Kress Interpretive Fellow at the Toledo Museum of Art

The Toledo Museum of Art seeks an innovative, enthusiastic, community- and diversity-minded, aspiring museum professional for a 12-month fellowship in interpretation, supported by a grant from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. This exciting opportunity will offer the Kress Interpretive Fellow a key role as part of an agile, dedicated cross-departmental team. TMA is planning a full reinstallation and reinterpretation of its world-class collections for the first time in 40 years. In the current phase, TMA is experimenting with, prototyping, and iterating interpretative content according to its recently drafted interpretation strategy—an ideal atmosphere for a candidate to explore museum interpretation and audience needs and responses. The Fellowship will provide a range of practical, firsthand experiences in a dynamic, supportive environment to foster career development in museum interpretation.

 

TMA seeks to become the model art museum in the United States for its commitment to quality and its culture of belonging. This vision and the ways in which it is operationalized are established in the Museum’s Strategic Plan as well as its integrated Belonging Plan’s goals address our organization’s effort at structural change to promote diversity, equity, access and inclusion. Our organization seeks employees, gallery artists, volunteers and interns who offer diverse perspectives.

 

 

• Collaborating with the Manager of Gallery Interpretation, Curators, Research Associates, the Conda Family Manager of Access Initiatives, the Community Gallery & Advisory Manager and community groups: research, draft, and prototype inclusive, people-centered content for a digital platform for the Toledo Museum of Art’s collections according to the Interpretation Guiding Values outlined in TMA’s Interpretation Strategy. This will include, but not be limited to:
  • Thematic tours (written and audio) that provide meaningful connections for our audiences
  • Verbal descriptions of key works of art in the collection for accessibility
  • Music playlists and soundscapes that enhance experiences with the art
  • Collect and analyze visitor feedback on prototypes and iterate accordingly
• Collaborating with the Manager of Gallery Interpretation, the Docent & Gallery Engagement Supervisor, and Curators, develop and prototype a series of gallery labels with unconventional formats and interpretive approaches (the Fellow will have input on the direction of these formats and approaches); collect and analyze visitor feedback on prototypes and iterate accordingly.
• Additionally, will have the opportunity to participate in the planning of TMA’s collection reinstallation and reinterpretation with a cross-departmental team and to contribute to other interpretive projects, including for upcoming special exhibitions, which may include hands-on/sensory, digital, video, and audio components.
• May be involved in training the volunteer Docent corps, planning programs, working with community groups, presenting lectures, gallery talks, and tours to the public, and visitor evaluation.
• Supports the implementation of the Museum’s Strategic Plan and Interpretation Strategy.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

 

 

Requirements

• B.A. in art history or a related discipline, such as art education, museum studies, or history required; M.A. preferred.
• Previous experience working in a museum environment is desirable.

 

Standard open office environment shared with co-workers. Requires regular use of phone, computer, and copy machines. The person in this position frequently communicates with the public membership and staff who have inquiries and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. This person may attend events inside and outside of TMA, including evenings and weekends with occasional overnight travel.