What are the responsibilities and job description for the Curatorial Fellowship – Prints & Drawings Department position at MFAH?
Fellowship Title: Curatorial Fellowship – Prints & Drawings Department
Academic Level: Graduate Level (Masters, Ph.D., or equivalent)
Supervisors: Dena Woodall, Curator, and Melinda Narro, Curatorial Assistant
Department: Curatorial – Prints & Drawings
Anticipated Schedule: June 2 – August 8, 2025
Fellowship Overview
The Curatorial Fellowship in the Prints & Drawings Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) offers a distinctive opportunity to gain practical experience in curatorial research and collections management. This fellowship is tailored for graduate-level students with an interest in the history and techniques of printmaking and drawing, museum collections, and curatorial practices.
During the fellowship, the candidate will engage in the following activities:
- Update collections database information, including provenance, bibliography, and exhibition history.
- Conduct research to support potential acquisitions and assist in drafting purchase and gift reports.
- Contribute to exhibition and installation planning by developing themes, selecting objects, and writing didactic panels and object labels for galleries such as the European Old Masters and Modern and Contemporary galleries in the Kinder Building.
- Collaborate across museum departments to assist with exhibition development, collections maintenance, and report writing.
- Increase audience engagement through contributions to museum social media channels and website content.
- Gain knowledge of printmaking and drawing techniques through research on the permanent collection.
- Build an understanding of the relationship between curatorial and other museum departments, including Registration, Library, Matting and Framing, and more.
This fellowship provides an immersive, educational experience to help students build professional curatorial skills and deepen their knowledge of museum operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research on the permanent collection to update database records.
- Assist with preparation and documentation for acquisitions.
- Develop exhibition content, including object labels and thematic plans.
- Collaborate with staff on social media and public engagement initiatives.
- Participate in cross-departmental activities to support museum operations.
Education and Eligibility
- Enrollment in or completion of a graduate program in art history, museum studies, or a related field.
- Strong research, organizational, and writing skills.
- Interest in printmaking and drawing techniques and history.
Anticipated Schedule:
The internship will comprise 350 hours of work (35 hours per week for 10 weeks), running from June 2 to August 8, 2025. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with an hour-long lunch).
This position requires on-site attendance, and cannot be undertaken remotely.
Fellowship Stipend:
17/hour - $5950
Application Requirements
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting relevant experience and education.
- Cover Letter: Describing your interest in the position and how it aligns with your academic and professional goals.
- Additional Materials: A writing sample (2–3 pages preferred).
