Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship 2027-2029

Saint Louis Art Museum • St. Louis, MO

4d

About The Position

The Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship is a paid, two-year program for early-career museum professionals. It honors Romare Bearden’s legacy by creating opportunities for individuals from backgrounds historically and statistically underrepresented at American art museums, as well as applicants who demonstrate a commitment to the program’s goals. Fellows gain skills, experience, and confidence to pursue careers in art museums and related fields.

In the first year, the Fellow works across museum departments, with possible assignments in public programming, interpretive materials, development, marketing, curatorial work, research, and audience engagement. In the second year, the Fellow works on significant projects aligned with their interests and the Museum’s needs. Fellows are mentored by senior-level staff and collaborate with teams throughout the Saint Louis Art Museum.

The Fellowship runs from July 19, 2027, through July 31, 2029, and pays $24.00 per hour, annualized at $46,800. The application deadline is February 1, 2027. Applicants must complete the online application and submit a personal statement, an excerpt from an academic or scholarly writing sample of no more than 1,000 words, a résumé, two references (one academic and one professional), and undergraduate and graduate transcripts. The personal statement must follow the specified guidelines and may not exceed 1,000 words.

Requirements

• By June 2027, have completed at least one year of graduate coursework in art history, art education, museum studies, cultural history, or a related field.
• Not be enrolled in coursework classes during the Fellowship.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be able to work independently and manage multiple assignments.
• Submit all required application materials and follow the personal statement guidelines to be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants from backgrounds historically and statistically underrepresented at American art museums, including first-generation college attendees, people from households with incomes below 80% of the national median household income, people with limited opportunities to visit and engage with museums, and people who have faced other specific barriers to entering museum careers.
• Applicants who articulate and demonstrate a commitment to the goals of the Fellowship, whether or not they come from a historically and statistically underrepresented background.

Responsibilities

• Work across museum departments during the first year, potentially including public programming, interpretive materials, development, marketing, curatorial work, research, and audience engagement.
• Complete significant projects during the second year that align with the Fellow’s interests and the Museum’s needs.
• Collaborate with Museum staff and teams on projects tailored to the Museum’s needs and the Fellow’s skills and interests.

Benefits

• Paid two-year Fellowship
• Mentorship from senior-level Museum staff
• Cross-departmental experience and opportunities to build skills and experience for careers in art museums and related fields

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level