Monday, February 20, 2012

Curatorial Fellowship at Museum for African Art, NY

The Museum for African Art is pleased to announce a new postdoctoral fellowship funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.  The Curatorial Fellow will be a postdoctoral scholar (ABD considered) who possesses a strong knowledge of the field of African Art.  Preference will be given to applicants who specialize in art of the African Diaspora.  This position calls for a close relationship with exhibition curators to help plan and implement exhibitions and publications.  During tenure at the Museum, the Fellow will contribute significantly to the preparation of three to five individual exhibitions.
A majority of the Museum for African Art’s exhibitions during the Fellow’s two year appointment will involve guest curators who represent the top of their fields both academically and curatorially.  Though the Fellow will be primarily mentored by the Curator of Contemporary Art, the Associate Curator of Traditional Art, and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, (s)he would also have the rate opportunity to work directly with the guest curators in their areas of expertise.
The Curatorial Fellow will be encouraged to develop an exhibition in his or her area of expertise, working closely with the Museum for African Art curatorial staff, guest curators and advisors.  There is potential for the exhibition and accompanying publications to develop into an exhibition presented by the Museum for African Art at a future date. Grant funds will support travel in pursuit of research.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist the Curator of Contemporary Art, Associate Curator of Traditional Art, and the Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs in research, planning and development of curatorial projects
  • Research and develop an exhibition and accompanying catalogue project
  • Assist with administrative support for day-to-day functions of the department
  • Travel to academic conferences
Skills and Abilities:
  • The ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner
  • Ability to self-direct, take initiative, and anticipate actions as needed
  • Attention to detail and ability to conceptualize steps involved in implementation of projects
Qualifications:
  • PhD (ABD considered) in art history, anthropology or museum/curatorial studies with a focus on African art required
  • One to three years related professional experience (preferably in a museum setting)

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