Visual Arts Curatorial Fellowship

The Visual Arts Curatorial Fellow works alongside curators and with colleagues across the institution to support all phases of exhibition development, including: research; checklist development; lender and artist relations; publication development; writing texts for exhibition interpretation, acquisitions, online content, press and promotional materials; exhibition floorplans; gallery installation; and development of interpretive programs related to exhibitions. The Curatorial Fellow also assists with other departmental needs including preparation for presentations, leading tours, acquisitions research, and donor relations. In addition to these responsibilities, the Curatorial Fellow will participate in cross-departmental collaborations including internal project workgroups, residencies, and artistic programs that advance the Walker’s creative leadership, interdisciplinary mission, and commitment to scholarship.

About the fellowship program:

The Curatorial Fellowship for Diversity in the Arts was established by the Walker Art Center in the early 1990s. This 2-year fellowship was created to proactively address issues of diversity and disparity in the museum profession, and is part of the Walker’s continued commitment to encourage greater inclusion and access to groups historically underrepresented in museums and visual arts organizations. Through this fellowship, the Walker seeks to attract emerging curators and talented scholars who are committed to gaining professional experience training within a contemporary art institution, and developing the skills needed to assume leadership roles within the field.

Position specifics:

• Duration: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023 (2 years)
• Full-time, 35/hours per week (requires some weekend and evening hours)
• $40,000/year; excellent benefits offered
• Up to $2,000 per year for relocation related expenses and/or professional development activities
• International candidates must be in possession of a valid US work visa prior to the start of the fellowship and for the entire fellowship period.

Required Qualifications:

• B.A. in art history, museum studies or equivalent experience; contemporary art specialty (post-1960)
• 1+ years of hands-on curatorial or related experience required
  Excellent research skills – both directed and independent
• Strong written and verbal skills; demonstrated ability to write for general audiences
• Well-organized, detail-oriented, and proactive
• Working experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint),
• Microsoft Outlook, and other standard computer programs
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment; flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities with proven ability to meet multiple deadlines

Desired Qualifications:

• Foreign language skills (written and verbal)

Application materials required (PDF or MS Word format only):

• Resume
• Letter of interest
• Writing samples: short, published general audience professional writing sample; (e.g. wall text, gallery guide, project related blog post, etc.)

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews determined, on a rolling basis. Final deadline to submit materials is April 30, 2021.

The Walker is committed to being an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals.