I am an Art Administration major, doubling with a major in Art History, but it has come to my attention that many people, namely non-art majors, don’t know what Art Administration is. I have heard many ideas from these non-art majors, varying from some thinking it is simply a desk job where we flip through pages of contracts and permits, others believing the major centers around just hanging the artworks. I set these beliefs to rest quickly but it had me thinking, why is this the thought process? Why is this what people believe art administration is? Do they not understand what administration is on its own?

With these thoughts in mind, I thought it would be nice to share what Art Administration is to me and why I am majoring in it.

Essentially, Art Administration is the backbone of art museums and galleries. We learn not only the history of art itself but the business side of art, which is something not many people think of. We learn how to set up shows to display the works, how to promote them and bring awareness to those who may not know of certain works. Art Administration is a variety of majors blended together in order to create a well-rounded individual before they hand over the degree.

This is why I chose to major in arts administration. I love art, creating it and studying it, but I want to promote art, to support it from behind and allow other artists to see their pieces hung in a gallery or museum. It is a wonderful major that dips it’s toes into nearly every aspect of art and I am very glad to be a part of it.