Calderwood Curatorial Fellow in South Asian or Islamic Art – Harvard Art Museums, MA

Job Summary:

The Curatorial Fellowship Program at the Harvard Art Museums is designed to broaden the experience of scholars embarking on professional careers in art history who are considering the museum profession. The Harvard Art Museums’ global collections encompass cultures across Asia, Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and the Americas from ancient times to today.

Position Description:

-The Calderwood Fellow conducts object-based research and scholarship on the extensive collections of the Harvard Art Museums, with a focus on the rich artistic achievements of Hinduism and Islam in the early modern era.  Under the supervision of the Norma Jean Calderwood Curator of Islamic and Later Indian Art, the Fellow develops a series of argument-driven installations for South Asian and Islamic Art, working primarily with the holdings of South Asian paintings and drawings from the 16th through 19th centuries, but also reaching across centuries, media, and curatorial divisions as appropriate for thematic expression.

-Assist with a broad range of other curatorial activities, cataloging of the permanent collection in the Art Museums’ database, assistance with new acquisitions, and donor cultivation.

-Foregrounding the museum’s teaching and research mission, the Curatorial Fellow also helps provide content expertise and support for the Art Museums’ Art Study Center by supporting classes and individual appointments approximately three hours a week, attends a series of art handling workshops, and contributes to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.

-The Curatorial Fellow will be an active member of the Fellows’ cohort and participate in regular cohort meetings and the annual Fellows symposium at the end of the spring semester.

-The Curatorial Fellow may supervise students and temporary employees.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is an on-site position.

Basic Qualifications:

MA in Art History, South Asian Studies, or related fields, with interest in South Asian Art

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

-PhD preferred; specialization in South Asian painting of the 16th – 19th centuries and proficiency in Urdu/Hindi, Persian, or Sanskrit desirable

-Curatorial or related experience helpful; interest in expanding canonical narratives, and innovative approaches to the practice of curation encouraged

-Commitment to fostering the appreciation of works of art in a museum context

-Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team

Additional Information:

The Harvard Art Museums are committed to equity and inclusion in its staff and to engaging with a wide range of audiences and constituents, and welcome applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds who share these interests and commitment.

Application Procedures:

Please apply online with a letter of interest and a résumé or curriculum vitae.  Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting February 27th and continuing until the position is filled.

Upon review of initial applications, successful candidates will be notified to submit two letters of recommendation. Other supporting documents may include transcripts and writing samples.

Additional Information:

The term of this fellowship is September 5, 2023 – August 29, 2025.  In addition to $55,000 annual compensation, the fellowship has an allocated travel budget and is eligible to participate in Harvard’s fringe benefits program.

Discover Harvard Art Museums and Harvard University Benefits

-A creative, high-energy, collaborative environment

-Generous Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday pay

-Medical, Dental and Vision benefits starting on your first day

-Tuition Assistance Program

-Transportation benefits to help with your daily commute

-Health and wellness discounts, memberships and programs

Additional benefits can be found at https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards.

Additional Note:

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website. 

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Link to Apply: https://jobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?PageType=JobDetails&partnerid=25240&siteid=5341&Areq=61521BR

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