The David W. and Mary S. Benfer Curatorial Research Fellow (1 Year)

Learn more and apply at https://bit.ly/BenferCuratorFellow.

The David W. and Mary S. Benfer Curatorial Research Fellow, a 9 to 12-month visiting A&P appointment, will report to the Chief Curator.

A full-time member of The Ringling’s Curatorial staff, the fellow will assist the Chief Curator with the research, documentation, interpretation, and display of works in The Ringling’s pre-1900 collection of European and American painting, sculpture, and works on paper.

Provides research support for projects relating to The Ringling’s permanent collections of pre-1900 European and American painting, sculpture and works on paper, including for the ongoing, multi-year project to reinstall the permanent collection galleries of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, for upcoming exhibitions, and for publications.

Provides research and general support for day-to-day curatorial work relating to the permanent collections. Under the guidance of the Chief Curator, assists in documenting the permanent collections and in responding to inquiries relating to them. Assists in evaluating requests for loans of work from the permanent collection, artworks for potential acquisition, and substitutions of artwork in galleries. May assist with grant proposal preparation and grant applications. Provides other curatorial research and planning support for future exhibition projects in the permanent collections.

May lead gallery talks and/or give lectures about curatorial work and research findings. May pursue publishing opportunities related to their work with the collections. Participates in special projects and other duties that support museum operation as assigned.

Important skills relevant to this role include:

Advanced research, writing, and communication skills
Reading knowledge of one or more European languages
Attention to detail
Ability to:
Prioritize and organize work to meet project deadlines
Establish and maintain effective working relationships
Understand and interpret terminology related to area of work

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field

Experience

Two years of relevant experience

Your application is not complete until you have uploaded:

A position-relevant resume and cover letter that includes relevant experience, course work, skills, and contact information (phone and/or email) for at least 3 professional references
A writing sample (10 pages or less and may be part of an academic paper)

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Art History
Advanced reading knowledge of one or more European languages
Knowledge of collection database programs such as TMS