Project Curatorial Fellow

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Project Curatorial Fellow – Rising Sun

The Exhibition Curatorial Fellowship at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia, PA offers the opportunity for a highly qualified candidate with outstanding credentials to gain professional curatorial experience at a nationally renowned museum of American art affiliated with a degree-granting fine arts art school. One of the main goals of the Fellowship is to support the upcoming, transformative, multi-site contemporary art exhibition “Rising Sun,” scheduled to open at PAFA, the African American Museum in Philadelphia, and additional venues throughout Philadelphia in late 2022.

One of the most ambitious and multifaceted Philadelphia art exhibitions in recent memory, Rising Sun, will feature newly commissioned work by 30 leading contemporary American artists. The exhibition draws inspiration from the words of Benjamin Franklin, who pondered whether the sun was rising or setting on the country’s future during its formative years, and the lyrics “Facing the rising sun of our new day begun” from Lift Every Voice and Sing (or “The Black National Anthem”), written by James Weldon Johnson. In the midst of an uncertain and tumultuous contemporary moment, the 30 participating artists will critically engage with Franklin’s question – Is the sun rising or setting on America? – according to their individual points of view and artistic practices, forging new insights, connections, and discussions on inadequate history, the work of re-appraisal, reformation, reckoning, repair, and, ultimately, a collective way forward: “Facing the rising sun of our new day begun.”

The Curatorial Fellowship will be a full-time, 30-month term position offering a highly mentored and structured curatorial experience at PAFA. The Fellowship will be designed to provide a professional bridge to a major institutional museum career. The Fellowship provides growth and development for outstanding candidates. The start date will be determined based on the successful applicant’s schedule, but, ideally, in January 2021. This in-depth experience will ensure that the Curatorial Fellow in Contemporary Art has worked collaboratively with all museum staff, especially the director, curators, and educators, as well as marketing and development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage deadlines between PAFA and AAMP, coordinate marketing efforts, organize monthly meetings, and help navigate this partnership for artists.
Work with other local partners and aggregate information about Rising Sun-related events and programming.
Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, and presentations.
Assist with travel and guest arrangements, and the preparation and submission of expense reports.
Coordinate curator’s calendar and assist in scheduling meetings with the PAFA exhibition project team, as well as collectors, galleries, artists, and exhibition partners as requested by the exhibition curator.
Maintain the exhibition, contact information, and publication checklists in PAFA’s collection management database (MIMSY).
Assist with exhibition catalogue preparation, obtaining photographic material and rights and reproduction permissions, as well as proof reading and copy editing.
Assist with research as assigned.
Proofread and edit exhibition labels, brochures, invitations and other exhibition printed materials.
Assist PAFA staff in the preparation and mailing of exhibition informational packets, loan letters, exhibition catalogues, and other materials as required.
Assist with other departmental needs including acquisitions research, preparation of presentations, attending and participating in the Board’s Collections and Exhibitions Committee meetings, leading tours, and assisting in donor relations.
Participate in all phases of exhibition development, including: research; checklist development; lender and/or artist relations; grant writing; public relations; publication rights and reproduction; floor plan development; installation; and development of public programs related to exhibitions.
There is an opportunity for some teaching which will vary depending on the applicant’s expertise and interest.
Other duties pertaining to the exhibition and its programming as assigned.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Because we were the nation’s first art museum and art school, we believe PAFA has a moral obligation to ensure that every member of our community can study and work in an environment where they feel a sense of belonging. We have the additional obligation of ensuring that our community reflects that rich tapestry of beauty and diversity that surrounds our world. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts, cultural and educational sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. PAFA is committed to maintaining an inclusive learning environment, and a diverse community of students, faculty and staff.

PAFA is an equal opportunity employer. Women and diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply to work in our pluralistic community.

ABOUT PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America’s first school and museum of fine arts. Located in center city Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community. PAFA’s undergraduate degree offerings include a BFA in Studio Art and a coordinated BFA with the University of Pennsylvania. Graduate programs include an MFA and Low-Residency MFA degree, and a Post-Baccalaureate certificate. PAFA’s museum has an outstanding collection of American art, and the museum actively collects and exhibits contemporary art, including work in new media. Additionally, PAFA is home to the Brodsky Center, a print and papermaking center focused on the creation of innovative editions by contemporary artists.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree and demonstrated study of contemporary art, Master’s degree in art history or related field strongly preferred.
Museum or gallery experience preferred.
Basic computer skills, including the use of collection management databases and Microsoft Office Suite required. Photo editing software skills preferred.
Excellent interpersonal, written communication, and research skills.
Excellent organization skills; ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively, as well as independently.