Take 5 with Education Intern Saita (Jiayi) Gu
June 4, 2026 by Kelby
Saita (Jiayi) Gu is a 2026 graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachlor of Music in Music Business/Management and is serving as the Umbrella Arts Education intern for summer 2026. Saita "took five" with us about what she's looking forward to learning and accomplishing at The Umbrella this year.
What first drew you to interning at The Umbrella?
I discovered The Umbrella Arts Center through my school’s job postings. The internship drew my attention because it brings together administration, arts, education, and project management, which are skills I have been developing through student projects and extracurricular activities. I am excited for the opportunity to further strengthen these skills in a professional arts organization.
I discovered The Umbrella Arts Center through my school’s job postings. The internship drew my attention because it brings together administration, arts, education, and project management, which are skills I have been developing through student projects and extracurricular activities. I am excited for the opportunity to further strengthen these skills in a professional arts organization.
What excites you most about this year’s summer camp program?
I’m particularly excited to learn how the summer camp program operates on the logistical and administrative side, especially since The Umbrella Arts Center hosts a wide range of classes, programs, and events. I look forward to supporting the behind-the-scenes coordination that helps these programs run smoothly.
I’m particularly excited to learn how the summer camp program operates on the logistical and administrative side, especially since The Umbrella Arts Center hosts a wide range of classes, programs, and events. I look forward to supporting the behind-the-scenes coordination that helps these programs run smoothly.
Tell us about a time you experienced a work of art that really inspired you.
When I volunteered with a nonprofit organization called Mass Island Corp., which focuses on bringing accessible and affordable orchestral music to the general public while supporting music education, I was deeply inspired by the original multimedia music created by our director. Through that innovative approach, I learned how art can inspire, encourage, and connect people.
When I volunteered with a nonprofit organization called Mass Island Corp., which focuses on bringing accessible and affordable orchestral music to the general public while supporting music education, I was deeply inspired by the original multimedia music created by our director. Through that innovative approach, I learned how art can inspire, encourage, and connect people.
What kind of artist do you identify as? How long have you been practicing your art(s)?
I have been involved in music and arts-related activities since I was four, including performing, managing, composing, arranging, and teaching. I would identify myself as an artist who is open to new possibilities, enjoys collaboration, and is always happy to support others when they need help.
I have been involved in music and arts-related activities since I was four, including performing, managing, composing, arranging, and teaching. I would identify myself as an artist who is open to new possibilities, enjoys collaboration, and is always happy to support others when they need help.
What do you hope to gain/learn from this internship? How will it support your future goals?
Through this internship, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of arts administration, program coordination, and the daily operations of a community-based arts organization. I also hope to strengthen my communication, organization, and problem-solving skills in a professional setting. In the future, I hope to continue working in arts administration and live event management, so this internship will help me build practical experience and better understand how arts programs serve and connect with the community.
Through this internship, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of arts administration, program coordination, and the daily operations of a community-based arts organization. I also hope to strengthen my communication, organization, and problem-solving skills in a professional setting. In the future, I hope to continue working in arts administration and live event management, so this internship will help me build practical experience and better understand how arts programs serve and connect with the community.
We're so grateful to be working with Saita this year to keep our summer camp and more in motion!
Posted In
Posted In:
