Curatorial Fellow at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery

This fellowship will provide hands-on, in-depth experience with the Albright-Knox’s world-renowned Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art. While the Fellow will participate fully in the museum’s curatorial department, seeking to further that department’s mission and goals, the Fellow’s primary responsibility will be to assist with a major exhibition and larger research initiative dedicated to the work of Marisol (María Sol Escobar, Venezuelan and American, born France, 1930–2016). Upon her death in 2016, Marisol bequeathed her estate to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Spanning the entirety of her sixty-year career, the bequest includes more than 100 sculptures and three-dimensional studies, 150 works on paper, and thousands of photographs and slides, among other materials. With this bequest, the Albright-Knox now holds the world’s most significant collection of Marisol’s work and is able to present a uniquely rich perspective on this pioneering artist.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • In collaboration with Curators, coordinate and help execute all research initiatives related to Marisol, including, but not limited to: undertaking archival research both in Buffalo and elsewhere, interviewing those who knew her, studying her works and contributing to connoisseurship, researching and authoring texts on the artist, managing bibliographies, and coordinating panel discussions and/or symposia.
  • Assist the Chief Curator in organizing an upcoming exhibition dedicated to Marisol’s work. These duties will require close collaboration with museum colleagues (including Registrars, Art Preparators, Photographers, and Editors), and include but are not limited to:
    • producing checklists, including creating and managing records in the collection database
    • arranging loans, including executing and managing loan agreements
    • preparing catalogue material, including sourcing and managing images, coordinating new photography of collection works and archival materials, communicating with catalogue authors, fact-checking, and contributing research to back matter
    • coordinating installation details such as layouts, construction, framing
    • managing purchase orders and updating the exhibition budget
    • authoring PowerPoint presentations as needed
  • Collaborate with the Education department to develop interpretive materials and innovative outreach programs related to special exhibitions and the collection. This will include didactic materials, docent trainings, audio guides, publications, essays, community partnerships, and public presentations.
  • Present at least one public lecture on research/exhibition projects.
  • As assigned, take on research projects related to the permanent collection.
  • Create professional development opportunities to cultivate knowledge of trends and developments in Modern and Contemporary Art.
  • Participate in mentoring and leadership training with the museum’s curators and designated members of the Museum’s management team.
  • Work with the Advancement department to assist with grant-development.
  • Conform to the AAMD codes of ethics governing the museum profession and adhere to museum policies while supporting management decisions in a positive, professional manner.

COMPENTENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • MA in art history.
  • Substantial demonstrated research and writing on one or more of the following subject(s): Latin American Art at midcentury and/or in the contemporary moment, Pop Art, American Female artists at midcentury, Portraiture, the intersection of fine art and performance.
  • Fluency in Spanish preferred.
  • Experience working on exhibitions (including University exhibitions)
  • Curiosity about and passion for Modern and Contemporary Art and artists.
  • Highly motivated with aspirations to make a difference in the museum field.
  • Desire to think creatively and demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and innovative problem-solving.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when needed.
  • Exceptional research background and writing skills.
  • Organized, with an ability both to handle multiple projects and see the big picture while managing details.
  • Ability to adapt to change, identify places where help is required, and take initiative to provide it.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Familiarity with with databases and image management a plus

CLICK HERE TO APPLY