Works on Paper, Photography, & New Media Fellow at the Honolulu Museum of Art

Job Title: Fellow

Job Status: Full-time, 2 years

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Job Summary: 

The Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) seeks an American and European Works on Paper, Photography, and New Media Fellow for a two-year appointment. Working under the direction of the Director of Curatorial Affairs, the primary role of the incumbent is to research, steward, assess, and display an under-researched strength of HoMA’s permanent collection—16,000 Euro-American prints, drawings, paintings on paper, photographs, and time-based media works. The ideal candidate will bring a strong history of scholarly research involving iconography, provenance, techniques, and processes, as well as experience with art handling, high-level curation, and interpretation. HoMA welcomes and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the minimum requirements below. A familiarity with Hawaiian culture and history and knowledge of Pacific-Rim artists and practices is a plus. 

HoMA’s American and European works on paper permanent collection features approximately 16,350 drawings, prints, watercolors, collages, and mixed media objects by renowned artists across time and cultures. Drawings and prints by 16th- and 17th-century luminaries such as Albrecht Dürer, Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi, and Rembrandt van Rijn are included along with 19th- and 20th-century masters such as Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Joseph Cornell. Contemporary artists including Edgar Heap of Birds, Kara Walker, David Hockney, Mickalene Thomas, and Andy Warhol reflect a range of social, political, and personal subjects. HoMA’s extensive photograph collection contains over 1,700 works and is comprised of early examples of mid-19th-century to modern and contemporary works by innovators such as Imogen Cunningham, Man Ray, Diane Arbus, Catherine Opie and Thomas Struth. Our small, but growing, time-based media collection, with works by Nam June Paik, Tony Oursler, and Jennifer Steinkamp, is also within the purview of this position’s responsibilities.

The Works on Paper, Photography, and New Media Fellow (“Fellow”) will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the museum, including with staff from Learning and Engagement, Collections, and Curatorial Department to research, interpret, assess, and refine the museum’s works on paper collection. Part of the collections research will include assessing new potential photographic and African American prints from local collections and making acquisition recommendations to the Collections Committee. The Fellow will also assist in collection refinement by making thoughtful recommendations for deaccessioning, based upon potential duplicates or conservation. 

The Fellow will additionally serve as a creative collaborator, working closely with the Director of Curatorial Affairs and other curators to suggest innovative display ideas and introduce non-traditional approaches to presentation and interpretation that align with newer developments in the museum field at large. They will write and speak to general museum audiences in dynamic ways that not only expand art interpretation and discussions beyond traditional art historical narratives, but also prioritize more insightful and inclusive perspectives. They may assist with research on department-wide curatorial projects as needed, such as cross-cultural, thematic, and multi-media installations in permanent collection galleries. Like all curators and research staff, they will help us build and maintain relationships across the museum and community with artists, members, donors, new audiences, and art professionals and work respectfully with and for the many diverse communities that we serve, in alignment with HoMA’s key initiatives and strategic objectives.

About HoMA, the Honolulu Museum of Art:

Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Originally established as the Honolulu Academy of Arts, founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day. Over the decades, the museum has become known for its strong tradition of art classes and community engagement, both inside the walls of the museum and beyond. In 2011 the Honolulu Academy of Arts merged with the dynamic and vibrant Contemporary Museum, reinvigorating the museum’s contemporary holdings, and ushering in an opportunity for renewed commitment to the art of our time. The Honolulu Museum of Art was born.

With a dynamic global art collection and a dedication to innovative exhibitions and engagement with contemporary artists, HoMA strives to create a broad range of meaningful art experiences that are inclusive and accessible. Over the past century, the museum’s permanent collection has grown from 500 works to more than 55,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years. The museum has one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States, including an unrivaled collection by artists of Hawai‘i. The collection also contains significant holdings in European and American paintings, contemporary art, sculptures, and decorative arts; 19th- and 20th-century art; an extensive collection of works on paper and photography, textiles, decorative arts; and traditional works from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. Other highlights include the Samuel H. Kress Collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, the James A. Michener Collection of Japanese ukiyo-e prints, and contemporary art. 

Education has been an integral part of HoMA since its founding, and the Learning & Engagement Department supports the museum vision by advancing knowledge and fostering a thirst for creative thought, agency, and artistic excellence. Programs, which range from classes and lectures to tours and workshops, are designed to inspire and spark wonder in people of all ages and skill levels. Through Learning & Engagement initiatives, HoMA strives to instill a love and appreciation for art in children at an early age, promote a culture of lifelong learning, and foster artistic excellence and support a healthy arts ecosystem in Hawaii. 

As HoMA approaches its centennial in 2027, it is poised to embark on a new chapter guided by a renewed vision and Strategic Plan that focuses on HoMA’s core purpose: to be a home for art and education that exists for the benefit of the entire community, presented in a setting that prioritizes beauty, harmony, and promotes learning, self-awareness, and connection. With acknowledgment of HoMA’s history and purpose at the forefront, the Strategic Plan charts a course for HoMA’s next chapter in a rapidly changing world. It will transform HoMA into a relevant and sustainable 21st-century museum where people of all ages and from all walks of life will be welcome, reinforcing HoMA’s ability to bring the art of the world to Hawaii and the art of Hawaii to the world.

Essential Duties:

  • Performs advanced object research that will inform the selection, interpretation, and display of special exhibitions and permanent collection installations.
  • Answers inquiries from the public and potential donors relating to HoMA’s works on paper collection.
  • Presents high-quality, nontraditional approaches to curation, display, and cultural programming as needed, utilizing the museum’s works on paper, photography, or new media collection.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to cultivating and maintaining a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion by supporting potential acquisitions and displays by women, LGBTQ artists, and artists of color within and outside of the community.
  • Writes and edits wall texts and labels about works on paper for both scholarly and general audiences and assists Communication Department colleagues as needed with object information for social media posts, collection activation, and community outreach.
  • Researches, expands, refines, and interprets HoMA’s works on paper collection and communicates that knowledge in fun, relevant ways that appeal to artists, art specialists, and members of the public.
  • Serves as a collegial colleague to curators, interns, internal and outside researchers, and collections colleagues.
  • Strengthens efficiency, creative collaboration, and permanent collection works on paper activation.
  • Serves as content lead for American and European works on paper, photography, and new media. Provides clear, compelling research and written material in this area and other cultural areas as needed. 
  • Recommends acquisitions, deaccessions, and conservation/framing projects.   
  • Works with Learning and Engagement Department colleagues to use evaluation tools for ongoing assessment and refinement of interpretive strategies and audience engagement in these areas. 
  • Works collaboratively with Advancement Department colleagues in the cultivation of donors, particularly regarding works on paper; assists with general fundraising activities and grant prospects to benefit acquisitions, conservation, exhibitions and related publications, and other curatorial initiatives as needed.   
  • Positively represents HoMA’s curatorial interests locally, nationally, and internationally through private events, community collaborations, artist-led programs, and public lectures. 
  • Demonstrates a commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through respectful communication and cooperation with others, continuous training, and modeling inclusive behaviors.
  • In partnership with HR, supports the leadership team in ensuring equitable experiences, strengthening inclusion acumen, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and belonging that embraces the contributions of all staff.
  • Other duties as requested.

Work Conditions and Atmosphere:

The Fellow works with minimum supervision. Work will often be performed with short deadlines and situations sensitive to the Museum. Regular office hours are required. Due to the nature of the responsibilities, evening and weekend work is sometimes required, and at times may be on an emergency basis.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity:

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ community.  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record, citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. 

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is also prohibited.

 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • A graduate degree in American or European art history, museum or curatorial studies, or a related field of academic study, and at least two years of related experience and skills in a museum environment or nonprofit organization. 
  • Must demonstrate broad knowledge of applied professional museum principles, practices, and procedures.
  • Strong organizational, research, writing, and communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to communicate and listen effectively with a diverse population of service users, with demonstrated success in multiple locations and work environment. 
  • Established positive working relationships with artists and professional counterparts, collectors, and donors.
  • General knowledge of print, drawing, and photographic processes, techniques, histories, and best-practice art handling and works on paper archival approaches.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Handles multiple deadlines simultaneously.
  • A respected profile in the national/international art community and a demonstrated history of managing works on paper, photography and/or new media projects or exhibitions and programs focusing on national or international artists.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in art history, museum studies, collection management or the equivalent preferred. 
  • High-level working knowledge of American and European graphic art histories, processes, and techniques, as well as familiarity and eagerness to work with contemporary artists and practices. 
  • General knowledge of best-practice art handling and works on paper archival stewardship.
  • Two years of curatorial experience working on scholarly research and exhibition projects in a museum of comparable size and caliber to HoMA.
  • Understanding of the Honolulu Museum of Art’s established identity and dedication to advancing it.
  • Familiarity with Hawaiian culture and history.
  • Intelligent self-starter who is committed to the museum’s mission and the community’s embrace of collaborative art projects.  
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with a driven, bright, diverse team, and top-notch work, research, and volunteer force. 
  • The traits of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, curiosity, and perspective; a strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through. 

Core Competencies:

  • Adaptability
  • Business and Aesthetic Acumen
  • Change Management
  • Effective Communicator
  • Cost Consciousness
  • Initiative and Judgment
  • Planning and Organizing
  • Professionalism
  • Problem Solver
  • Technology Savvy
  • Creativity

Traits and Characteristics:

Traits consistent with HoMA’s values, which include honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, perspective, a strong work ethic, supported by commitment and resolve.

How to Apply:

Apply here