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Jobs and Internships
New York's most adventurous kunsthalle, SculptureCenter is a dynamic platform where staff, board, interns and volunteers work creatively and collaboratively to fulfill our mission of connecting artists and audiences while supporting artistic innovation and independent thought.
SculptureCenter is committed to a culturally diverse organization, and is an equal opportunity employer. SculptureCenter does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status.
JOBS
In Practice Curatorial Fellow
SculptureCenter seeks a Curatorial Fellow to oversee its upcoming In Practice exhibition. This 6-month position (August 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021*) 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 and project manage the next In Practice exhibition (scheduled to open in January 2021). The Curatorial Fellow will work closely with SculptureCenter’s Director of Exhibitions and Programs, as well as curatorial staff 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 six monthly installments. This position is classified as an independent contractor. The Scope of Work includes, but is not limited to, the following:
In Practice:
• Project manage and execute a multi-step open call review process in collaboration with SculptureCenter’s curatorial staff
• Conduct studio visits with approximately thirty artist finalists
• Develop an exhibition proposal for review and approval by SculptureCenter’s curatorial staff
• Project manage all aspects of exhibition production, including but not limited to communication with artists; coordination of new production, shipping/transport, and installation needs; oversight of installation; management of catalog production; management of exhibition budget; timely completion of administrative duties (all in coordination with Director of Exhibitions and Programs)
• Produce press texts, didactic texts, and a gallery guide
• Produce a catalog text for publication
• Coordinate with all necessary SculptureCenter staff (e.g. Communications, Development, 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
• BA required; MA preferred (art history, studio art, curatorial studies, or related field)
• 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
• Familiarity with general exhibition-making procedures and shipping, installation, and art handling protocols
• Strong project management skills; ability to meet strict deadlines
• 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
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• 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
How 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 2,500 words, are all acceptable) to: inpractice@sculpture-center.org with the subject line “In Practice Curatorial Fellow.” No phone calls, please.
Applications must be received by 11:59pm EST on July 5, 2020.
SculptureCenter is committed to a culturally diverse organization and is an equal opportunity employer. SculptureCenter does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or military status.
*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.
INTERNSHIPS
Working with a small staff in an open office environment, SculptureCenter interns take on projects that have a direct and visible outcome in our exhibitions, public programs, and events. They leave the program with a range of professional skills important for working in the field of contemporary art and hands-on experience working in a non-profit art institution.
SculptureCenter’s internships are two-four days per week depending on department, with office hours from 10:30am to 6pm with nights and weekends as needed to support events. Weekly schedule to be coordinated with successful candidates.
Curatorial Internship
Curatorial Interns work directly with SculptureCenter’s Director of Exhibitions and Programs and Curator. Curatorial Interns assist SculptureCenter’s curatorial staff in the planning, organization, and development of current and forthcoming exhibitions, public programs, events, and publications. On a day-to-day basis, Curatorial Interns work independently on longterm projects, assist with academic and production research, research/coordinate artwork production, assist with outreach for public and educational programs, and complete daily administrative duties and correspondence.
Marketing and Communications Internship
The Marketing and Communications intern works directly with the Communications and Marketing Manager. Responsibilities include supporting the promotion of the season's exhibitions and events across email, social media, print, and digital campaigns. Interns also have the opportunity to assist with the content management of the SculptureCenter website and work with the limited edition program including preparation for seasonal art fairs.
Special Events and Development Internship
The Special Events and Development intern reports to the Individual Giving and Events Manager, and assists with fundraising initiatives for SculptureCenter's patron program, exhibition opening receptions, annual benefits, and perform administrative duties. Qualified applicants will have professional communication skills, excellent organization and time management abilities, basic familiarity with creative software, such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and some experience with database systems. Interns should be in their senior year of undergraduate studies, enrolled in or recently completed and MA program, and have an interest in learning arts administration, fundraising, or event production.
Hours and Compensation
Weeks and hourly scheduling is flexible with an expected commitment of two days per week. Internships are unpaid but school credit may be earned. We regularly host international interns with strong language skills.
Professional Skills and Experience
A B.A. in art history, studio art, or a field related to the department you are applying to (completed or in progress, or comparable coursework or experience) is preferred.
Qualified applicants will have professional written and oral communication, excellent organization, and online research skills as well as basic familiarity with Excel, G-suite, and creative software, such as Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Applicants should be highly organized with great attention to detail and have the ability to prioritize between short-term tasks and long-term projects.
Interns provide day-to-day support for museum staff, including administrative duties and correspondence, and assist with event and program staffing. Interns should have a strong knowledge of and enthusiasm for contemporary art, enjoying visiting galleries and museums in their free time. Prior museum or gallery experience preferred, but not required.
How to Apply
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter specifying their preferred area of interest, any academic requirements for their internship, resume, and contact information for two professional references to internship@sculpture-center.org. Applicants for the Curatorial Internship should additionally submit a brief writing sample. Please include the position you are applying to in the subject line.
In an effort to protect the health of students, patrons, and staff, we unfortunately do not anticipate running the internship program this season. Please check back here or sign up for our newsletter for future updates about the program.
Public Process High School Internship Program
For more information about SculptureCenter's free three-week summer intensive program for high school students, visit the Public Process page.