Emilie Yang, President of History of Art Society, has led a successful society with a focus on expanding students career ambitions... a truly worthy member of our Class of 22!
What made you want to start the society?
I was in last year’s committee as a graphic design officer and wanted to take on more responsibility. We also decided to join the Students’ Union for the first time this year, making the society open to non-History of Art students across UCL which was a big step-up!
What has been your focus as a society?
Career related events have definitely been a focus for History of Art Society this year. We wanted to make full use of the amazing resources we have, from Dr Aparna Kumar our Careers Tutor within the Department, alumni as well as prominent figures in the Arts industry that we reached out to.
Starting with Katy Hessel, our very own alumna who is a Curator, Writer, Broadcaster, Art Historian, Podcaster and Founder of @thegreatwomenartists on Instagram to Charlie Campbell-Gray, Junior Specialist at Christie’s London and Simon Smith, former Ambassador to Ukraine, Austria and South Korea, we were extremely lucky to hear from experts who shed light on many different aspects of Art and Culture. We also have a continuing relationship with UCL Art Business Society, who organised a hugely exciting range of career related events throughout the year. But that is just one aspect of our aims of the Society, and our real goal for the year was to engage with students across UCL to those who are not affiliated with History of Art. As we returned to campus after virtual learning, we wanted to full advantage of in-person events this year with a wide range of activities.
Have you teamed up with other societies?
We were particularly excited to collaborate with many societies this year. With Art Society, we organised a trip to Tate Modern for The Making of Rodin exhibition - it was great to see members from both societies discuss and enjoy the exhibition. Slade Society and we have collaborated on a Drawing Social in Term 1. We have enjoyed a continuing relationship with Art Business Society throughout the year and were thrilled to organise events with Diplomacy Society twice; with the previously mentioned visit to the British Museum as well as a speaker event with Simon Smith, former Ambassador to Ukraine, Austria and South Korea. Simon Smith helped us understand the war on Ukraine through the lens of cultural diplomacy, by giving examples of successful cultural diplomacy of Austria and South Korea.
History of Art Society’s mission is to expand and deepen our understanding of art and culture and by expanding our scope of events this year, we were encouraged by huge enthusiasm and positive feedback from our members- thank you. Check out our Instagram @uclhoas for more information and upcoming events!
What’s been your stand-out moment of the year?
When we reached 375 new members by the end of Welcome Week. This was more than triple our goal for Term 1, so definitely one to remember.
And stand out event?
One of the most memorable events of this academic year would be the collaboration with Diplomacy Society when we organised a trip to the British Museum. Led by Dr Aparna Kumar, Lecturer in Art and Visual Cultures of the Global South (Department of History of Art), the event focused on how artworks and artefacts are inextricably linked to diplomacy. Through case studies such as the British Museum itself as an institution, the Assyrian Lamassu, the Rosetta Stone, the Benin Bronzes and the Human Remains of Egyptian collections, our group participated in a dynamic discussion with each other on the implications and importance of the objects in today’s world.
We also wanted to expand our scope of events from careers focused or academic talks to more interactive activities. Drawing Socials were hugely popular as members could draw and socialise, get to know each other better and relax after a long week. The events were also in line with our aim to raise awareness of mental wellbeing. In total, around 50 students attended across two events and I hope it was a fun and relaxing opportunity for everyone.
What you have learnt about yourself from running this society?
I've realised how much I love working with people, especially with a like-minded and driven team such as History of Art Society committee members, and that I would love to be more involved in art-related events in the future.
Can any student at UCL join your society?
Absolutely! Our membership fee is free, you do not need to be equipped with art historical knowledge- everyone is welcome.