Job Summary
The Curatorial Fellowship Program at the Harvard Art Museums is designed to broaden the experience of scholars embarking on professional careers in art history who are considering the museum profession.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
The Pulitzer Curatorial Fellow will work closely with the Curator of Modern and Contemporary art, as well as other curators of paper-based material, including the Curator of Drawings, to conduct original, scholarly research to support the focused acquisition, study, and curatorial care of drawings from the last 100 years, and to assist with a broad range of curatorial activities, including the display of our permanent collection. The primary focus will be on contemporary drawing, although modern projects may also be developed. Issues in the material and conservation challenges of the medium will be explored. Specific projects may include: exploring the dialogue between drawings and sculptures by such artists as Louise Nevelson and Gego, among others in the collection; assisting the Curator of Drawings on preparations for an upcoming exhibition of American watercolors. The Pulitzer Fellow will be an important part of the efforts to reassess and articulate a broader concept of what constitutes a drawing, and to diversify the artists and stories represented in the museums’ collections.
Assist with a broad range of other curatorial activities, including cataloging of the permanent collection in the Art Museums’ database, assistance with new acquisitions, and donor cultivation.
Foregrounding the museum’s teaching and research mission, the Curatorial Fellow also helps provide content expertise and support for the Art Museums’ Art Study Center by supporting classes and individual appointments six hours a week participates in a series of art handling workshops and contributes to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
The Curatorial Fellow will be an active member of the Fellows’ cohort and participate in regular cohort meetings and the annual Fellows symposium.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:
- MA in Art History or related fields with specialization in contemporary art/drawings
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Ph.D. preferred
- Curatorial or related experience helpful; interest in challenging canonical narratives strongly encouraged
- Proficiency in a foreign language helpful
- Commitment to fostering the appreciation of works of art in a museum context
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
Additional Information
PLEASE NOTE: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with the transition to onsite in Cambridge when the office reopens.
We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and the lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.
The Harvard Art Museums are committed to equity and inclusion in its staff and to engaging with a wide range of audiences and constituents, and welcome applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds who share these interests and commitment.
Application Procedures
Please apply online with a letter of interest and a résumé or curriculum vitae. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting May 26, 2021, and continuing until the position is filled.
Please note: Upon review of initial applications, successful candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Other supporting documents may include transcripts and writing samples.
Please apply online here with a letter and curriculum vitae.
Additional Note:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information:
The term of this fellowship is September 7, 2021-August 31, 2023. In addition to $50,000 annual compensation, the fellowship has an allocated travel budget and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.
Discover Harvard Art Museums and Harvard University Benefits
- A creative, high- energy, collaborative environment
- Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay
- Medical, Dental and Vision benefits starting on your first day
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute
- Health and wellness discounts, memberships, and programs
