Banner Image: 2025 Peggy Guggenheim Collection fellows, Ma’ayan Noy and Clare McCaleb 

What does receiving the 2025 Peggy Guggenheim Collection Fellowship mean to you?

Receiving the fellowship means the world to me, as it has allowed me to go outside of my comfort zone in one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world.

I was able to work in one of the world’s most elite museums, explore Venice, and visit amazing galleries, museums, and workshops in Northern Italy. The fellowship changed my life in the best ways—I made lifelong friends, developed new interests and knowledge in the art world through firsthand experiences, and found a second home in Venice.

What is one key skill you developed during your internship?

Through the fellowship, I developed my communication skills and strengthened my ability to embrace challenges.

During the fellowship, interns are expected to give daily talks to the public either about Peggy Guggenheim herself, an artwork in the collection, or the temporary exhibit, and it was a very intimidating task at first. It took practice, but every day I got better at the task.

By the end of the fellowship, I was able to give guided tours with confidence and even asked to do extra talks! Now, I’m ten times more comfortable with public speaking and have greater confidence in myself and my knowledge.

In what ways did this internship help you build upon your academic studies at Sotheby’s Institute?

The fellowship helped me build upon my academic studies at Sotheby’s Institute in a myriad of ways. During the work day, interns are given 2-3 hours to work on personal studies and those related to the end-of-fellowship seminar.

These free blocks gave me time to explore the excellent library at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. As an historic art and design major at the Institute, this was a great opportunity to delve into my personal interests in contemporary art and broaden my knowledge of contemporary artists, movements, and artworks. I was also given ample time to focus on my thesis during the work day and prepare a presentation for my internship cohort for the end of the two-month program.

The fellowship deepened my understanding of contemporary art, the vital role of dedicated collectors, and the inner workings of a museum. These insights have informed both my studies at Sotheby’s Institute and my aspirations for a future career in the field.

Can you describe one experience or project from your internship that left a lasting impression on you?

The first was during one of the two monthly field trips during which we would travel to a different part of Northern Italy. On this trip, we went to Trieste to go on a tour of Miramar castle, and afterwards we swam in the sea at a beautiful beach.

The castle was extraordinary, and I was able to explore the home once owned by the Austrian royal family. I learned so much about its history, saw architecture I had never seen before, and bonded with my colleagues in one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. It was truly an experience like no other!

My second formative experience came during the second month when I was asked to give a tour to a former Peggy Guggenheim Collection intern who has since become one of the leading women in the museum industry. I had the freedom to design the tour myself, highlighting my favorite works and curating a personal, engaging experience for our visitor. Meeting such an accomplished woman was deeply inspiring, and the experience left me proud and confident in my abilities.

How do you see this internship impacting your professional development and career path moving forward?

This internship has profoundly influenced my professional development and career path. I have gained new confidence in my communication skills and a stronger belief in my ability to present my knowledge of art—both of which will serve as key assets throughout my career.

I learned how to navigate working with highly accomplished and successful individuals, which was an invaluable experience. My time in Venice pushed me beyond my comfort zone in the best way, and as a result, I am confident in my ability to thrive wherever my career takes me.

What motivated you to pursue a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute?

I decided to pursue a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute after working at an online contemporary gallery in New York. During that time, I realized that while my background in art history from Trinity College had given me a strong foundation, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the art industry.

Sotheby’s Institute seemed to be the perfect choice as it offered a balance between historical study and broader coursework in art business. The Institute has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the art industry and the necessary knowledge and skills to advance my career.

What advice do you have for future Sotheby’s Institute students?

My advice to future Sotheby’s Institute students is to truly embrace all of the opportunities that the Institute offers. Whether it is a guest speaker, career-building opportunity, or field study, I highly recommend taking advantage of them.

Sotheby’s Institute offers a variety of networking opportunities, and I recommend that students attend these as often as possible. I am so glad that I did!