The Mona Boulware Webb Curatorial Engagement Fellowship at the Museum of Wisconsin Art

Job Title: Curatorial Fellow

Job Status: full-time, temporary

Location: West Bend, WI

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

The Museum of Wisconsin Art is proud to offer the Mona Boulware Webb Curatorial Engagement Fellowship named after outsider artist and mystic Mona Boulware Webb (1914–1998), known as the “Goddess of Willy Street” in Madison. Just as her home became a place of community, this fellowship seeks to increase diversity among young professionals in the museum field and foster a culture of inclusivity among artists and the broader university community. The recipient will work with museum staff to champion a culture of inclusiveness by building on the ways in which MOWA engages all of its communities.

The fellow will work closely with MOWA’s curatorial team in planning and implementing exhibitions and programs that engage audiences from underrepresented LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Exposure to all areas of the curatorial department will provide the broadest possible experience with the museum’s program offerings. Specific assignments will be tailored to the fellow’s skills and interests as well as the needs of the museum. The fellowship is a temporary program of MOWA.

The Mona Boulware Webb Fellow will receive $32,000 over a ten-month period starting in early September 2022 as well as a full-time benefits package.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Curatorial Department

  • Collaborate in a team approach with senior curatorial staff members to develop and present exhibitions and related public programs
  • Work closely with curatorial staff to conceptualize fresh and innovative installation ideas
  • Develop social media strategies around exhibitions to stimulate broad engagement with a young professional demographic
  • Engage with university art, art history, studio/design, and humanities departments to foster academic interest in exhibition projects and installations
  • Conduct collection research for the museum’s website and publications
  • Work with staff to plan and execute related programs at MOWA’s satellite locations in Milwaukee

Community Outreach

  • Cultivate relationships and develop materials that will lay the foundation for program initiatives to continue beyond the fellow’s ten-month tenure
  • Participate in museum-wide events (such as exhibition openings and fundraising events) to gain experience in all areas of operations

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with the entire museum team, and to work closely with curatorial colleagues
  • Strong service driven problem-solving skills with ability to respond quickly with good judgment, mature reasoning and decision-making
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Enthusiasm and desire to make an impact
  • Resourceful, flexible, and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude that supports department and museum goals
  • Ability to engage with a wide variety of audiences

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree; MA or MFA preferred
  • Museum, non-profit, or studio work experience preferred
  • An established network of contacts in art-related fields
  • An understanding of the issues surrounding contemporary art museums preferred
  • Candidate must have an interest in pursuing a professional career in art museums or art-related fields
  • Applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds (particularly BIPOC candidates) are highly encouraged to apply

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Maintain a stationary standing or sitting position for extended periods of time
  • Be able to lift up to 30 pounds

SCHEDULE/HOURS

This position is full-time, 40 hours weekly during normal business hours, some evenings and weekends required. The Fellow will receive $32,000 over a ten-month period as well as a full-time benefits package.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in art history, arts administration, studio art/design, fashion, film, or art-related fields
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
  • Applicant must have an interest in pursuing a professional career in an art museum or art
  • Applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds (particularly BIPOC candidates) are highly encouraged to apply

Contact Anwar Floyd-Pruitt at afloyd-Pruitt@Wisconsinart.org for additional information about the position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be received by email as instructed below. Provide the following documents as Microsoft Word or PDF files.

  • Cover Letter explaining your interest in the Mona Boulware Webb Curatorial Engagement Fellowship and your immediate and long-term career goals
  • Current Resume outlining education and any relevant work history
  • A Writing Sample demonstrating interpretive or educational writing
  • Two Letters of Recommendation by an academic professional, employer, or someone familiar with your abilities and character. These letters of reference should be submitted directly by the recommender to ggustrowsky@wisconsinart.org.

Submit all application materials (except letters of recommendation) as attachments in a single email to MOWA’s Executive Assistant Gina Gustrowsky at ggustrowsky@wisconsinart.org. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

 

ABOUT MOWA

A vital cultural center, educational institution, an expanding network of ideas, the Museum of Wisconsin Art collects and interprets American art through the lens of a single state. Informed by dynamic initiatives and collaborations, MOWA is an innovative forum for contemporary artists, socially relevant exhibitions, lectures by artists and industry experts, and engaging classes and activities for all ages. The museum’s primary venue—the modernist “Mothership”—rests along the Milwaukee River in downtown West Bend, drawing visitors and tourists from the far corners of the state. MOWA annually welcomes 200,000 visitors, making it a cultural destination for the art and artists of our time.

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to describe a general summary along with essential responsibilities, duties, and skills or qualifications required of an employee to do this job. This job description does not establish an agreement or contract for employment and position functions are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

The Museum of Wisconsin Art is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.