Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellowships – Morgan Library & Museum, New York, USA
Application Deadline: December 31, 2024
Fellowship Duration: Two years (September/October 2025 – 2027)
Fellowship Overview:
The Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellowships aim to support emerging scholars from underrepresented communities in the museum and special collections fields. Named after Belle da Costa Greene, the Morgan’s first director and a pioneering librarian of African-American descent, this program equips Fellows with curatorial and operational knowledge to advance careers in libraries, archives, and museums.
Fellows will engage in core activities such as exhibition planning, research, donor relations, and collection management. They will also propose and curate a small installation or exhibition. Additional benefits include mentorship, departmental collaboration, and opportunities to present research through Morgan events and publications.
Fellowship Tracks:
1. Ancient Western Asian Seals and Tablets
Focus: Research, exhibition planning, and community engagement emphasizing ancient western Asia.
Skills: Proficiency in Arabic, Persian, Kurdish, or Turkish preferred.
2. Drawings and Prints
Focus: Cataloging works by Rembrandt and French 19th-century artists, with opportunities to curate an installation.
Skills: Knowledge of German, Dutch, or French; advanced research skills required.
3. Literary and Historical Manuscripts
Focus: Processing and promoting the Morgan Archives, including creating finding aids and enhancing accessibility.
Skills: MLIS degree or equivalent archival expertise; American history or art history background preferred.
4. Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts
Focus: Assisting with exhibitions, including medieval psalms and storytelling through illuminated manuscripts.
Skills: Knowledge of Latin, French, Italian, or German; advanced degree in art history or medieval studies preferred.
5. Modern and Contemporary Drawings
Focus: Preparing exhibitions on modern and contemporary artists, including Helen Frankenthaler and Tarot-inspired works.
Skills: Strong background in modern art; excellent organizational and research abilities.
6. Music Manuscripts and Printed Music / Printed Books and Bindings
Focus: Developing an exhibition on the history of ragtime, including research on Scott Joplin and other Black cultural contributors.
Skills: Ability to read music; advanced degree in music or American music history preferred.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Annual Stipend: $52,000
- Travel Budget: $2,000 annually for research and professional development
- Additional Benefits: Full-time employment benefits, professional mentorship, and opportunities for interdepartmental collaboration.
Eligibility:
- Advanced degree (graduate level or higher) in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
- Demonstrated interest in museum work and curatorial practices.
- Strong research, writing, and public speaking skills.
Application Requirements:
- Cover Letter addressing interest in the fellowship and relevant projects.
- Personal Statement discussing the applicant’s background and contributions to diversity in the field.
- Curriculum Vitae detailing academic and professional achievements.
- Writing Sample in English.
- Contact information for three references.
About the Morgan Library & Museum:
Located in New York City, the Morgan Library & Museum is an independent research library and museum known for its collections of rare manuscripts, books, music, and artwork.
Generous support for the Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellowships is provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, and anonymous donors.
For more information and to apply, visit the Morgan Library & Museum website.
