Blair Spotswood Hollis (’15)

Blair Spotswood Hollis graduated from Boston University’s Arts Administration Graduate Program in 2015. Blair’s decision to attend the program was driven by a lifelong love and passion for the visual arts. Blair attended an arts high school in New York City, studied studio art at Carnegie Mellon University, and completed her Bachelor of Arts at BU in the History of Arts and Architecture. When Blair enrolled in the Arts Administration Program, she was the Assistant Manager in the Visitor Experience Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Since graduating, Blair has shifted to Development and is currently the Director of Development at the Boston Ballet.

1. How did the Arts Administration program help you focus on a particular skill set or open you up to new ideas about your career?

I was attracted to the BU program as it offered the chance to focus on building practical skills that I could immediately apply to my career and make me more effective in my daily responsibilities. The unique Arts Administration focus (rather than Museum studies) provided a broad overview of various paths in arts organizations, which also allowed me to better understand my colleagues’ roles at the MFA and how I could best support them.

The Arts Administration program also helped me to better articulate my personal goals and become more strategic in my networking, especially with classes such as Cultural Entrepreneurship. Additionally, Financial Management and the fundraising courses were vital to my success in Development.

2. What move did you make after graduation that put you on the path to where you are now?

I was already working at the MFA when I graduated from the program and had been in the same role for several years. Right after graduation, a Development position opened in the Museum that was a lateral move, but provided more opportunities for long-term growth. For my interview I was able to demonstrate my understanding of the field through my coursework in the program, even though I did not have formal development experience. I even brought the letter of intent that I created for the Grant Writing course with me as a writing sample. The program helped me to identify the next steps in my career and take actionable steps towards my goals.

3. You have been working at the MFA for more than four years now. Could you share your experience in terms of the pros and cons of working in such a large organization?

One benefit of working at an established institution such as the MFA is my amazing colleagues. There is an incredible amount of expertise throughout the organization and I am very grateful to work with such passionate, renowned individuals.

One downside is that at an organization as large as the MFA, there is less opportunity to work across departments or take on new responsibilities. At smaller organizations, administrators may be asked to take on multiple roles and can therefore learn new skills on the job. That is why it was so important for me to look outside my organization – to the Arts Admin program, to build new skills in more diverse areas.

4. We can say that you are real Terrier, first as a student and now as an instructor in the Art History department.  What do you expect from this new chapter at BU?

Teaching is a new challenge for me and it is such a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with students – what an honor! Putting together the coursework is enabling me to relearn all about the modern artists that I admire and works that first sparked my passion for museums. I greatly enjoy working with undergrads and learn so much from them. Their perspectives bring something new to art works that I think I’ve already seen a million ways and deepen my appreciation.

For a few years at the MFA, I managed a paid employment program for local students called the Ambassador Program, which enrolls 20 students per year. My experience overseeing the Ambassador Program is one of my proudest accomplishments and was critical to the next chapter in my career.

5. Could you tell us about a recent accomplishment that has been meaningful to you?

It has given me so much joy to see students that I’ve mentored take on new roles and positions, moving into the next stages of their careers. I strongly believe in paying it forward and have benefited from the help of some amazing women, and I want to give back. I love the old saying “what comes around goes around” and I try to put as much positivity out into the world as I can.

6. Can you talk about any setbacks in your career?

Well, I definitely haven’t gotten every job that I have applied for. It can be very disappointing, but I have also developed so much from each rejection. My main takeaway has been the importance of advocating for yourself. It can be hard for people to promote themselves, but it is as important as your qualifications or quality of work. I think it’s very important to be gracious even when you don’t get the job. I have maintained good relationships with the people who have turned me down in the past, which has helped with subsequent job openings.

7. You have been working in the arts field since you were in high school. What do you see as a major challenge in the visual arts field?

Diversity! I think we need more social, cultural, and economic diversity in the arts. Most organizations are struggling to build new audiences and expand their base of support. We need more perspectives at every level of the organizations to welcome new audiences.

8. According to you, what does an organization expect from an arts administrator?

Support and execution is what is expected from an arts administrator. All organizations have creative staff or curators who come up with concepts and ideas. The arts administrator needs to be able to execute the ideas effectively and be a conduit to the broader public.

9. How do you stay up to date on issues in the industry?

I attend a lot of events around the city and have joined a number of groups like City Awake, the New England Museum Association, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Speaking to new people is vital to understanding what is going on in the arts community. Networking is the key!

10. What advice would you give to current students?

Get to know your classmates – they are the future arts leaders in Boston! Also, the Arts Administration program at BU offers international art courses, which help you gain exposure on a global platform. Take advantage of those!

Interview conducted by Sameera Palkar