Applications due June 30, 2014.

The Interpretive Fellow will work closely with the museum’s Curatorial and Education departments to assist in the planning for the reinstallation and reinterpretation of its European art collection in newly refurbished galleries scheduled to open in the fall of 2015.

European Art from Antiquity to the Modern Era: Reinstallation of the Permanent Collection will present a new humanities-infused thematic presentation of the museum’s collection of over 700 world-famous European paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, costumes, textiles, and works on paper, providing an extraordinary visual record of European culture over nearly 5,000 years. The collection is particularly strong in the Baroque and nineteenth-century areas.

The Wadsworth has developed interpretive core values and goals that the reinstallation of the European collection will reflect.

Core Values:

  • Experience the Power of Art
  • Visitor Choice
  • Participation and Collaboration

Interpretive Goals:

  • Connections (cross-disciplinary)
  • Close Looking
  • Curiosity
  • Creativity
  • Critical Thinking
  • Confidence (aka Empowerment) – Visitors will compare, interpret, analyze, and question ideas and concepts in art across time and cultures.

The Kress Interpretive Fellow will work with museum curators and educators to gather existing resources and create interpretive materials that support the goals of the reinstallation and fit with four selected humanities themes – patronage, cultural encounters, nature and science, and beliefs. These themes will be embedded throughout the installation using a variety of strategies. The Kress Interpretive Fellow will gain experience creating materials in both print and digital formats, including interpretive texts, in-gallery technology, and web components.

The Fellowship will take place over a nine month period, preferred start in September 2014. One stipend of $25,000 is available. Housing arrangements must be managed by the selected fellow.

Eligibility
The program encourages applications from individuals who have completed a master’s degree in art history or museum education and who are pursuing or contemplating a PhD or professional placement in these or related fields. Applicants must have research experience and be comfortable writing for multiple platforms and audiences.

Application Guidelines
To apply, candidates must submit the following materials:

  1. Resume, including confirmation of eligibility requirements
  2. Statement of interest: Describe why you believe you are qualified to be considered for the Kress Interpretive Fellowship while also articulating how a fellowship at the Wadsworth Atheneum would assist you in achieving your present and future career goals. Expound upon your interest in this fellowship’s description, outlining how your academic and personal experiences would contribute to this project.
  3. Writing sample of eight to ten pages in length

Send completed applications to the address below.

All materials must be received by June 30, 2014. Please combine your resume, statement of interest and writing sample into one document and email to christine.engel@wadsworthatheneum.org with the subject line: Kress Interpretive Fellowship.

The Wadsworth has been undergoing a major renovation since 2010 that is slated to be complete in 2015. The $33 million project will renew 32 galleries and 15 public spaces that will reinvent the Museum for 21st-century audiences.