The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

Established by the Walker Art Center in the early 1990s, this 2-year Curatorial Fellowship is part of the Walker’s continued commitment to encourage greater inclusion and access to groups historically underrepresented in museums and visual arts organizations. The fellowship also provides mentorship from curatorial staff, experience working with collections and acquisitions, writing experience including interpretation, as well as public and presentational speaking. Through this fellowship, the Walker seeks to attract emerging curators who are committed to gaining professional experience and training within a contemporary art institution, and to developing the skills needed to assume leadership roles within the field. 

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

• Assist curators in all phases of exhibition development, including research; checklist development; loan requests; artist or special project correspondence; publication image rights and reproductions; publication research; floorplan development; installation; and development of public programs related to exhibitions.
• Write exhibition texts, including labels, didactics, and press and promotional materials.
• Write acquisitions narratives on works being proposed by curators for the collection.
• Write deaccession rationales on works being proposed by curators for deaccession from the collection.
• Assist with the production of content related to the Visual Arts program for the Walker’s website, and online platforms.
• Prepare presentations as requested for meetings.
• Lead tours of the permanent collection, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and special exhibitions to donors, touring groups, professionals, students, and special guests.
• Research and present lectures for gallery educators, potential funders, Board, or other groups as requested.
• Participate in donor and community relations through attendance at Walker events, including receptions, public programs, collector events, and openings.
• Participate in Walker interdepartmental initiatives as requested.
• Participate with regular attendance at local arts events, conduct studio visits with local artists.
• Participate in critiques, juries, and other arts activity in the community or field as invited.
• Participate in a professional development opportunity with a peer contemporary art museum.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

• B.A. in art history, museum studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Specialization in contemporary (post-1960) art.
• Excellent research skills with the ability to conduct both directed and independent research.
• Strong written and verbal skills; demonstrated ability to write for general audiences.
• Well-organized, detail oriented, and proactive.
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a demanding and fast-paced work environment; Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities with proven ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to be part of a team and work across multiple departments.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Sketchup, and other standard computer programs.
• Foreign language skills (written and verbal) are desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), non-exempt. As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay. The compensation for this role is $22.00 hourly.

The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits: https://walkerart.org/primary-benefits-package/

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.  

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled. 

E-Verify Participation Notice Walker Art Center participates in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

For more information, please review the following notices:

• E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)