2016 Cole Fellow [Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Catskill, NY]

Description

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS / 2016 Cole Fellowship

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) is now reviewing applications for fellows to participate in the research and interpretation of the work, home, and studios of Thomas Cole (1801 – 1848). Four applicants will be selected to join the Thomas Cole Fellows program from June 1 – November 11, 2016.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site (TCNHS) preserves and interprets the home and studios of Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River School of painting, the nation’s first art movement. Cole’s profound influence on America’s cultural landscape inspires us to engage broad audiences through programs that are relevant today.

Through a combination of research, interpretation, and hands-on projects, Cole Fellows are afforded an opportunity to conduct significant research and to gain professional museum experience.  Selected candidates are provided the opportunity to:

• Conduct in-depth research that leads to a major project and /or paper based on her/his work over the season.
• Lead tours of the historic site and have full engagement in interpretive programming.
• Work directly with the Director of Exhibitions and Collections, and other TCNHS staff on projects that may include collection care and research, exhibition planning, educational programming, and special events.
• Participate in staff meetings and learn about the structural, strategic, and creative decisions involved in the day-to-day operations of a historic artists’ house museum.
• Make field trips to area museums and sites, meet museum curators and professionals, participate in presentations and assigned readings, and benefit from professional development opportunities including resume review and next step planning based on individual career goals.

Benefits: Free shared housing on-site (fully furnished apartment includes electric, water, heat, internet, and garbage removal) is provided, plus a monthly stipend of $400.

Qualifications: TCNHS seeks self-motivated recent graduates, graduating college seniors, and graduate students who have expressed a commitment to pursue careers in history, art, material culture, decorative arts, collection and exhibition management, research, museum studies, and/or education. Applicants should be flexible, organized, energetic, have a passion for art and ideas, and an affinity for working with the public. A car is helpful, but not required. Participation for the entire season, June 1 –November 11, is required. Work week is Wednesday-Sunday.

APPLICATIONS will be accepted now through FEBRUARY 17, 2016, with priority consideration given to those who apply before JANUARY 27, 2016.

Applications must include:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the Fellowship and your career goals
• Resume
• References – include names and full contact information for 3 people (professors, teachers, and/or employers)
• Writing sample (2 to 5 pages MAX)

Send to Kate Menconeri, Director of Exhibitions and Collections:

By email (PDF files only): kmenconeri@thomascole.org

or by post to Kate at Thomas Cole National Historic Site, 218 Spring St. PO Box 426, Catskill, NY 12414.

Please visit www.thomascole.org  for more information about the Fellowship program, as well as general information about the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, upcoming programs, exhbitions, and events.

Requirements