The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is an artist-activated, audience-engaged contemporary art museum. We generate art and conversation around the creative process. We are a cultural leader of local necessity and international distinction. In addition, we aspire to make the MCA community—staff, audiences, and artists—reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We strive to capture a spirit of access, inclusion, and equity in all we do.
We are now accepting applications for the coveted Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship program. Considered one of the premier curatorial training opportunities in the nation, this is an opportunity for an accomplished scholar to gain professional, hands-on training, working alongside world-class curators, and to experience the inner workings of a contemporary art museum. The fellow will engage in performance and public programs-related research, suggest potential speakers and participants, write reports on possible acquisitions, organize one collection-based exhibition and help curators plan and organize programming.
Beginning on July 1, 2021, this full-time, twelve-month fellowship carries a stipend of $35,000, plus a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation and personal days; free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance; retirement plans; discounted parking; pre-tax transportation programs; free access to the MCA’s galleries; curator-led staff tours of MCA exhibitions; discounts at the MCA Store and Marisol; discounts for MCA Stage and other programs; and a variety of discounts at many cultural institutions in the Chicagoland area.
QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
The MCA will consider exceptional candidates with backgrounds in art history, museum studies, and related fields whose work demonstrates a strong emphasis on art historical research and methodology. Qualified applicants must possess a Master of Arts degree or be in their final year of graduate work. Evidence of self-directed curatorial work or critical writing is a plus, and candidates should exhibit strong communication skills and a readiness to express their intellect and point of view.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application deadline is February 28, 2021.
Applications will not be considered complete unless we receive all of the application materials listed below. To apply, all application materials should be should be attached to a single email and sent to jobs@mcachicag.org. Please use Susman Application – Last Name, First Name as the subject line in your email. Please note these materials, including writing samples and other supplementary materials, will not be returned to candidates.
1. A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in this fellowship and museum work that includes the name, current and permanent addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant
2. A full resume of education and employment history
3. Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional settings
4. Two writing samples—each individual writing sample should not exceed 2,000 words
Please note: International candidates must be in possession of a valid US work visa for the entire fellowship period.
Final selection of the Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellow is determined in consultation with the Susman family and curatorial staff members. The Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship was established by members of the Susman family in honor of Marjorie Susman.
If you have any questions about applying for this fellowship, please email jobs@mcachicago.org.
