Introduction
WORTHLESSSTUDIOS, in collaboration with Even/Odd, is excited to offer the 1-800 Happy Birthday Curatorial Fellowship. This initiative celebrates the lives of Black and Brown individuals lost to police violence and systemic racism. The fellowship aims to involve the public and the victims’ families in creating a meaningful art exhibition.
Project Background
Mohammad Gorjestani of Even/Odd initiated the 1-800 Happy Birthday project in 2020. It started as a digital platform for leaving voicemails for victims of police brutality. In 2022, WORTHLESSSTUDIOS joined forces to bring this project to a physical space. They transformed their warehouse into an exhibition featuring upcycled payphones for visitors to engage with the victims’ stories.
Fellowship Overview
The fellowship seeks a Curatorial Fellow to lead the next phase of the project. This phase includes a public exhibition in 2025, aiming to bring the victims’ stories to a wider audience. The role involves strategic planning, collaboration with the victims’ families, and securing additional funding. The Mellon Foundation generously funds the fellowship, with additional support from Campaign Zero.
Position Details
- Type: 1099 Contractor
- Start Date: March 1, 2024
- Contract Term: Until December 31, 2024
- Time Commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week
- Location Preference: New York or San Francisco (Hybrid model)
- Salary Range: $34,000 – $42,000
Qualifications
- Desired: Community organizing, experience with cultural institutions or social justice organizations, and a background in facilitation and justice work.
- Required: Art installation or public art project management experience, project management skills, ability to work with grieving families, excellent communication, organizational skills, and willingness to travel.
Responsibilities
The Fellow will develop and implement an artistic production plan, secure funding, manage budgets, and sup
