I sent this message earlier and it was returned - I apologize if it has already appeared, but I don't think it has. I was very interested in Ms. Finan's message, as I have recently been applying to and researching internships. Her point about the children of the wealthy having an advantage in terms of accessibility to unpaid internships is absolutely true. I returned to university in my 30's and am about to graduate with an MA in Art History. I am self-supporting, and have worked 2 part-time jobs in order to get through school. Despite this, and some much appreciated scholarships, I will graduate with a student loan of over $20,000. There is no way I can now expect to move to another city and support myself for 10+ weeks in an unpaid internship in order to gain museum experience. Ms Finan is absolutely correct in pointing out that this practice diminishes any chance of employee diversity. I hope more museums and galleries will begin to devote funds to supporting interns, as it is definitely in their future interest. J. Spafford ************************************************************************** Jacqueline Spafford / Grad Dept. of History of Art / University of Toronto EMail: [log in to unmask] **************************************************************************