Marie Zimmerman Fellow (generously funded by the Decorative Arts Trust)
About The Position
The Milwaukee Art Museum is a vibrant, welcoming destination where art, architecture, and community come together. As a cultural cornerstone of Milwaukee and a symbol of civic pride, the Museum connects people of all ages and backgrounds through inspiring exhibitions, engaging programs, and unforgettable experiences Position Overview The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) Marie Zimmerman Fellow offers hands-on curatorial work experience across collection assessment, development, exhibition planning and programming, and publication. This is a full-time grant-funded position, with salary and benefits for 24 months. The Marie Zimmerman Fellow will be an integral part of the planning and execution of two major initiatives that will advance MAM's American decorative and design programs: (1) The Jody and Dick Goisman Collection Project – a comprehensive undertaking involving assessment, exhibition, and catalogue publication centered on a promised gift of modern design; and (2 American Decorative Arts Collection Assessment and Gallery Reinstallation – a research-focused project to evaluate the museum's holdings and support future gallery planning.
Requirements
- Recent graduate from an M.A. or PhD program, Art History, Museum Studies, American Studies, or related field.
- Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
- Interest in American decorative arts, design history, and curatorial practice.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
Nice To Haves
- Prior museum or archival experience is a plus but not required.
Responsibilities
- Goisman Collection Assessment
- Conduct research and visual analysis of objects in the Goisman collection, with a focus on twentieth-century American design.
- Develop connoisseurship and design analysis skills through close object study.
- Exhibition Development
- Collaborate closely with the Curator to conceptualize exhibition themes and narratives.
- Participate in checklist development and interdepartmental coordination with Registration, Conservation, Art Preparation, and Education teams
- Publication
- Support catalogue development, including research, writing, and assisting with editorial and production processes.
- Work with external contributors, editors, and designers under the guidance of the Curator.
- American Decorative Arts Assessment
- Collaborate with curators to create a comprehensive assessment of the American decorative arts collection.
- Contribute to early-stage planning for a reinstallation of the American art galleries, integrating decorative arts into broader art historical narratives.
- Work with Learning and Engagement colleagues to envision interpretive strategies for the new installation.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
