live music sector and has given me a clearer understanding of the career path I want to pursue.
In summary, my internship with Suoni per il Popolo was a transformative experience that enriched my understanding of cultural event management and reinforced my commitment to social justice through cultural expression. For this internship, I am extremely grateful to have received funding through the Arts Undergraduate Improvement Fund Internship Award. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity and look forward to using the skills and experiences I gained in my future endeavors.
