Project Curatorial Assistant
hace 2 días
Philadelphia
Job DescriptionPosition Summary The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) seeks a Project Curatorial Assistant. This is a three-year, grant-funded position, with employment contingent upon the continuation of the associated grant(s). The project curatorial assistant provides administrative support to PAFA's curatorial team for the reinstallation of the permanent collection and exhibition, A Nation of Artists, and other scheduled exhibitions and programming. The project curatorial assistant maintains exhibition checklists and supporting materials, assists with exhibition and collection research, label writing and editing, and implementation of programming as needed. The project curatorial assistant reports to PAFA's curator of historical American art. About PAFA As the first art museum and school in the United States, PAFA celebrates the transformative power of art and art-making. PAFA inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. Through its world-class museum and school, PAFA nurtures and recognizes artists at every stage of their careers. Founded in 1805 and located in Center City Philadelphia, PAFA offers an intimate scale with a strong sense of community. The PAFA museum inspires the public by broadening the narratives of American art, enriching our collections, exhibitions, and programs. The museum regularly produces rich and rewarding exhibitions that amplify a wide range of artistic voices. Its archives, conservation efforts, educational programs, and publications contribute to scholarly knowledge and community dialogue. Our permanent collection ranges from 18th- and 19th-century masters such as Benjamin West, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and Mary Cassatt, to 20th and 21st-century artists including Robert Henri, Jacob Lawrence, Alice Neel, Richard Diebenkorn, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley, among others. This diverse collection aims to honor artists at every stage of their careers, thus telling the expansive story of American art and inspiring our visitors. Why Join Us? PAFA is on the brink of a historic event. In 2026, we will be reinstalling our renowned collection, a momentous occasion that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This unique opportunity enables us to commemorate and celebrate America's rich history while honoring the contributions of all Americans. PAFA has been an integral part of America's cultural and artistic heritage, paralleling the nation's journey from its early years to the present day. The upcoming reinstallation, during PAFA 250, will highlight the academy's extensive collection of American art and provide a reflective opportunity to appreciate the nation's past, celebrate its achievements, uncover untold stories, and envision a brighter future for the next generation and beyond. As we approach this historic milestone, PAFA 250 is committed to creating an immersive experience that bridges the gap between history and the present. We aim to showcase the evolution of American art and its role in shaping our national identity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage with works that span from the early 19th century to contemporary pieces, each telling a story of resilience, innovation, and the diverse voices that have contributed to the fabric of our nation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Maintain exhibition checklists., • Assist with research as assigned, occasionally requiring local travel., • Prepare and edit exhibition texts, reports, presentations, and other supporting materials for exhibitions., • Assist in scheduling meetings with the PAFA exhibition project team and act as curatorial liaison with other PAFA departments., • Manage exhibition publications, including scheduling, obtaining image permissions, and communicating with authors and presses as needed., • Assist with PAFA's accessioning process, including researching artworks for possible accession and drafting acquisition reports., • Contribute to collection rotations and interpretation, including didactics and other written materials., • Support PAFA's curators and director of community engagement with exhibition programming, including providing tours of exhibitions and the collection., • Write website and social media copy in partnership with PAFA's curatorial and communications team.s, • Other duties pertaining to PAFA exhibitions, collections, and programming as assigned.Qualifications, • Bachelor's degree required, master's degree in art history or related field strongly preferred., • Museum, gallery or other exhibiting organization experience preferred., • Basic computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite, are required., • Scholarly research databases, collection management databases, and photo editing software skills are preferred., • Excellent interpersonal, written communication, and research skills., • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines., • Excellent attention to detail. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts accepts digital applications only. A complete application should include the following: • Resume, • LastName_FirstName_Resume, • LastName_FirstName_CoverLetter