René Karomi
Communications officer
You could describe him as the catalyst of the Academy of Art and Design Zwolle. As all-round communications person, René (25) works on all the events held throughout the year but is also involved in the positioning of new courses. René lives and works in Zwolle, as a result of which is private life is subtly interwoven with his working life. How does he deal with that? He is happy to tell us in this story.
Community
“At ArtEZ, you are constantly stimulated by the fresh insights of students and colleagues. Obviously you are in the middle of a creative, free and flexible sector, in which I personally feel completely in my element. I love seeing what emerges in this environment between students, especially during the finals period. And the Academy of Art & Design in Zwolle really feels like a community. Not in the sense that you are closed off from the world, but more that people know and acknowledge one another and the short lines of communication that are a result of that. You can get things done pretty quickly here.
“In spite of the age differences, at ArtEZ there is a very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, without detracting from the professionalism of the organisation”
Relaxed atmosphere
I graduated from the Communication course in 2021, and this is my first real job. When I first got here, it did take a moment to get used to the hectic reality of an art academy. Obviously I had just graduated and I didn’t yet have any serious work experience. Fortunately, I was given a very warm welcome and I quickly found my place here. This was partly because ArtEZ gave me the freedom and trust to chart my path and explore my learning needs. With that foundation, I identified where my growth potential lay and had the opportunity to work with a career coach. This support was incredibly valuable in helping me take further steps in my professional development.
The informal interactions with colleagues also played a significant role in helping me feel at home at ArtEZ. Despite the age differences, the organization fosters a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism.The informal contact between colleagues definitely helped in that regard. Because in spite of the age differences, at ArtEZ there is a very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere without detracting from the professionalism of the organisation.
Organising, planning and writing roadmaps
In my role as all-round communications person, I'm constantly doing different things. One day I'll be working on the newsletter and talking to students who have put themselves forward to be representatives at the education fair, the next day I'll be compiling the programme for an open day and writing for the finals magazine. It sounds very varied, and it is. As a communications officer, there is a lot of back and forth and making sure everything has been done, but in the background you are also busy organising, planning and writing roadmaps. I think it's a great job and I feel like I struck gold straight away after my course. As I am also involved in the positioning of new courses alongside my regular duties, I'm also becoming more familiar with the educational side of the job. And the more I do, the more interesting I find it.
“Sometimes it's hectic and things have to be sorted right now, but that's also the charm of art education”
Charm of art education
Working in art education means you aren't likely to get stuck in a fixed routine, and I do find that refreshing – anything can happen. Naturally, working with students and the feedback you get from them plays a big role in that. There is a lot of solidarity. Sometimes it's hectic and things have to be sorted right now, but that's actually the charm of art education. Because I work full-time, ArtEZ takes up a good part of my life. It's part of my identity. That's why I consider it extra important that I enjoy what I do. I also help out with fairs and open days. Because they are usually held at weekends, my work is subtly interwoven with my private life, but personally I don't find that a problem at all."
Will you join us?
Can you identify yourself with the art education as valued by ArtEZ? If so, come and join our teams of support staff, academic staff or researchers.
Please find our current vacancies on this page.
