Vierra Queen

Student

Silver Spring, Maryland, United StatesIntern0-5 years

Available for FreelanceOpen to New Opportunities

About

I am excited to provide an overview of my desired career path and how this opportunity will support my goal of participating in the HBCU+ cohort of the Cannes Diversity Collective. As a graduating senior at Spelman College with a deep fascination and respect for archived historical documents and collections, I believe this opportunity will provide invaluable exposure to furthering my career in the art industry. My love for history began early in my education when I competed in Maryland History Day during middle school. My partner and I won locally and advanced to the state competition. Through this experience, I developed an appreciation for historical artifacts and a passion for museums, sparking my curiosity about how to merge these interests into a career. During my freshman year at Spelman, I embarked on an enriching academic journey. Studying at this illustrious institution and being exposed to the AUC Art Collective as an Art History major with a minor in Curatorial Studies and Public History has been rigorous yet rewarding. These experiences have allowed me to engage with various artistic and academic venues. While taking Art History I: Pyramids to Cathedrals, I worked as a Museum Assistant under the direction of Dr. Liz Andrews and Mr. Phillips. This dual experience—both working in the museum and studying art history—gave me greater insight into museum operations and collections management, reinforcing my passion for the field. In my sophomore year, I traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas, and New York City with the AUC Art Collective, immersing myself further in the art world. I also enrolled in a diverse array of courses, including Art History II: Renaissance to Contemporary, Mining the Museum, Entering the Art World: Culture and Context, The Black Female Body in Visual Arts, and Introduction to the Object. Among many applicants, I was selected as a Co-Curator for the inaugural student exhibition at the AUC Woodruff Library. Working on my first exhibition, Renaissance, was an unforgettable experience—it celebrated Black achievement and showcased the works of student artists from Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University. That same summer, I interned with the Getty Research Institute’s Digital Media and Content Strategy department, where I was responsible for copywriting and assisting other interns with Google Arts and Culture. Additionally, I was honored to be selected as a Library of Congress Junior Fellow, conducting research on the American Colonization Society and its involvement with Liberia through the Daniel A.P. Murray Collection. My junior year was equally rewarding. I was an ADMagic HBCU Fellow, which allowed me to travel internationally and explore creative and advertising spaces. At the conclusion of the fellowship, my team and I successfully pitched an innovative idea to Instagram, securing a win. I also interned with Welancora Gallery, traveling to major art fairs across the country and assisting in the sale of artwork. At Art Basel, I had the unique opportunity to engage directly with collectors and facilitate transactions on the showroom floor. Additionally, I completed a virtual internship with Yale University Press in the Art and Architecture department, gaining valuable insight into art publishing. That summer, I interned with Christie’s New York in the marketing department, where I learned about the inner workings of the art market and solidified my interest in art business. My senior year has been a truly distinctive experience. I have served as a research assistant for The HBCU Fellowship Project, funded by the MacArthur Foundation, collaborating with research assistants from Spelman College and Connecticut College to develop initiatives that increase fellowship opportunities for HBCU students. Additionally, I competed in the Miss UNCF Spelman 2024-2025 pageant and was honored to be named 2nd Attendant. In this role, I will work with my court to strengthen connections between current Spelman students and alumni while promoting scholarships and funding opportunities for students. I am deeply committed to understanding the cultural, economic, and historical forces that shape the art world. My experiences at institutions such as the Getty Research Institute, the Library of Congress, and Christie’s New York have equipped me with strong research, communication, and organizational skills, preparing me to thrive in the Cannes Diversity Collective. As a scholar and emerging curator, I am passionate about leveraging the art market to amplify the cultural and intellectual assets of minority communities—a mission that aligns with Sotheby’s global influence and dedication to innovation. My leadership roles as 2nd Attendant to Miss UNCF Spelman 2024-2025, a member of the Eta Kappa Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a member of Spelman’s Trailblazing Collegiate 100, and a member of the AUC Art History and Curatorial Studies Collective demonstrate my ability to engage diverse audiences and foster meaningful connections. With my interdisciplinary background, industry experience, and commitment to cultural advocacy, I am eager to contribute to and grow within this dynamic and transformative program. Please accept my resume and letter of recommendation as the first step in my application. Thank you for reviewing my application, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Brands

Christie's

Yale University

Getty Research Institute