My job isn't in the traditional arts, but I do work in the digital arts as a graphic designer, part of a four person marketing team at a small, private university.
Starting out of college I got a job at a small design marketing firm (VERY small). I was their only graphic designer and I only worked part time, 4 hours a day, 4 days a week.
I got that job by just sending my resume and portfolio site to every design/marketing firm in the area I lived, even ones that didn't have a job opening. I got my first job because their designer just happened to be leaving and here I was out of the blue sending my resume.
Even though it's not traditional art, I think the strategy would still work for someone in that field. Send your resume/portfolio around everywhere you'd like to work. The worst that can happen is that you don't hear back from them! The best is that they're impressed with your work and keep it on file until someone leaves, or better yet they make room for you.
Also, don't think any job related to your field is beneath you. Everyone starts somewhere. That little 16 hour a week job, helped me get a full time graphic design job 6 months later at a place that wasn't great, but at least I was designing full time. And that place, 2 years later, led me to to where I am now, a job I absolutely love and have a lot of creative freedom.
Never give up, you'll find a place!
