THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE

Post 5

One of the new ventures was for us to set up the art studio so that it is open to the public every day. We programmed three different activities, wrote self guided instructions for each activity and had them laminated so they could be reused. We put out the appropriate materials on each table with templates and instructions for children to create - as long as they are supervised by an adult. We created a tiger mask for Chinese New Year that kids could decorate and attach whiskers and a band to tie around their head. We also had an A3 size gold fish cut out that the kids could collage with crape paper, glitter, sequins, coloured wool, pencils, and crayons. In programming the different craft activities, we had to use whatever material were available in the art room, we were not allowed to purchase any new material. Eventually new glue sticks did get ordered.

Most weeks the Education Manager would have a work experience student, at least one each week. In busy weeks and school holidays when the education manager had many tasks that needed completing, she would call in volunteers to assist her. I wonder how she would ever meet deadlines without work experience students, interns and volunteers. Will there be paid work at the end of this? Not likely!

I have noticed lately that this free labor has made its way into the commercial galleries as well. I recently applied for a job as a manager at a well known Sydney commercial gallery to find that there were two part time ‘interns’. It sounded to me that their duties were not structured, they were general admin gals, and happy to do so. Do you think we are being taken advantage of in the arts? Rarely these days does it seem that these internships turn into worthwhile paid employment, which I think was the original intention, and is still today in banking and legal firms. I would love some feedback on this.