Kress Museum Interpretation Fellow

The Kress Museum Interpretation Fellowship will focus on developing dynamic interpretive tools to tell compelling stories for all audiences about the Museum’s European art collection and European special exhibitions. The Fellow will report to the High’s Shannon Landing Amos Head of Museum Interpretation and will work closely with the Bunzl Family Curator of European Art. The Kress Museum Interpretation Fellow will apply a combination of art history training, understanding of learning theory, and sensitivity to the learning needs and styles of widely diverse audiences to support the significant expansion of interpretive tools for the Museum’s permanent collection. The Fellow will gain a full range of interpretive experiences including written, audio, digital, film, gallery teaching, and online which will target varied audiences from adults to families. The Fellowship will provide a supervised environment where an aspiring interpretive educator can develop the hands-on experience and the confidence on which to base a future career. The High Museum of Art takes a team-based approach to exhibition development. We work collaboratively across departments to create experiences that inspire and delight our audiences. Our institutional mantra of growth, inclusivity, collaboration, and connectivity guides all our decision making.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

Doris and Shouky Shaheen Collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist Art
• The Fellow will research and write labels and web text about the 25 paintings in the collection given to the High Museum in the Fall of 2019.
• The Fellow will provide training to the High’s 140 docents on these works of art that are new to the permanent collection.

Engaging Visitors with European Works on Paper
• The Kress Fellow will research and contribute content about the High’s collection of over 660 European works on paper that can be used in multiple digital platforms both in-gallery and online.

Calder Picasso Exhibition
• In the Spring of 2021, the High will host a major exhibition entitled Calder Picasso. The Fellow will work with the design, curatorial, and interpretation team on didactics for the exhibition that will be a major attendance driver for the Museum.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
B.A. in art history; M.A. in art history or museum studies preferred. We would prefer a candidate with some teaching experience, preferably in a gallery setting (teaching assistant, student docent, etc.) and good writing and presentation skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Excellent communication skills (needs to be a good listener) and writing skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to assemble statistical information.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to assess and evaluate information as to its validity and appropriateness.
Ability to organize and express information in clear, logical sequence.

OTHER SKILLS/ABILITIES
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and willing to work at least some weekends. Proficiency in computer word-processing and database programs like Microsoft Office 365. Ability to learn collection database, The Museum System (TMS). Attention to detail, accuracy, ability to work independently and with a variety of people, and a professional demeanor all essential.