JOB SUMMARY
The Boston Athenæum invites applications for the Polly Thayer Starr Fellowship in American Art. This curatorial fellowship will constitute a full-time, one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The fellowship is open to graduate students in Art History, American Studies, Museum Studies, and allied interdisciplinary humanities fields in the final stages of doctoral study (ABD) or to scholars who have attained the M.A. or Ph.D. in a relevant field within two years of the start of the fellowship. The Athenæum seeks candidates whose expertise and experience will further its goals around matters of representation and inclusion. Candidates who bring perspectives informed by critical race, postcolonial, or diaspora studies, gender and sexuality studies, or similar fields of interdisciplinary inquiry to the interpretation of art and visual culture are especially encouraged to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Starr Fellow will work closely with the Athenæum’s curatorial team, collaborating on a broad range of departmental initiatives and projects, especially those designed to further cultural equity. The Fellow will be an active partner in expanding access to, and fostering critical dialogue around, the Athenæum’s Special Collections through writing, research, and educational outreach. The Fellow will have opportunities to participate in a major reinstallation of works from the permanent collection, in the exhibition program, and in other curatorial activities.
In addition to assisting the curatorial team, the Starr Fellow will consult with the Athenaeum’s director and curators early in the fellowship to identify and develop a project grounded in the Athenæum’s collections and resonant with the mission of the Starr Trust. The topic of the Fellow’s approved project and other activities may include:
• Drawing on the Athenæum’s extensive collection of American paintings (including works by Mrs. Starr), sculpture, drawings, prints, photographs, illustrated and artists’ books, and art-related archival and secondary research sources; the Fellow will also have access to the Trust’s extensive catalogue of Mrs. Starr’s work;
• Activating the Athenæum’s special collections, especially those that are less known to the public;
• Exploring the roles of historically underrepresented figures in American art and culture, including but not limited to the work of women, Black, and/or Indigenous artists, collectors, curators, and others;
• Engaging in multiple, interdisciplinary discourses and critical methodologies;
• Advancing the Polly Thayer Starr Charitable Trust’s mission “to permanently further Mrs. Starr’s artistic legacy and to enhance the appreciation and knowledge of other artists whose works are reflective of her life and interests”;
• Illuminating the collections and activities of the Boston Athenæum and the Starr Trust for a broad scholarly audience and for the general public.
Over the course of the fellowship, the Starr Fellow will develop the topic into at least one completed academic project such as a symposium or study day; an installation of collection materials; a scholarly article for submission to a peer-reviewed journal; or an online research or educational resource. The Fellow will give one or more lectures on this topic at the Athenæum and elsewhere.
The Polly Thayer Starr Fellow will receive an honorarium of $50,000/year, plus benefits, travel funds, and desk space with a computer at the Boston Athenæum. The Fellow will have full access to the Athenæum’s library and research facilities and, in consultation with the Athenæum’s curators and registrar, its collections of rare and unique materials, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, rare books, and manuscripts. The position will report to the Head of Special Collections.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Candidates will be evaluated on their record of prior achievement; the originality of their research interests; their skill and experience in navigating primary and secondary research sources, including original works of art; the quality of their writing; skill at public speaking; and ability to meet deadlines, complete multiple projects successfully, and balance self-directed work with contributions to team projects. Prior museum or special collections experience will be strongly preferred; teaching experience is also desirable. Must submit to and pass a background check, including criminal history, personal references, and employment verifications.
TO APPLY: Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a short writing sample (no more than 20 pages), and two letters of recommendation from references familiar with the applicant’s scholarly and curatorial abilities and achievements. Applications received by May 15, 2021 will receive first consideration. Apply using the link below:
The Boston Athenæum is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who will increase our diversity; we encourage candidates of color and all diverse candidates to apply and are committed to hiring individuals who value a diverse and inclusive work environment. The Boston Athenæum is also committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Director of Business Operations & Augusta Thomas Director of Finance, Christopher Boudrot, at 617-720-7642.
