The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago is an artist-activated, audience-engaged contemporary art museum. Moreover, they generate art, ideas, and conversation around the creative process. Also, they are a cultural leader of local necessity and international distinction. In addition, they aspire to make the MCA community—staff, audiences, and artists—reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. They strive to capture a spirit of access, inclusion, and equity in all they do.

Furthermore, the fellow will engage in exhibition- and/or collection-related research, write reports on possible acquisitions, and help curators plan as well as organize exhibitions and programming.

Benefits

• This full-time, twelve-month fellowship starts on July 1, 2019 and carries a stipend of $45,000 (inclusive of $10,000 for housing support),
• Also, J-1 visa costs, if applicable, will be covered by the MCA.
• The position is also eligible for a generous benefits package that includes:

1. Health, dental, and vision insurance;
2. Also, paid vacation and personal days;
3. Free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance;
4. Also, retirement plans;
5. Discounted parking;
6. Pre-tax transportation programs;
7. Also, free access to the MCA’s galleries;
8. Curator-led staff tours of MCA exhibitions;
9. Discounts at the MCA Store and MCA restaurant Marisol;
10. Also, discounts for MCA Stage and other programs; and
11. A variety of discounts at many cultural institutions in the Chicagoland area

Eligibility and Qualifications

• The MCA will consider exceptional candidates who originate from the Middle East and/or North Africa with backgrounds in art history, museum studies, and related fields whose work demonstrates a strong emphasis on art historical research and methodology.
• Qualified applicants must possess a Master of Arts degree or be in their final year of graduate work.
• Candidates must also possess two years of museum experience and/or research position at the college or university level.
• Demonstrated commitment to the field of contemporary art through writing, curating or other activities is also required.
• Evidence of self-directed curatorial work or critical writing is a plus, and candidates should exhibit strong communication skills and a readiness to express their intellect and point of view.

Application Documents

Applications will not be considered complete until we receive all application materials listed below. Please note these materials, including writing samples and other supplementary materials, will not be returned to candidates.

1. A cover letter that includes the name, current and permanent addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant
2. A full resume of education and employment history
3. An essay describing the applicant’s interest in this fellowship and museum work
4. Two writing samples—each individual writing sample should not exceed 2,000 words.