Nicole A. Lee

Nicole (they/she) began their journey as a photographer in the hospitality industry, which then led to a career in art education and art therapy. As an art educator, their goal is to foster creativity and build interconnected relationships through self-expression and learning.

This work led them to a career in arts administration and a multidisciplinary artistic practice. They are currently working towards their D.E.S.S./Master's in Management in Cultural Organization & Business at HEC.

Career questions with Nicole

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

Being a creative entrepreneur and part of the hospitality industry will always be part of my professional DNA. My academic pursuits led me to art education and the creative practices of art therapy.

This journey opened doors in the cultural sector. It became such an eye-opening experience working outside the classroom setting to collaborate with artists across disciplines and passions. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

The internships in community and the school settings gave me insight into a career in education and working in non-profits. 

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

During an internship at Nesbitt Elementary School, we paired students to collaborate with artists and art educators to create a group visual art exhibition with the theme of imagined futures. The collaboration brought ideas from students and artists together to create a unique and imaginative body of work. 

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

Be daring. Don't sell yourself short on your achievements (and failures) as all experiences are transferable. Teaching art will always be a fundamental part of your career path, no matter which industry or field you end up in.

You will constantly evolve and make choices that will not always fall in a linear trajectory. Your art practice will evolve as you grow, and the desire to create will always be part of you. You will always be an artist, no matter what life throws your way. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

Working in the cultural sector offers many opportunities and pathways, and few artists specialize in a single niche field. Artists often collaborate and work across different industries and artistic practices.

Another exciting development is the growing focus on accessibility in the performing arts for, for example, neurodiverse, blind, Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. This area has evolved significantly, expanding opportunities for storytelling, artistic expression and access through investment from arts councils and artistic communities, such as the MTL Arts Accessibles festival. 

Feeling inspired?

• Visit local museums, including Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal and PHI Centre.
• Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills. 
• Take part in Art Matters, the largest student-run festival in North America. 
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.