Good Afternoon Mary,
Here are my three simple bits of advice that I give emerging museum professionals….
These may, or may not, apply to your particular needs….but, here goes…..
1.) Be willing to travel anywhere (this is most important) and spend at least three years working in a small museum with limited resources. You will have a learning experience that they do not teach in academe and what you will learn will last you a lifetime.
2.) Realize that having the "right" attitude on the job will reap more dividends than you can imagine.
3.) Don't take yourself too seriously. Maintain a sense of humor.....have fun......and as the Cub Scouts say, "Do Your Best!"
Thanks for asking and best wishes for success!
Wesley
Wesley Creel
Administrator of Programs
Pink Palace Family of Museums
Memphis, TN
new office telephone 901.636.2370
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mary Negro
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2011 12:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Seeking Educational Advice and Recommendations
Hello museum listserv-ers,
My name is Mary. I am currently researching Masters (or equivalent) programs abroad for the 2012-13 academic year and was hoping some of you may have advice or recommendations to offer. I am most familiar with Christie's London MLitt courses but want to be sure that I don't overlook any other solid programs.
A brief background of my experience: I received Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University in 2010 as a double major in Art History and Visual Arts (concentration in Drawing and Painting). During full-time studies I completed a 9 month, 25 hr/week internship as an accessory design intern for a well-known fashion house. After graduation I completed a 5 month internship in the registrar department of a NYC museum.
Currently I work for a Brooklyn based art gallery that focuses on emerging NYC artists. My title is Gallery Coordinator, but I function more like a registrar/curator. I oversee all logistical matters of the gallery (shipping, calendar, events, etc), but also assist with curatorial decisions (show themes, what artwork fits into each show, installation, and creating catalogues).
I remained in New York throughout my undergraduate studies and wish to get out of town for a few years. Ideally, I would like a flexible program that blends art history with museum practices and art business. Programs with a foreign language element would be a plus.
After school, my goal is to work at a museum as either an assistant curator or exhibitions assistant. Any and all advice to help me get there is welcome! Thank you all in advance!
Best,
Mary
To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1