JiaJia Fei on Career Autonomy and Digital Innovation in the Art World
JiaJia Fei, founder of the first digital agency for the art world, discusses her career trajectory from self-taught social media pioneer at the Jewish Museum and Guggenheim to independent consultant. In an interview with Artnet, she emphasizes 'mission over permission' and the need for institutions to adapt to AI. Fei advocates for pay transparency, citing her own experience of earning less than male peers, and notes that arts workers often piece together multiple jobs due to low pay. She sees parallels between the adoption of social media and AI, urging clients to make content accessible. The conversation is part of Artnet's series with the Association of Women in the Arts' Hardwiring Change report, which found about a third of respondents are self-employed.
Key facts
- JiaJia Fei founded the first digital agency for the art world after working at the Jewish Museum and Guggenheim.
- She launched the Jewish Museum's first Twitter and Instagram accounts and grew its social following by 1,000%.
- Fei's clients include Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, Canyon, Obama Presidential Center, and Independent Art Fair.
- She earned $30,000 a year at her first job and consulted on the side to make ends meet.
- Fei experienced pay inequity where her salary was significantly lower than male peers.
- She advocates for pay transparency and salary negotiation orientation for all employees.
- Fei compares the current AI shift to the earlier social media revolution, urging institutions to adapt.
- The Hardwiring Change report indicates about a third of arts workers are self-employed.
Entities
Artists
- JiaJia Fei
Institutions
- Artnet
- Jewish Museum
- Guggenheim
- Crystal Bridges Museum of Art
- Canyon
- Obama Presidential Center
- Independent Art Fair
- Association of Women in the Arts
Locations
- New York
- United States