It strikes me from the description in this message that this position should
be considered entry-level, keeping in mind an entry-level position in the
museum profession doesn't have the same requirements as an entry-level
position at McDonalds.  It's perfectly reasonable to expect "basic office
experience" as a requirement for an entry-level position in the museum
field.  As for prior knowledge about art and museums, that's what we're
gaining by attending graduate school, doing internships and volunteering.

For an entry level position (even in LA) $20,000 is more than reasonable.

Rebecca Steffens


-----Original Message-----
From: Danna Freedy <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 1998 16:42
Subject: Re: Job Opening in Los Angeles


>Dear Listers,
>
>It seems that the recent job announcement that I sent to the list has once
>again fueled a discussion about salaries.
>
>No, there was not a typo in the job announcement for an Art Administrator
>at the Cantor Foundation.  The Foundation is a non-profit organization with
>a low budget. "Low 20s" is what we can afford to pay for that position.  We
>are not looking to hire someone fresh out of college.  We need someone with
>basic office experience who has some prior knowledge about art and museums.
> Hence, it is not an entry-level position.  Although I personally do not
>agree with the low salaries that museum/art non-profit professionals are
>paid, I have to agree with Mr. Dill that those of you in this field should
>know by now that you will not be paid on the same scale as your peers in
>the for profit/business world.  I have noticed however that very few of the
>positions advertised on this list give any indication of the salary for the
>reason that it is most likely not high enough and would probably deter many
>applicants.  The reason that the Cantor Foundation chose to put a salary in
>the job posting is so that we do not invite dissappointment.
>
>It is unfortunate that society does not place a high value on the arts.
>Until we as a country place a higher priority on culture, education and the
>advancement of cultural programs and institutions, the salary situation on
>all levels will not change.
>
>I would like to add that most of the current Foundation staff, myself
>inculded, started here in that position and have quickly moved up.  As a
>former Art Administrator at the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation (who
>was also paid a low salary), I will say that it is a valuable experience
>that will likely benefit the right applicant for the longterm of his/her
>career.
>
>Danna Freedy
>Assistant Curator and Registrar
>Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation
>