Curatorial & Education/Engagement Fellow

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In the year 2025, The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) will celebrate its 75^th Anniversary. The Art and Learning Division seeks a collaborative Curatorial and Education/Engagement fellow to create programming and exhibitions that support this major milestone at the CMA. The fellow will serve an instrumental role in expanding access to art through collaborative exhibitions and programs; make significant works of art accessible to current and burgeoning audiences; develop innovative narratives that expand stories; and explore shared themes that speak both to our diverse identities and communities.

The successful candidate will possess strong art historical knowledge in one or more of the museum’s collecting areas (American, European, Asian, and Modern & Contemporary); a commitment to inclusive programming for diverse audiences; and a vision for thoughtfully embracing new cultural trends and technologies in the service of sparking impactful conversations. The Curatorial and Education/Engagement fellow will work with colleagues to foster relations with the local, state-wide, and regional arts community; support, manage, and develop programs and exhibitions that are responsive and community-centered; and play a key role in the CMA’s work to expand audiences and support its 75^th Anniversary year.

This position reports to the Director of Art and Learning and will work collaboratively within the division to promote the museum’s commitment to be welcoming, community-centered, vibrant, playful, and inspiring. In addition to these core values, the CMA staff and board eagerly embrace diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to contribute to an open environment for the communities we serve. The person selected to fill this position will have demonstrated the capacity to promote these attributes.

About the Museum:

The mission of the Columbia Museum of Art is to spark powerful connections through art from around the corner and around the world in an environment that is welcoming to all. The CMA stands as the largest international art museum in the state of South Carolina, centrally located a short distance from Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC and Charlotte, NC. The organization is committed to the concept of an inclusive and participatory 21^st century museum, where art is meant to be experienced, not just seen.

Established in 1950, the CMA is distinguished by its innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs. The museum welcomes more than 135,000 visitors annually—including more than 28,000 children—acting as a catalyst for community creativity and serving as the cultural anchor of Columbia’s Main Street district. The CMA includes 124,000 square feet of temporary galleries and new collection galleries with a progressive thematic layout, interactive spaces, studios, striking public spaces and two entrances. The Boyd Plaza, a fully updated public space adjacent to the museum, provides an attractive outdoor art and gathering space downtown.

The CMA maintains a varied collection numbering approximately 7,000 objects, with works by artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Renee Cox, Charles and Ray Eames, Sam Gilliam, Robert Henri, Claude Monet, Tintoretto, Pat Steir, and Andy Warhol. The governing Collections Committee has an eye to the future and embraces accessions of remarkable artworks that foster engagement through visual conversations. The museum mounts between four and six special exhibitions per year, with a dynamic roster of related public and educational programs. The CMA operates with an approximately $5 million budget and a staff of 33 full-time and 37 part-time employees (including security, visitor services, and special event staff).

The city of Columbia is the state’s capital and second largest city. The Columbia metropolitan area is home to thriving colleges and universities, award-winning hospital systems, and diverse and charming neighborhoods to suit any lifestyle. Lively business and retail districts with cafés, restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops along with a Riverwalk presenting year-round opportunities for entertainment, socializing, and enjoying the outdoors. The city includes historic architecture of a bygone era while high-tech start-ups and artist venues make up Columbia’s diverse downtown areas.

Scope of Work:

Develop thought partnerships and strengthen relationships with members of the broader arts community, including curators, artists, educators, partners, and cultural institutions, within the region to develop relevant programming and exhibition content.
Collaborate with the Curatorial team to develop permanent collection displays and interventions.
Initiate, facilitate and/or participate in community feedback models and methods that are relevant to the CMA’s mission, exhibitions, collection, and programs.
Establish and monitor exhibition and program budgets as assigned.
Support curatorial team in coordinating administrative and logistical tasks across departments.
Review exhibition and community partners proposals and ideas for artistic merit, mission fit, budget, and scheduling factors.
Research collection objects.
Maintain object files and exhibition records.
Contribute to assigned grant applications and general fundraising activities.
Support the day-to-day operations of the Art & Learning Division.
Champion the museum as a welcoming place by serving as a positive museum representative through presentations and participation with internal training, programs, lectures, development, publicity marketing and networking activities.

Requirements:

BA required with field experience a plus, with MA or greater preferred in art history or related field.
2+ years of full-time educational, programmatic, and/or curatorial experience in a professional art setting.
Knowledge of collections management plus exhibition, audience and program development and best museum practices and procedures.
Openness to experimental curatorial practices and community-based engagement.
Mastery of the English language and demonstrated ability to write, edit, and deliver oral and written communications that make an impact, persuade, and inform their intended audiences.
Experience coordinating exhibitions and art-focused programs.
Growing expertise in at least one of the museum’s collecting areas (American, European, Asian, and Modern & Contemporary).
Object-based experience and knowledge of best practices for object handling and care.
Knowledge of the latest art historical and museological research tools and methodologies.
Experience developing and managing projects, timelines, budgets, and goals.
Ability to effectively navigate through the complexity of key issues, challenges, and opportunities to affect action.
Proactively model the importance of timely collegial interaction, personal accountability, maturity, professionalism, communication, and exchange across disciplinary boundaries.
Self-directed and motivated.
Ability to perform a variety of tasks involving sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods with reasonable accommodations. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
Monthly evening and weekend time and occasional travel.
This position requires a criminal background check.

Stipend: $45,000 over 2-year term, plus full medical benefits.

How to Apply / Contact

Contact: The Columbia Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion. Confidential inquiries, applications, and recommendations are welcome. Please email cover letter and resume to Mrs. Jeanna Dixon-McCray, at JDixon-McCray@columbiamuseum.org with “Fellowship Position” in the subject line.