Henry Luce Curatorial Fellow in American Art

Association of Academic Museums & Galleries.; Lewiston (ME); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental benefits

Retirement contribution

Paid time off

Free parking

Library and athletic facility access

Job summary

Bates College invites applications for the Henry Luce Curatorial Fellow in American Art. This three-year position offers hands-on experience in curation, education, scholarship, and stewardship, reporting to the Director of the Bates College Museum of Art.

The Fellow will research the permanent collection, organize exhibitions, and integrate curricular initiatives with faculty and students. Primary focus includes stewarding the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection and Legacy Project, producing

Qualifications

• MA in Art History, American Studies, or related field; Ph.D. is a plus.
• Experience in and ongoing commitment to object-based research.
• Experience working in museums or galleries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research and promote the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection and Marsden Hartley Legacy Project, building on foundation funding.
• Lead and execute advanced scholarly outputs—publications, symposia, workshops, exhibitions, artist-in-residence programs.

Skills

Object-based research

Museum experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Project management

Equity & inclusion

Education

M.A. in Art History or related field

Ph.D. a plus

Job description

Henry Luce Curatorial Fellow in American Art – Bates College

The Henry Luce Curatorial Fellow in American Art is a three-year position designed to provide an advanced scholar of American art with comprehensive, hands‑on professional experience in curation, education, scholarship, and stewardship. Reporting directly to the Director of the Bates College Museum of Art and serving as a member of the curatorial team, the Fellow builds the Museum’s capacity during a period of momentum and growth. The role focuses on researching the permanent collection, organizing exhibitions, and fostering deep curricular integration with college faculty and students. The Fellow is a dedicated steward of the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection and Legacy Project, spearheading public‑facing scholarly initiatives that engage both the campus community and global audiences.

Key Accountabilities

• Research, promote, and critically engage with the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection and the Marsden Hartley Legacy Project, building upon foundational grant funding.
• Lead and execute advanced, project‑based scholarly outputs focused on the legacy of Marsden Hartley, including publications, symposia, workshops, exhibitions, and artist‑in‑residence programs.
• Utilize the Hartley collections to create creative programming that connects local audiences and global art communities to the Museum.
• Contribute to the organization of annual rotations of the permanent collection by conducting research and proposing concepts for the "Origins" section, focusing on American modernism, 19th‑ and 20th‑century American landscapes, and Maine‑related artwork.
• Generate innovative proposals for temporary exhibitions centered on the Museum’s American art holdings.
• Research the permanent collection within the scope of American art to identify strengths, evaluate weaknesses, and provide strategic recommendations for targeted future acquisitions and growth.
• Conduct proactive outreach to college faculty, particularly those new to utilizing the Museum, to review syllabi and recommend relevant objects to enrich course curriculum.
• Facilitate hands‑on learning encounters, lead exhibition tours, and coordinate class visits within the Synergy Study Gallery.
• Work closely with the Education Curator and Assistant Education Curator to propose public programming related to the Fellow’s areas of expertise.
• Act as a visible advocate for the Museum on campus and throughout the region, building partnerships that champion the tangible value of museums in higher education.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

M.A. in Art History, American Studies, or a related field. Ph.D. is a plus.

Experience

• Experience in and ongoing commitment to object‑based research.
• Experience working in museums or galleries preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Commitment to fostering engagement with original works of art in a college setting; work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and museum visitors on a daily basis.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Be self‑motivated and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion, and serving the needs of a culturally and educationally diverse community.

Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, 9% retirement contribution with potential for an additional 3% match, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke‑free workplace.

Hiring Range: The hiring salary for this position is $60,000