Inside the Chinese American Museum
An insiders look into the new Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles

By Dorothy Kwok

LOS ANGELES -- As an intern for the Chinese American Museum, I learned so much about the undertakings of a new nonprofit organization. I was not aware of how difficult it is for nonprofits to find funding while maintaining a professional atmosphere.

Especially in a new organization that relies largely on donations, organizational costs are paid for on a tight budget and sometimes spill over as personal expenses. I was amazed at the energy and thought my supervisors gave to each decision they made.

In a museum environment, everything must look clean, neat and effortless. Before working at CAM, I never thought about the simple designs on often overlooked items, like signs directing you where to go, or the position of the lights overhead or the precision of each artifact in an exhibit. I now realize that every photo and artifact on display was chosen from a jumble of hundreds of others. That care, precision and detail that museum curators give to everything is truly awe-inspiring.

My experience at CAM owes itself to the small but extremely competent staff of just six full-time employees. In the world of museums, relationships are key. Through referrals, it is easier to gain permission to photo reprints and to find cheap but quality framing places. I’ve learned that it is very important to approach projects with several different back-up plans in case one falls through. Also, I’ve realized that advice from more experienced colleagues is golden.

My job consisted of things from archiving new materials donated by members of the Chinese American community to scrubbing and repainting walls and climbing 15-ft ladders to change light bulbs. I have definitely gained a new respect for people working in a museum and will never ever look at a wall the same way again.