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Curatorial Fellow

Walker Art Center

Curatorial Fellow

Minneapolis, MN
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

    Established by the Walker Art Center in the early 1990s, this 2-year Curatorial 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. The fellowship also provides mentorship from curatorial staff, experience working with collections and acquisitions, and writing experience including interpretation and online publishing. 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.

    RESPONSIBILITIES :

    • Assist curators in all phases of exhibition development, including research; checklist development; loan requests; artist or special project correspondence; publication image rights and reproductions; publication research; floorplan development; installation; and development of public programs related to exhibitions.
    • Write exhibition texts, including labels, didactics, and press and promotional materials.
    • Write acquisitions narratives on works being proposed by curators for the collection.
    • Assist with the production of content related to the Visual Arts program for the Walker’s website, and online platforms including the Walker Reader.
    • Prepare presentations as requested for meetings.
    • Lead tours of the permanent collection, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and special exhibitions to donors, touring groups, professionals, students, and special guests.
    • Research and present lectures for gallery educators, potential funders, Board, or other groups as requested.
    • Participate in donor and community relations through attendance at Walker events, including receptions, public programs, collector events, and openings.
    • Participate in Walker interdepartmental initiatives as requested.
    • Participate with regular attendance at local arts events, conduct studio visits with local artists.
    • Participate in critiques, juries, and other arts activity in the community or field as invited.

    QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Minimum B.A. in art history, museum studies, or a related field, M.A. or equivalent experience preferred.
    • Specialization in contemporary (post-1960) art, with evidence of superior achievement (such as grade point average, honors, or other designations) preferred.
    • Excellent research skills with the ability to conduct both directed and independent research.
    • Strong written and verbal skills; demonstrated ability to write for general audiences.
    • Well-organized, detail oriented, and proactive.
    • Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a demanding and fast-paced work environment; Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities with proven ability to meet multiple deadlines.
    • Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to be part of a team and work across multiple departments.
    • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Sketchup, and other standard computer programs.
    • Foreign language skills (written and verbal) are desirable

    Job Specifications

    • This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $40,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
    • plus $2,000 travel allocation per year for travel related to relocation and/or professional development activities.
    • This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
    • All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

    Vaccination Expectation

    The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

    Walker’s DEI commitment

    The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

    Recruitment Timeline - All positions are open until filled. However, our primary recruitment period will end June 19.

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

    • A letter of interest
    • Resume
    • Lists of 3 references
    • 2 writing samples— one of which should not exceed 2,000 words; and the second should be a general audience writing sample (e.g. wall text, label, and gallery guide)