Curatorial Assistant, Painting and Sculpture (African Modernism)
Institution: The Museum of Modern Art
Deadline: January 11, 2026 (rolling review)
Location: New York, NY, USA
Contract: Full-time, on-site
Salary: USD 71,979 gross per annum
Department: Painting and Sculpture
Reports to: Steven and Lisa Tananbaum Curator, Painting and Sculpture
The Museum of Modern Art is seeking a full-time Curatorial Assistant to join its Department of Painting and Sculpture, with a specific focus on African Modernism. This on-site position supports the department’s curatorial, research, exhibition, and publication activities related to modern and contemporary art, particularly mid-20th-century artistic practices in Africa.
Working closely with senior curators, the role involves contributing to the research, planning, and realization of exhibitions, as well as supporting acquisitions, loans, collection documentation, and scholarly publications. The Curatorial Assistant plays an active role in maintaining the collection, coordinating with internal departments and external partners, and supporting public-facing activities such as tours and inquiries.
Key Responsibilities
- Support senior curators in research, organization, and delivery of exhibitions and publications
- Research, catalogue, and maintain records related to the museum’s collection and archives
- Write and edit exhibition texts, wall labels, and related interpretive materials
- Assist with loans, acquisitions research, and collection documentation
- Coordinate with conservation, registration, preparation, and custodial teams
- Act as liaison with external institutions, artists, galleries, collectors, and researchers
- Conduct daily gallery inspections and assist with condition follow-ups
- Support public programmes, website content, and visitor engagement as required
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Art History (required)
- Specialized knowledge of mid-century African modernism strongly preferred
- 1–2 years’ experience in a museum or supporting loan exhibitions and publications
- Superior research, writing, and editing skills
- Proficiency in French (required)
- Familiarity with TMS is an asset
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
