Niki Noland is a spring 2025 Wichita State graduate who majored in studio art, concentrating in print media. Before leaving Wichita State and the College of Fine Arts, Noland directly impacted Wichita’s art scene, interning for the City of Wichita’s Arts and Cultural Services Department and Public Art Manager, Jana Erwin.
As a student, Noland was active on campus and in the Art, Design and Creative Industries program. They were a mentor for the College of Fine Arts You Belong Here: Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program. As a mentor, they developed leadership qualities by assisting mentees with academic and professional work. Noland, true to their major, was also a member of the printmaking club. Additionally, they were involved in the Shocker Sound Machine and the Model UN Board. Active within Shocker Nation’s arts and clubs, Noland’s internship for City of Wichita’s Arts and Cultural Services Department was a perfect match.
As a public art intern, Noland tasks were a mix of art administration and community outreach. They saw first-hand how the City's art was commissioned and assembled in their administrative work and when visiting art sites for maintenance checks. Their art administration tasks included database management, artwork research, assistance with requests for proposals for newly commissioned artwork, and attending department meetings. Working with professionals in the Arts and Cultural Services Department, Noland was exposed to possible careers and workplace environments in the arts and government.
“This experience helped me build skills in arts administration, especially within city or governmental agencies. Providing me with a deeper understanding and insight into how public art is commissioned, built and maintained,” Noland said.
A highlight from work, was while researching the painting, “Papantla”, from the City of Wichita’s collection from its sister city, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico. In their research, they contacted its artist, Manuel Zardain, to create the painting’s didactic. While communicating with the painter, Noland gained a better understanding and appreciation of the work. After connecting with Zardain, the painting's didactic was made which now accompanies the artwork in CityArts. An experience that exhibits how art fosters community and connection.
“It gave me a deeper appreciation for the administrative side of art, particularly public art, and how it can enhance and grow a community,” Noland said.
Working for the City of Wichita’s Arts and Cultural Services Department has confirmed to Noland their post-grad pursuits in working in their community to “provide more beauty and creativity.” An opportunity that was funded through WSU’s Applied Learning Fund, which provides paid, hands-on experiences in students' majors and future career fields. Providing beauty and creativity since undergrad and throughout their internship, Noland, now a graduate, has the experience and passion to pursue this career goal.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.
Courtesy Photo 
Courtesy Photo 