Meet Amanda Covach | Curator of Education

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Covach and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by the incredible future we can help students access, and the possibilities for who they will be. I am constantly inspired by the people I work with, their stories and how that informs their decisions, and how their work propels the museum forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the Curator of education, I manage all aspects of the educational programs and initiatives at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, this includes camps, classes, tours, public programs, community workshops and other educational opportunities. I started my work in museums as a birthday party host in 2014, prior to that I had received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida International University with a minor in Art Education and Art History. Thanks to the support of my colleagues and the abundance in opportunity, I quickly rose through the ranks at Young At Art Museum to become the Director of Visitor Services, however my true drive was to provide opportunity for students like myself to access the arts. I still recall going to a middle school that was so overcrowded, they had cancelled most art classes; my mom, seeing that I was struggling without an outlet found the small classes held out of a garage by Argentinian artist Leda Almar. I was so lucky to go to these affordable classes and looking back I can see how they improved not only my ability to socialize and express myself, but also my self-worth and confidence. Through my work as the Curator of Education, I have kept a personal mission of ensuring that art and art making have zero barriers of access. By continuing to provide free or accessible educational opportunities and expanding the ages of access, MOCA North Miami creates a level platform for all interested to access knowledge of expression, conversation, history, and technique which usually is reserved for those with monetary support, or college level students. In turn, we create incredible learning opportunities for the institution to listen to the community, and learn from those who come and participate on the artistic journey with us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eat: Cane-A-Sucre in North Miami, they have secretly the best burger I’ve had in a while, the Le American. Tinta y Café for some Cuban Contemporary in Miami Shores, Au Bon Gout BBQ for their Haitian zakos.

Drink: Paradis Books and Bread has an amazing chill atmosphere and drink selection. Luna Star Café has been a staple of live music for years in our community, just make sure to bring cash!

Visit: MOCA North Miami of course! As well as all the galleries off of NE 125th Street, there are some wonderful things to check out right in our community. Expanding out further, I would definitely pay a visit to the Miccosukee Indian Village and learn more about the history and traditional culture of the Miccosukee Tribe, spend a day visiting PAMM, the largest art museum in Miami, and take a trip paddle boarding in Oleta River State Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The support of my mom, who laid the pathway for me and demonstrated what a successful communicator, educator, and director looks like. She is an incredibly hard working woman who pushed against sexism and discrimination while always uplifting others and forming strong networks.

Website: www.mocanomi.org

Instagram: @mocanomi

Facebook: @mocanomi

Image Credits
1) Headshot – photo by Daniel Bock
2) Amanda Reading at Sunday Stories – photo by Agatha Wright
3) Amanda Leading a tour – photo by Daniel Bock
4) Amanda speaking Prior to Jazz at MOCA – photo by Daniel Bock