In Practice Curatorial Fellow 2022

SculptureCenter seeks a Curatorial Fellow to oversee its upcoming In Practice exhibition. This temporary position (July 15, 2021 –May 30, 2022*) provides an emerging curator with the opportunity to organize an open call exhibition in collaboration with SculptureCenter staff and to gain broader hands-on experience working in a non-profit contemporary art institution.

The Curatorial Fellow will manage SculptureCenter’s annual In Practice open call and proposal review, and ultimately curate the next In Practice exhibition (scheduled to open in spring 2022). The Curatorial Fellow will work closely with SculptureCenter’s curatorial staff, including the Interim Director and Exhibition and Program Manager, on all aspects of the proposal and the exhibition management.

The Curatorial Fellow will receive a stipend of $10,000 which will be paid in monthly installments. This position is classified as an independent contractor. The Scope of Work includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Execute a multi-step open call review process in collaboration with SculptureCenter’s curatorial staff
• Conduct studio visits with approximately 25 artist finalists
• Develop an exhibition proposal for review and approval by SculptureCenter’s curatorial staff
• Oversee all aspects of exhibition production, primarily including but not limited to communication with artists; coordination of new production and installation needs; installation; management of exhibition budget; timely completion of administrative duties (in coordination with Exhibition and Program Manager)
• Produce press texts, didactic texts, and a gallery guide
• Produce a catalog text for publication
• Participate in audio and/or video interviews and tours related to the exhibition
• Coordinate with all necessary SculptureCenter staff (e.g. Communications, Advancement, Visitor Services) to ensure exhibition presentation standards are met
• Conduct this iteration of SculptureCenter’s signature open call program in a spirit consistent with the organization’s mission generally and the program’s goals specifically
• For more information on In Practice, visit this page

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of curatorial experience in the field of contemporary art, with evidence of some independently authored exhibitions, programs, publications, or other related initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to work directly with artists to commission new work
• Ability to work independently and with strong instincts for when to seek support or guidance from SculptureCenter staff
• Ability to work collaboratively with SculptureCenter staff across departments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with general exhibition-making procedures and shipping, installation, and art handling protocols
• Strong project management skills; ability to meet strict deadlines
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite
• BA or equivalent; MA or equivalent preferred (art history, studio art, curatorial studies, or related field)
• Applicants must live in New York City, be legally authorized to work in the United States, and be available for periodic in-person/on-site meetings

To Apply
Please email a cover letter, resume, and two contemporary art/culture related writing samples (academic work, exhibition texts, published texts/reviews, excerpted thesis chapters, etc., preferably under 2,000 words, are all acceptable) to: inpractice@sculpture-center.org with the subject line “IP Curatorial Fellow | [Your Name].” No phone calls, please.

Applications must be received by 11:59pm EST on June 10, 2021.

*The current Fellowship period and In Practice exhibition schedule are subject to change due to COVID-19 related regulations from federal, state, and local officials. If the schedule must change for the safety of the Fellow, SculptureCenter staff, artists, and/or visitors, SculptureCenter will do our best to adjust the opportunity to reflect the fullest possible experience given the circumstances.