Latinx Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Latinx art forms a vital yet often overlooked segment of American art. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) defines “Latinx art” as creations by artists of Latin American heritage either born or working in the United States. This encompasses a broad spectrum of identities including Chicana/o, Puerto Rican/Nuyorican, and Mexican American, among others from Central, South America, and the Caribbean who now reside in the U.S. Historically, the visibility and representation of Latinx artists in mainstream art institutions and education have been limited. The MFAH, in collaboration with the International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA), is addressing this gap through the ¡Aquí Estamos! initiative, aimed at enhancing the study and exhibition of Latinx art.
¡Aquí Estamos! Initiative
Empowering Future Professionals
The ¡Aquí Estamos! initiative offers in-depth training for upcoming museum and research professionals with a focus on Latinx art. Fellows will join various museum departments such as Curatorial, Conservation, and Learning and Interpretation. Under the guidance of MFAH staff, they will engage in diverse projects including research, exhibition preparation, conservation studies, oral histories, and more. This initiative offers a unique platform for fellows to deeply explore Latinx art, fostering collaboration and professional growth through workshops and joint projects.
ICAA Latinx Papers Project
Expanding Latinx Art Representation
A key part of ¡Aquí Estamos!, the ICAA Latinx Papers Project aims to broaden the scope of Latinx art on the Documents of Latin American and Latino Art digital platform. Focusing on the preservation and sharing of essential primary sources, the project will enhance the understanding and visibility of Latinx art. Research Fellows will collaborate with the ICAA and partner institutions to digitize and annotate significant documents, contributing to a richer depiction of Latinx art history.
Fellowship Opportunities
Cultivating New Generations
The ¡Aquí Estamos! initiative values emerging researchers poised to contribute significantly to Latinx art. Fellowships offer early-career insights into various museum practices and research methodologies, nurturing the next wave of Latinx art scholars and curators.
Eligibility and Application
Fellowships are open to students at various academic levels, with both full-time and part-time positions available. Applicants must be U.S. residents and eligible to work in the country. Specific eligibility criteria and terms vary by fellowship. Applications for the 2024-25 cycle are due by April 8, with notifications by May 6. Apply through MFAH Careers and consider multiple fellowships if qualified. For inquiries, contact icaa@mfah.org.
Fellowship Descriptions
- 2024-26 Post-Doctoral Curatorial Research Fellow, Latinx Art (2 yrs, full-time)
- 2024-26 Conservation Fellow, Latinx Art (2 yrs, full-time)
- 2024-25 Interpretative Fellow, Latinx Art (1 yr, part-time)
ICAA Latinx Papers Project Fellowships
- 2024-26 ICAA Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (2 yrs, full-time)
- 2024-26 ICAA Research and Metadata Development Fellow (2 yrs, full-time)
- 2024-25 ICAA Research Fellow (Texas) (1 yr, part-time)
- 2024-25 ICAA Research Fellow (California) (1 yr, part-time)
*Field Researcher positions for undergraduate or MA students will open on a rolling basis.
Support and Funding
The ¡Aquí Estamos! initiative and the ICAA Latinx Papers Project are generously supported by The Mellon Foundation and The Terra Foundation for American Art.
