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My days at Franklin Furnace

     What’s the value of modern art? In the world of modern art, the concept or the manner of expression influences fiscal value. Highly appreciable works of art make a lot of money in the market, even if most people can’t understand these values. It’s very difficult for me to understand the relationship between art and money, but it’s also very interesting as a business. I want to work in the field of art management, but I need work experience and more study of the art market. That’s why I came to NY.

     When I was looking for an internship to gain work experience and study, my friend took me to an art fair. At the fair, I met Martha who is the founding director of Franklin Furnace (FF). I knew this company was a NGO and has supported many artists with grants. I heard management solutions in NGOs are totally different from other private companies. It’s good for me to learn how this company gets money from the government, and how it chooses and produces artists. Thus I decided to apply for an internship at FF.

     On the first day, they asked me to input information about visitors to a recent art fair into the data base to send direct mail with efficiency. I know it’s very important in marketing, and this work let me know about the artists they deal with, and their prospective clientele. After that, I started research about the buyers of these artists’ work, like museums, collectors, universities and so on. Throughout this work, I learned each artist's biography, characteristics, current market values, and buyers. Although these were matters that I should already know, FF gave me a chance to do it firsthand

     On the first day, Martha told me they have few programs which relate to money. However, they would try to find which program is the best for my purpose. So, they asked me to research about buyers. I really thank them. At FF, there is not only me but also many student interns. I think they're also working in programs customized for each of them.

      To receive their kindness, I try to understand their demands exactly and provide good work for them, all the while, improving my poor English. And then, I want to secure a way to connect to the next stage for my goal of a career in art market.



Tomoko Yamaguchi 
Summer 2012

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