Nancy Prophet Fellowship

RISD Museum is actively seeking to fill its Nancy Prophet Fellowship, beginning in July 2020. Recent college graduates with a deep interest in art and research, social equity, and inclusion, along with engaging in immersive exploration between the two, are strongly encouraged to apply.  The ideal candidate will have a broad curiosity for and desire to gain hands-on experience and increased knowledge within a wide range of disciplines by working within a supportive and developmentally-focused academic Museum environment.

The Nancy Prophet Fellowship at the RISD Museum is a two-year, full-time position for artists and scholars embarking on careers in the arts and considering the museum profession and the roles museums play in an increasingly diverse society. Named in honor of Nancy Prophet, an artist of Narragansett and African heritage and one of RISD’s first graduates of color in 1918, this program provides significant professional-practice opportunities to high-achieving college and graduate school alumni up to three years post-graduation. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate extensively in aspects of the Museum’s curatorial and programming work. Through mentorship and professional-development support, they will develop the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make important contributions to the museum field. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to fostering the understanding of works of art in a museum context; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; and the ability to work independently as well as collegially.

The RISD Museum acquires, preserves, exhibits, and interprets works of art and design representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. Distinguished by its relationship to Rhode Island School of Design, the Museum educates and inspires artists, designers, students, scholars, and the public through exhibitions, programs, and publications. The RISD Museum is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can learn and create. With the goal of increasing the diversity of the museum profession, we aspire to create a climate that recognizes and values diversity as central to excellence.

Essential Functions

Working closely with the Assistant Director for Academic and Public Programs, along with other Museum staff across varying departments, the Nancy Prophet Fellow will:

  • Develop and coordinate programs that widen access for public and academic audiences with exhibitions and works of art in the collection.

  • Plan and organize exhibitions including preparation of artists’ exhibition histories, bibliographies, checklists, photographic materials, etc. with a focus on under-represented areas of the collection.

  • Actively participate in the coordination, development, and execution of programs for emerging and established artists and designers.

  • Coordinate guest speakers and provide mentorship to interns and college students. These interactions include scheduling, administering contracts, and making travel and other business arrangements.

  • Conduct research on the collection and prepare material for publication, acquisition, and exhibition.

  • Organize departmental files; manage correspondence.

  • Liaise with Museum staff, RISD faculty and students, and staff from local institutions.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

  • Recent graduates (1-3 years) with a BA/BFA or MA/MFA degree(s) in an art or design field, art history, museum studies, or a related field (e.g. history, cultural studies, etc.).
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and familiarity with art required.
  • Candidates must recognize diversity and inclusion as central to excellence.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

Cultural competence, collaborations with diverse communities, or other areas of experience or expertise that support the stated goals are preferred. Foreign language skills (written and verbal) are highly desirable.

Compensation:

Will be discussed with candidates at the time of the interview, with included allowance for professional development activities.

Special Instructions:

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 14, 2020.

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

M-F, 35 hours per week

Employment Status: (Temp, Term, On-call, etc)

Term (two-year)

Grade:

06/CT

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume

Cover letter

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

APPLY HERE