The David W. and Mary S. Benfer Circus Curatorial Research Fellowship

The David W. and Mary S. Benfer Circus Curatorial Research Fellowship is a 12-month visiting A&P appointment that integrates the fellow as a member of staff within the Circus & Archives department at The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. In this role, the fellow will participate in the documentation, interpretation, and display of objects related to the circus and its allied arts. The position will report to the Tibbals Curator of Circus and will work closely with the curator, the Chief Archivist, and the Circus Registrar to expand, document, and share knowledge about objects in the museum’s permanent collections.

The 2025-2026 Benfer Circus Curatorial Research Fellow’s projects will primarily be focused on developing exhibition and program plans related to the 2027 centennial of circus in Sarasota, marking the anniversary of John Ringling moving the winter quarters of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Combined Shows to the area and making Sarasota the home of the American Circus.

The fellow will have the opportunity to curate one or more exhibitions of posters or prints and will work with the Circus Exhibits team on routine rotations of objects in the galleries. As appropriate, the fellow will be encouraged to lead public gallery talks or pursue publishing opportunities related to their work with the Circus collections.

Learn more and apply by 10/2/25 at https://fla.st/VVNBRTLD.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.