A Degree in the Arts

As a recent college graduate, I think I was somewhat unprepared for what to expect once I graduated with a degree in the arts. I believed that my education, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and a Master of Arts degree in Museum Studies, along with my volunteer and internship positions at institutions would not only be sufficient, but coveted in the art/museum field. What a surprise it was for me once I graduated.

Upon completing graduate school I was granted an internship opportunity at one of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC. Considering this to be my chance to get my foot in the door of a premier institution, I packed up my belongings and moved 3,000 miles away from my friends and family. Upon arrival in DC, I was surprised to find out my internship start date would be delayed due to museum restructuring. The museum was in the process of bringing in a new director and accordingly, revising their collection’s policy---the latter issue having a direct impact on what I was to be doing as a Registrarial Intern. It was explained to me that the entire process should be resolved in less than a month. As I waited for my internship to begin, I contacted a temp agency in the hopes of finding short-term employment.

Due to my degrees and experience, I was able to find a temporary position fairly quickly. I was hired on working for an agency with the Federal government. Although it was neither interesting nor challenging work, it was a job. Approximately one month into my temporary position (I still had not been contacted by the Smithsonian), I was approached by the agency with a job offer. The starting pay was more than I had ever made before and far more than I would make starting out in the arts. The position also had near guaranteed annual promotion potential with a $10,000.00 increase in pay with each promotion. Although the average person may not have thought twice, it was a very difficult decision for me. I love the arts and always saw myself working in an arts related field. The money wasn’t as important to me as the challenge or satisfaction of working in my desired field. Nevertheless, as it usually always does, money won out. Two months into my new position, the Smithsonian called. I was now able to begin my internship. I sadly advised them that I was no longer available and disappointedly hung up the phone.

I often ask myself if the decision I made was the right one. At my one year anniversary I was promoted to the next level and saw my salary increase as promised. But was that enough? Who cares about the money if you feel unfulfilled professionally? I ask many individuals this question and usually get a variation of the same response, “You have to do what you have to do.” Unable to relinquish my dream of working in a museum, I apply to a handful of vacancy announcements each month. Over the course of nearly two years, my stack of application submissions fills an entire drawer in my filing cabinet. Of those positions I have applied to, I have only ever received one phone call with interest in bringing me in for an interview.

Two years into my position with the Federal government, I still yearn to be in the arts. I attempt to satisfy this passion by doing as many creative things as possible. I am fortunate to be in a city with so many cultural opportunities that I make certain to take advantage of all of them. I work two blocks away from the National Gallery of Art and approximately three blocks from the National Mall. I frequently attend lectures and artists discussions at these institutions. The flexibility of my job and salary allows me to travel abroad at least once a year where I am able to frequent international museums and see works of art I was only able to view in textbooks while in college. All in all, it is not a bad existence. These opportunities make the disappointment I used to feel each month as I wrote out my student loan check all the more bearable. One may wonder, “Is a career in the arts over for me?” Not at all. I am not in the position to quit my ‘day job’ but I will continue to apply for positions in my field and in the interim, satisfy my arts urges however I can. In time, I believe passion always outweighs financial compensation. What is the point of making a lot of money if you have no enthusiasm about what you do? In the end I say, “Don’t quit your day job. But be sure not to give up on your dreams either.”

Update: Ironically, upon completion of this post I was called in for an interview at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum. I will be sure to keep readers apprised of the outcome.