There are far more smaller institutions than larger ones, especially in
smaller cities with fewer resources, and they are the ones in the most
desperate need of good, thoughtful people. If you need to be needed, and
want to be somewhere you can make a real difference in the community (and
not just in the institution), go for the smaller places. It's not where
you've been but what you've accomplished that will propel your career
forward.
YMMV.
Julia Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Sarah Kennel
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2002 10:24 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: career advice-small or large institution?
Dear Members,
I am a "newbie" to the list, and just starting my career in the curatorial
world (though I have held many interships, paid and unpaid and
worked/volunteers in museums while getting my phd.). I am currently
holding a (paid) intership position in a major metropolitan museum and am
applying for jobs. My goal is to work in the curatorial department in
modern/contemporary art, with an eye towards moving into an administrator
(direction/head of exhibitions) later in my career. I like being in a large
institution with rich resouces (both people wise and money/facility wise)
but I also see many young people languish here for years, hoping to get that
one job when it opens up. I recently applied for and am interviewing for a
curatorial position in a smallish, regional museum. I am also applying for
assistant curatorial jobs and post-docs in major institutions where I would
work on a 'big' show in a prominent museum. Some of my colleagues tell me
that the latter route is the way to go (that networking and who you know,
and the visibility of the exhibition are what count); others tell me that I
should jump at the opportunity to have responsibility and autonomy that a
small institution offers. Obviously there are other factors at play in my
decision making process (location, lifestyle, etc) and I have to see what is
actually offered to me, but I would appreciate hearing from members of this
list their advice/experience.
with thanks-sarah
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