CfA: Gregory and Maria Henderson Curatorial Fellow in East Asian Art

Job Summary: The Harvard Art Museums’ Fellowship program is designed to broaden the experience of those embarking on professional museum careers in art history and related fields, conservation and conservation science, and/or education. Harvard Art Museums’ global collections encompass cultures across Asia, North Africa, Europe, and the Americas from ancient times to today. The Fellow is an integral member of the Museums staff whose work serves the Museums’ purpose, vision, and values.

Position Description:
• The Henderson Curatorial Fellow, working closely with the Alan J. Dworsky Curator of Chinese Art, conducts object-based research focused on the Museums’ East Asian art collections, with a focus on Chinese or Korean art.
• The Curatorial Fellow participates in a broad range of other curatorial activities, including preparation of rotations and exhibitions, interpretive materials, cataloging of the permanent collection in the Art Museums’ database, assistance with new acquisitions, and donor cultivation.
• Foregrounding the museum’s teaching and research mission, the Curatorial Fellow also helps provide content expertise and support for teaching in the galleries and the Museums’ Art Study Center, including staffing Art Study Center sessions approximately three hours a week, participating in a series of art handling workshops, and contributing to a rich offering of public and academic interpretive programs across various platforms.
• The Curatorial Fellow will be an active member of the Fellows’ cohort and will participate in regular cohort meetings, training, activities, and in the annual Fellows symposium at the end of the spring semester.
• The Fellow may supervise students and temporary employees.

PLEASE NOTE: This position works on-site at both the museum in Cambridge, MA and a second facility in Somerville, MA.

Basic Qualifications: Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role: MA in Art History or related field

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
• PhD a plus; familiarity with traditional artists’ materials and techniques and Chinese contemporary art appreciated.
• Curatorial or related experience is helpful; interest in expanding canonical narratives is strongly encouraged
• Commitment to fostering the appreciation of works of art in a museum context
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team

We believe in the potential of candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. If you meet the basic qualifications for this role and are excited about the opportunity, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every single additional qualification. Whether you’re starting your career, re-entering the workforce, transitioning fields, or seeking the next step, we welcome your unique perspective. We’re committed to considering a wide range of applicants. Please use your cover letter to share your passion for art museums and how you envision contributing to this role. We’d love to hear from you!