Hamm Family Curatorial Fellow

New Britain Museum of American Art•New Britain, CT

10d•$43,000 - $48,000

About The Position

The Hamm Family Curatorial Fellow will play an integral role in researching and developing exhibitions and related projects to highlight the renowned collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art (NBMAA). Emphasis will be placed upon scholarship and researching exceptional works from the Museum's extensive collection of paintings, prints, drawings, photography and sculpture. In addition, the Fellow will be responsible for programming up to two rotations each year in the Museum's Hamm Family Gallery, and making this work accessible through publications, programs, and public engagement . This full-time fellowship is designed for an emerging curatorial professional seeking substantive experience with collections-based research, exhibition development, and public programs. Working in collaboration with and under the mentorship of the Curator and Head of Exhibitions, the Fellow will support the conceptualization, planning, and budgeting of a dynamic series of installations for the Hamm Family Gallery. These exhibitions will feature works from the Museum's permanent collection, with opportunities to incorporate focused loans that enhance collection narratives. Through scholarship, collaboration with colleagues across the institution, and hands-on project coordination, the Fellow will help ensure that the Hamm Gallery remains an active, engaging, and sustainably programmed space that highlights the depth and diversity of the Museum's holdings. The position reports to the Director of Collections & Exhibitions (DCE), though day-to-day work will be directed by the Curator and Head of Exhibitions. In addition to collection research and exhibition development, tasks might also include developing and managing checklists, database administration, and administrative and organizational tasks as relevant to permanent collection research and exhibition. The Fellow will be expected author exhibition interpretative labels and texts, in addition to making contributions towards related publications, marketing materials and public programs. Some public speaking will also be required. This is a one-year termed position with the possibility of a second-year renewal, with a limit of two full years. The position includes a full benefits package, with paid time off and access to medical insurance.

Requirements

Applicants will be considered who have: a Bachelor's degree or above a demonstrated focus in American art history prior museum or other relevant professional experience (preferred) excellent and demonstrated writing, research, and public speaking skills proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and general comfort with digital research tools and database

Responsibilities

Collection Research & Interpretation Conduct original research on artworks in storage, with attention to the distinct character of American art represented in the collection.
Identify under-viewed or rarely exhibited works of excellence for potential installation in the Hamm Family Gallery.
Record and document research through established Museum systems and archives in coordination with the DCE and the Collections Department.
Exhibition Planning & Implementation In partnership with the DCE, the fellow will plan and curate exhibitions drawn from the vault, with a target of two rotations per year in the Hamm Family Gallery.
Coordinate exhibition timelines and logistics with Museum leadership and curatorial staff to ensure smooth integration with the Museum's broader schedule of exhibitions and rotations.
Oversee all aspects of exhibition development relevant to the Hamm Family Fellowship, including design, production, publication, and associated programming.
Public Access & Engagement Work closely with the Marketing & PR team to generate compelling written and visual content that highlights discoveries from the collection.
Contribute to newsletters, press releases, digital communications, and social media to promote the Hamm Family Gallery program.
Participate in educational programs, tours, and events connected to the Hamm Family Gallery's exhibitions when appropriate.
Program Administration & Reporting Maintain careful coordination with all departments engaged in the planning and execution of Hamm Gallery rotations.
Prepare an annual grant report documenting research, exhibitions, public engagement outcomes, and budget projections for the coming year.
Administrative & Team Support Schedule and facilitate interdepartmental and cross-institutional meetings related to Hamm Family Gallery programs and exhibitions.
Maintain internal databases and shared drives to ensure documentation is current and accessible.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Exhibition development and implementation in the Hamm Gallery.
Marketing, publication, and education efforts advancing the Fellow's collection-activation work.
Incremental investment in a reusable frame stock to support future collection installations, acquired and managed in coordination between the Director of Collections & Exhibition, the Fellow and the Collections Department.