After earning a bachelor’s degree in Art History, Danni Pascuma ’10 received a master’s in Arts Administration and is currently pursuing an EdD in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. She works as the Studio Director for contemporary artist Derek Fordjour. 

Q. How did your URI degree best prepare you for your career path?

A. My art historical knowledge is one that I pull on every single day in my role at Fordjour Studio. I engage regularly with a wealth of people who are incredibly well-versed in art history, artistic practice, and production. In order to effectively participate in those conversations, a broad base of knowledge in these topic areas is essential. Thanks to a few faculty mentors in the Art History department, and a minor in Leadership, I grew confident in my ability to pursue a professional career in the arts post-graduation. My degree gave me the foundation I needed to complete my master’s in Arts Administration, and since then I’ve worked in museums, galleries, and arts non-profits before landing in my current role. 

In your opinion, what is the value of the arts both academically and in the community?

The arts are entrenched in our everyday lives. From the clothes on your back to the look of your iPhone, to the emoji that you just sent your best friend, to the building you live in – someone with an arts degree probably designed all of those things. The value of an arts degree to our sensory understanding of the world is immeasurable. Art drives innovation, and vice versa. Additionally, early exposure to the arts, particularly in early school settings, has proven to have short and long-term academic, social, emotional, and physical benefits.

What advice would you give to current students or to young people thinking of pursuing a Fine Arts degree?

You have to know what you love, figure out what you do best, and keep going until you find a way to merge those two together. When I started at URI, I had no idea what I was going to do with an Art History degree, I just knew that I loved it. I didn’t even know my current job existed when I was 18, but I kept listening, learning, and networking, and eventually, I understood that bringing my administrative skill set to traditional artistic practice was a need that I could expertly fill.

Is there anything else you want to share?

I absolutely loved my time at Rhody, and I’m so thankful to the entire URI community who gave me opportunities to lead, both in the arts department and in the greater campus life. I am the woman I am today because of my time spent there.