About The Kitchen
The Kitchen, one of New York City’s oldest nonprofit alternative art centers, was founded as an artist collective in 1971 and formalized as a 501(c)(3) in 1973. It supports emerging and established artists in dance, film, music, theater, video, visual art, and literature. The Kitchen is known for its innovative approach, fostering a community of artists and audiences and encouraging work that pushes artistic boundaries and promotes meaningful cultural dialogues.
Artists who have presented significant work at The Kitchen include Muhal Richard Abrams, Laurie Anderson, ANOHNI, Robert Ashley, Charles Atlas, Kevin Beasley, Beastie Boys, Gretchen Bender, Dara Birnbaum, Anthony Braxton, John Cage, Lucinda Childs, Julius Eastman, Philip Glass, Leslie Hewitt, Darius James, Joan Jonas, Bill T. Jones, Devin Kenny, Simone Leigh, Ralph Lemon, George Lewis, Robert Longo, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sarah Michelson, Tere O’Connor, Okwui Okpokwasili, Nam June Paik, Charlemagne Palestine, Sondra Perry, Vernon Reid, Arthur Russell, Cindy Sherman, Laurie Spiegel, Talking Heads, Greg Tate, Cecil Taylor, Urban Bush Women, Danh Vō, Lawrence Weiner, Anicka Yi, and many more.
About the Position
The eight-month Curatorial Fellowship offers the opportunity to work closely with The Kitchen’s curatorial staff and diverse artists. The Fellow reports to the Manager of Education & Interpretive Media and collaborates with the Senior Curator and Curatorial Assistant on various projects and research. The Curatorial Fellow plays a key role in preparing the full programmatic season and supports projects at different stages.
Current and upcoming seasons will continue during The Kitchen’s “without walls” period at a temporary satellite space in Westbeth Artists Housing, as the Chelsea home undergoes renovation. The Curatorial Fellow assists in all exhibition, program, and performance development phases. Responsibilities include liaising with artists and front-of-house teams, conducting archival and primary research, supporting the production of didactic and interpretative materials, and assisting with grant applications and communications. The Fellow will also help with public and online programs, including organizing a Video Viewing Room series and writing a Kitchen Magazine article.
The Fellow gains valuable experience connecting with key staff across Curatorial, Production, Development, and Communications departments. Mentorship from the Curatorial team, Archivist, internal staff, and external partners will provide insights into the arts world and various career pathways.
The Kitchen seeks applicants who have a demonstrated interest in curatorial work and experience in experimental contemporary art practices. The candidate must support interdisciplinary projects, be self-motivated, and have strong writing, research, organizational, and communication skills. Effective communication and time management in a fast-paced environment are essential. Experience in planning and producing exhibitions and live programs, and familiarity with contemporary artists working in time-based media and performance, is beneficial.
This position offers a $10,000 stipend with an in-person working structure from September to early May. Fellows should ideally commit to two on-site days per week, 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Candidates must be based in New York City to fully engage in the production scope of exhibitions and performances.
Application Deadline: May 31
Application Instructions
Confirm receipt of applications via email. No phone calls. Email resume and cover letter to jobs@thekitchen.org with “Curatorial Fellowship” in the subject line.
