by Virginia M. Curry, Guest Contributor and Editorial
HELP WANTED: ART EDUCATOR AND SECURITY GUARD, MASTERS DEGREE
PREFERRED FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT AT THE GUGGENHEIM. BILINGUAL
IS A PLUS
It’s June, and the newly graduated crop of art historians buoyant with their expectations
and burdened with six digit tuition loans pour out of college nationwide
seeking employment. However these students now confront a dilemma which was
certainly never experienced by the original art historian, Giorgio Vasari.
Museums are no longer sanctuaries for art education and
appreciation. Museum directors are
now much more likely to have a business degree than an art history or
anthropology degree. Exhibitions
are now mounted as though they are infomercials for automobiles and lifestyle
products such as cars and dresses.
One of the richest museums in the United States just
recently fired their staff of art educators in favor of replacing them with a
“robust” and free volunteer force of docents. The prices paid by this institution for art at auction are
ever record shattering while the value of the art educator is reduced to zero. Could this possibly get worse for the art historian and
educator? Yes, it has.
This week I received a listing of positions presently available
for art historians. Frankly, most
of these offer the opportunity to relocate to New York and work for free or at
a salary which is less than the national poverty level. It is absolutely appalling to think you
could actually qualify to live on food stamps.
Please note below this original current job opening, posted
on
about.com for an “art guide” at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. In this
instance, the Guggenheim proposes that the art educator, who is
"preferably bilingual" also perform the duties of a
security
guard!
This new commentary
reduces the post graduate art history education to an expensive and frivolous
indulgence which qualifies you to either work for free as a docent or
"stand for long hours" as a sort of art informed security guard at the Guggenheim. Should security guards be
insulted? Will art historians be
distracted?
As both an art historian and a licensed security consultant
it is my opinion that this concept is wholly ridiculous and will create a new
breeding ground for internal theft by employees who are both underpaid and
angry and have access to exhibits.
It is my professional experience that when university and museum
managers (who were far better
compensated than these guards) felt that they were entitled to more
compensation for their education and performance, they exploited the weaknesses of their facilities and raped
the collections. Two examples easily
come to mind: Dr. Patrick T. Houlihan former director of the Southwest Museum
of the American Indian in Los Angeles and Professor Jane Crawford, Director of
Graduate Honors program at UCLA.
These individuals exploited their facilities and embezzled art and
artifacts. Neither of these individuals was asked to be bilingual and stand
guard for hours for menial pay in New York City. Both of these
"professionals" were convicted at trial of their thefts. They
explained to family and accomplices that they were motivated by anger and resentment
of the poor compensation they received for their education and experience.
Current Job advertisement from about.com:
Gallery Guides
Solomon R. Guggenheim
Museum
New York, New York
The Solomon R.
Guggenheim Museum is seeking Gallery Guides. Gallery Guides serve a dual role
as both security guard and art educator.
They are responsible for the security and safety of the artwork and of
visitors, and for actively encouraging visitors to discuss their questions and
ideas about art. They are trained
and certified in compliance with New York State Certification regulations, and
trained as a gallery educator to the standards of the museum's Education
department. They are required to
attend and actively participate in all trainings (paid) in security guard
procedures, education techniques and exhibition content. As frontline staff, they are required
to maintain a welcoming and professional attitude towards visitors and staff at
all times. Annual performance
evaluations will be conducted jointly by the Director of Security and Senior
Manager of Adult Interpretive Programs.
* Provide security
during public hours in accordance with established security procedures; keep
visitors at prescribed distances from artwork; monitor the flow of visitors in
the galleries and report any incident involving visitors touching or damaging
art work.
* Provide for the
safety of staff and visitors on the museum's premises during public and
non-public hours; assist with evacuation during emergencies; report problems,
suspicious activity and safety hazards to a Supervisor and/or Assistant
Supervisor.
* Thoroughly prepare
for all exhibitions; actively encourage and discuss questions from visitors
about current exhibitions, the collection, the Frank Lloyd Wright building, the
museum and its history; respond to visitor queries about practical matters such
as directions.
* Overtime is offered
but not required.
Qualifications and
Requirements:
* A firm schedule of 4
or 5 days, must be available Friday and Saturday
* BA/BFA in art
history, studio art, museum education or related field required; MA/MFA encouraged
to apply.
* Ability to stand for
multiple hours
* Ability to remain
alert at all times
* Must qualify for the
New York State Security Guard Certification.
* Experience with
security issues preferred.
* Professional
demeanor and commitment to museum policies, procedures and security/education
philosophies.
* Strong interpersonal
and communication skills; experience working with the public required, teaching
experience preferred.
* Solid working
knowledge of modern and contemporary art.
* Bilingual a plus.
* References required.
The Guggenheim offers
a competitive salary and excellent medical, dental, life, disability and
pension plan coverage. Our staff
also enjoys generous vacation, sick leave and personal days, access to a
variety of cultural institutions, discounts to museum stores and a stimulating
and collegial work environment.
Qualified applicants
please send your resume, cover letter, including salary expectations, and three
references to employment@guggenheim.org. Indicate the job title "Gallery
Guides" in the subject line.
Only those applicants who meet our requirements for this position will
be contacted.
Sadly, it is now easier and far more lucrative to work at
McDonald' s where the only educational requisite is the ability to make a
hamburger from a photograph of a hamburger. I understand that McDonald's also has great job security,
health benefits, and probably
better opportunities for advancement.
VIRGINIA M. CURRY, ART HISTORIAN AND EDUCATOR, FBI SPECIAL AGENT (RETIRED) M.A. G.G.