The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) is one of Chicago’s major cultural institutions and one of the nation’s largest facilities devoted to the art of our time, presenting collections, exhibitions, performances, and programs of the most thought-provoking art created since 1945.

Considered one of the premier curatorial training opportunities in the nation, the MCA’s Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship is intended to offer an exceptional graduate-level candidate the opportunity to gain professional curatorial experience in a major museum setting. The Fellow is primarily responsible for exhibition and/or collection related research, with additional duties as appropriate to specific projects. As a 12-month commitment, the Fellow is exposed to all aspects of curatorial operations and participates in internal and external communications on a daily basis. With a start date of July 1, 2015, the full-time fellowship carries a stipend of $25,000 plus selected benefits.

The MCA considers exceptional candidates in art history, museum studies, and related fields with a strong emphasis on art historical research and methodology. Qualified applicants must possess a Master of Art degree or be in their final year of graduate work. Evidence of self-directed curatorial work or critical writing is a plus. The MCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The application deadline is January 31, 2015.

Job Requirements

Application Process

Your application will not be considered complete until we receive the required hard copy of the application materials listed below. Please note these materials, including writing samples and any supplementary materials, will not be returned to candidates. All requested materials should be typed and include the following:

1. Cover letter that includes: name, current and permanent addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant.

2. A full resume of education and employment history.

3. Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional settings.

4. An essay describing the applicant’s interest in this fellowship, museum work, and reasons for applying.

5. Two writing samples. Each individual writing sample should not exceed 2000 words.

Application materials should be sent to:

Curatorial Administrative Coordinator

Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship

Museum of Contemporary Art

220 East Chicago Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

Please note: International candidates must be in possession of a valid US work visa for the entire fellowship period.

Final selection of the Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellow is determined in consultation with the Susman family and curatorial staff. The Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship was established by members of the Susman family in honor of Marjorie Susman.

If you have any questions about applying for a fellowship, please email jobs@mcachicago.org.