We'd like to hear from Directors who are also the principal curators of
their small to mid-size art museums.
One of our clients would like to hire someone who can perform both roles.

1.  Is this possible?  Are you able to be the principal leader and
fundraiser of your museum and still develop exhibitions and manage
collections?
DIRECTOR/CURATORS PROBABLY COMPRISE THE STAFF OF 3/4 OF THE NATION'S
MUSEUMS.  THERE IS A LOT OF TALENT OUT THERE TO HANDLE THIS KIND OF ROLE AND
I WOULD SAY MOST ARE SUCCESSFUL AT HANDLING THE
ADMINISTRATIVE/VISION/FUNDRAISING EFFORTS AND GUIDING THE AESTHETIC PROGRAM.


2.  What are your top three challenges given your dual role?
UTILIZING RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY; PROGRAMS TAKE A CHUNK OF MONEY BUT YOU'VE
GOT TO ENSURE YOUR INFRASTRUCTURE IS ON SOLID GROUND - THAT YOUR COLLECTIONS
AND FACILITY ARE TAKEN CARE OF SO THAT YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO LOOK OUTWARD
AND DEVELOP EXHIBITIONS AND PROGRAMMING THAT SUPPORT AND COMPLEMENT THE
MISSION; HOW ABOUT THE CHALLENGE OF GETTING AN EXHIBITION INSTALLED,
INTERPRETED MARKETED, AND ARRIVE AT THE OPENING WITH AT LEAST MATCHING
SHOES?

3.  What other staff, or organizational structure, do you recommend so that
you can perform equally well in both roles -- director and curator.
EXCELLENT SUPPORT STAFF (EVEN IF IT IS JUST ONE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WHO
KEEPS THE CORE OF THE OPERATION ORGANIZED AND RUNNING SMOOTHLY) MAKES A BIG
DIFFERENCE.  THEIR ABILITY TO ANTICIPATE THINGS, DEVELOP CONSISTENT
PROCEDURES, AND HANDLE STANDARD QUESTIONS, INFORMATION SHARING, ETC. ALLOWS
THE DIRECTOR/CURATOR TO FOCUS ON THE CURATORIAL, CULTIVATION, AND LARGER
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES.

JUST ALL COMMON SENSE!

LISA


Thanks so much.  Cheers, Geri

Geri Thomas, President
Thomas & Associates, Inc.
www.artsstaffing.com

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).