I really appreciate your response, but I am finding from all my responses
that its a sad state of affairs in art administration (seen in your thesis,
I assume). Even with this knowledge, I plan to pursue the local scene, with
gallery and museum jobs until I feel I have what it takes (both financially
and experience) to apply for jobs at a higher level. Graduate school is
financial not an option, and with your knowledge from research, may not be
much assistance once out, looking for work.

Nancy

----------
> From: Annalisa Morgan <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Getting a Position in arts administration
> Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 11:37 AM
>
> To Nancy Sheer,
>
> I am almost a graduate of the arts administration program at University
of
> Oregon.  I have witnessed other people (and myself)having your same
problem
> which is why my thesis topic dealt with educational and experiential
> qualifications from employee and employer viewpoints. This was strictly
in
> non-museum arts organizations.  This is a VERY simplified picture of my
> research, I found that even though hiring organizations list
Qualifications
> at BA and only a few years experience, they are hiring people with
Masters
> degrees and many years of experience.  Between the two of us we make the
> perfect candidate, education and experience, but without one or the other
> you will have a difficult time, I know I am.  If you are interested I
have
> info on the most frequently requested skills, breakdown of regional
> differences in qualifications, etc.
>
> Annalisa Morgan
> 541-349-1363
>
>
>
> At 06:49 PM 6/4/98 -0400, you wrote:
> >As an Administrative Assistant in art galleries for 4 years, the
> experience I have gained is enormous (at a gallery level). With a BFA in
> Fine Arts, and the work experience, getting considered for any
> administrative position within a museum or arts organization has been
close
> to  impossible! I live in Phoenix, AZ, and I am able to relocate
anywhere,
> with the desire for a bigger, more ecclectic city (LA, San Francisco,
> Seattle, NYC, DC), yet I am getting nowhere as far as responses to
resumes
> I have sent out.
> >
> >Anyone have contacts in these settings that I could contact, or have
> suggestions for improving my chances in getting involved in such a work
> environment?
> >
> >Another issue: salaries. As an administraitve assistant (in art
> galleries), the salary history is beans compared to the salaries posted
for
> museum jobs (especially), and I feel I am deserving of them, although
when
> asked of my salary history, they feel I should get what I've been
getting,
> instead of what is being offered. Seems unfair...so what is a girl to do?
> >
> >Any suggestions, comments or information would be greatly appreciated!
> >
> >Nancy Scheer
> >
> >