The Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks candidates for a nine-month fellowship in interpretation, beginning September 2016 and ending May 2017. This Kress Interpretive Fellow, supported by a grant from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, will work collaboratively with Museum curators, interpreters, educators, conservators and interactive technology staff to create interpretive materials for the Museum’s new mobile highlights platform. The Fellow will have access to relevant collections and to the Museum’s library and archives, and will partake of all professional privileges extended to Museum staff.
Reporting jointly to the Associate Curator of European Painting & Sculpture before 1900 and the Assistant Director for Interpretation, the Fellow will be engaged in both art historical and audience research; planning and production of interpretive content; design and implementation of interpretive strategies; and formative and summative evaluation activities. She/he will collaborate with and link together colleagues within the Department of European Painting; Department of European Decorative Arts, Department of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, Department of Costume and Textiles; Department of Conservation; Division of Education and Public Programs; Department of Interpretation; Department of Information & Interpretive Technologies; Department of Audience Insight and Analysis in order to evaluate current and potential visitor needs, preferences and perceptions, and to research new and innovative interpretive strategies.
During the monthly Fellows Colloquia at the Museum, the Fellow will report on aspects of the project to fellows working in other areas of the Museum. He /she may be involved in program planning and volunteer training and may be asked to present lectures, gallery talks, and tours regarding core collections holdings.
Candidates must possess a demonstrated art historical knowledge; an ability to work collaboratively across the institution; excellent writing and communication skills, and an enthusiasm for introducing art to a broad audience, diverse in experience and motivation. The ability to think innovatively, manage time, and prioritize work on multiple projects are necessary. Some research travel is expected.
Experience Requirements:
- 1+ years of work experience in an art museum, plus master’s level education in Art History and demonstrated familiarity with Museum Interpretation and/or Education.
Applications must include the following materials:
- A cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest and qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae of education, employment, honors, awards, and publications.
- A writing sample and/or sample/example of a museum interpretive project.
Academic transcripts and three letters of recommendation should be sent to gdiefenderfer@philamuseum.org or the mailing address below, before 1 August 2016:
Greer Diefenderfer, Human Resources
Philadelphia Museum of Art
P.O. Box 7646
Philadelphia, PA 19101
