In this blog post, I will diverge from the usual topics covered here to focus on interviewing techniques. Specifically, this post will serve as my second assignment for the Media, Strategies, and Methodologies course: Individual Blog Assignment – Interviewing Techniques.
For this assignment, I conducted two interviews on themes related to ComDev: one with a gallery director at an international gallery in Athens and another with an NGO worker introduced to me through the gallery director’s contacts. Each interview allowed me to explore unique perspectives on communication strategies within the Athenian art and NGO sectors, both of which play significant roles in fostering social discourse and inclusion. The exercise involved reflections on both the practical and interpersonal aspects of interviewing, offering valuable insights into the communicative dynamics within Athens’s diverse social fabric. On this post I delve into the themes, questions, and reflections from each interview, comparing and contrasting the experiences.
1ST INTERVIEW
Theme: The Role of Art Galleries in Advancing Social Change through Communication and Cultural Exchange
Research Context:
As part of my MA in Communication for Development (ComDev), I conducted an in-person interview with a gallery director from an international gallery based in Athens. Our discussion focused on how art galleries, particularly those engaging in the global art market, can serve as platforms for social change by bridging cultural divides, fostering dialogue, and addressing pressing social issues. This theme aligns with ComDev’s emphasis on how cultural institutions can be influential actors in the development space by shaping narratives, advancing public awareness, and influencing social perspectives through art and media.
The gallery director was a relevant interlocutor due to their position in Athens’ contemporary art scene, which is experiencing increased global visibility. I initially connected with them for a research paper I am developing on spatial inequalities and the evolving dynamics of the Athenian art scene. Having established a professional rapport, I approached them for a brief follow-up interview to discuss her insights through a ComDev lens, specifically focusing on how galleries can engage audiences and communities on complex global issues such as social justice, migration, and identity.
Preparation and Consent:
Before the interview, I sought their explicit consent to ask additional questions for my ComDev assignment, explaining that the purpose was to explore the role of cultural institutions in advancing social awareness and engagement. I also requested their permission to record our conversation for accurate transcription, which they granted, recognising the academic context of the interview.
Interview Questions:
To align with Communication for Development themes, I structured three open-ended questions:
1.“How do you see the role of international art galleries, especially those in Athens, in advancing dialogue on social and cultural issues?”
2.“What strategies does your gallery use to communicate socially conscious messages to its audiences? Can you provide examples of specific exhibitions or initiatives?”
3.“In your experience, how does engaging with local and international artists help address global issues or inspire local communities in Athens?”
These questions aimed to unpack the gallery’s role in fostering communication on development-related topics, such as migration, inequality, and cultural diversity, both within Athens and for its broader international audience.
Reflection on the Interview Experience:
The in-person format allowed for a rich dialogue and provided an opportunity to observe non-verbal cues, which contributed to the depth of our exchange.
The rapport was collaborative and collegial, as our prior interaction had already established a level of familiarity and trust. This familiarity allowed for an open conversation, in which the director shared candid reflections on the challenges and opportunities in using art as a medium for social change. Their responses highlighted the gallery’s role as both a cultural space and a communication platform, dedicated to fostering dialogue around socially relevant issues. For instance, they discussed exhibitions featuring artists who tackle themes of displacement and migration, noting that these displays resonate with local audiences who identify with Greece’s own complex migration history.
Initial Reflections on ComDev and Professional Practice:
This interview reinforced my understanding of art galleries as active participants in the development field, demonstrating that cultural spaces can transcend traditional boundaries and actively contribute to societal discourse. It also highlighted the importance of effective communication in making complex issues accessible and engaging to diverse audiences. Reflecting on this, I realise how cultural policy and development communications intersect and how art institutions can strategically frame social narratives to mobilise audiences and raise awareness on pressing global issues.
The experience demonstrated how in-person interactions can yield a more nuanced understanding of the interlocutor’s perspectives, especially in contexts where visual and spatial elements play a role.
2ND INTERVIEW
Theme: NGO Communication Strategies in Promoting Social Inclusion and Support for Marginalised Communities
Research Context:
For the second interview in my Communication for Development (ComDev) assignment, I reached out to a contact suggested by the gallery director I interviewed previously. This contact works for an NGO in Athens focused on supporting marginalised communities through advocacy, outreach, and inclusion initiatives. Without any prior connection to the interviewee, I approached this interview as an opportunity to learn about how grassroots organisations in Athens communicate and engage with diverse populations, particularly in a social and cultural climate impacted by migration and economic challenges.
The theme for this interview aligns with ComDev’s focus on social inclusion and the role of NGOs as communicative agents for marginalised groups.
Preparation and Consent:
Since I was introduced to the NGO contact through the gallery director, I began the process by emailing a brief introduction and requesting their consent to conduct an interview as part of my academic work. In my message, I clarified that I was interested in understanding the NGO’s communication strategies in promoting social inclusion, and I asked if they would be comfortable with me recording the conversation on Zoom to ensure accuracy in my notes. Although the initial response was brief and formal, they agreed to participate and granted consent for recording.
Interview Questions:
To guide the interview, I developed three open-ended questions that would encourage insights on ComDev themes:
1.“What are the primary communication strategies your NGO uses to engage with marginalised communities, and how do you tailor your approach to different groups?”
2.“How does your organisation work to raise awareness of social inclusion issues, and what challenges do you face in getting the public and policymakers to take notice?”
3.“Can you share an example of an initiative or campaign that illustrates how your NGO’s communication efforts have impacted the lives of the people you serve?”
These questions were designed to explore the NGO’s communication approaches in raising awareness, as well as the broader impact of its work on social inclusion and empowerment.
Reflection on the Interview Experience:
Conducting this interview over Zoom presented some challenges in establishing rapport. Unlike my previous in-person interview, I had completely no prior relationship with the interviewee, which created a slightly formal tone at first. The remote format limited opportunities for organic, face-to-face rapport-building, and I had to work harder to create a comfortable atmosphere. I started with a few conversational remarks to break the ice, allowing the interviewee to feel more at ease. Despite these initial hurdles, the interviewee was forthcoming and shared valuable insights once they understood the ComDev focus of my research.
The interviewee spoke candidly about the complexities of reaching marginalised groups, especially refugees and economically vulnerable populations, through digital channels and in-person outreach. They explained how the NGO tailors its messages to resonate with both local and migrant communities, sometimes using multilingual campaigns to improve accessibility. They also highlighted a recent awareness campaign that involved local artists and cultural events to create a bridge between native residents and migrant groups, helping to foster mutual understanding and community cohesion.
One of the challenges she discussed was the resistance from some segments of the public and local authorities in accepting narratives that advocate for inclusivity and equity for marginalised groups.
Initial Reflections on ComDev and Professional Practice:
This interview provided a rich perspective on the role of NGOs as communicators in the development field, showcasing how strategic communication can foster social inclusion, counter discrimination, and build awareness for marginalised communities.
The experience reminded me of the importance of adapting to different communication styles and approaches based on the format and familiarity with the interviewee. Unlike my in-person interview, the Zoom setting required more verbal prompts and expressions of encouragement to keep the conversation flowing. This remote interview also emphasised the value of preparation and adaptability, especially when connecting with new contacts in a professional setting.
