Open Call: MACLA Curatorial Fellowship
MACLA / Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana
MACLA Curatorial Fellowship
MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana is an inclusive contemporary arts space grounded in the Chicano/Latino experience that incubates new visual, literary, and performance art in order to engage people in civic dialogue and community transformation.
Background:
Founded in 1989 as the result of a broad community mobilization in the City of San Jose and nationwide on behalf of multicultural arts, MACLA has evolved into a well-respected arts organization known for our commitment to artistic excellence and civic dialogue. More than 38,000 people participate in the 50 programs MACLA produces annually. Our core program tracts include: visual arts; performance and literary arts; and youth arts education
MACLA Values:
− Inclusive - MACLA values diverse ideas, perspectives, cultures, sexual and gender identities and creates a space where all are welcomed, respected, and treated with equity.
− Collaborative - MACLA convenes individuals with shared values to partner with us as thought leaders and partners to implement innovative and effective programs which inspire and engage our community.
− Integrity - MACLA holds ourselves to the highest ethical and professional standards in our decisions, actions, and communications.
− Optimistic - MACLA's work inspires our community to think differently about the world that we live in through our artistic practices.
− Innovative - From our programs to organizational practices, MACLA is adaptive, reflective, and constantly evolving to our changing world.
− Leadership - Leadership is developed throughout MACLA from our youth program participants to our artists, volunteers, staff, and Board of Directors. As an organization grounded in Latinx arts and culture, we strive to provide a space for the development of Latinx leadership within our community.
Purpose of Fellowship:
MACLA is creating a pipeline for Latinx students interested in contemporary Chicanx/Latinx art and culture scholarship to increase diversity and representation in the field. Ideal candidates are interested in pursuing a career as a curator, arts administrator, and/or cultural worker. Curatorial Fellows will work under the direction of the Visual Arts Curator. Fellows will be involved in a range of curatorial projects including the various stages and aspects of planning, installing, and deinstalling exhibitions. Fellows will collaborate on exhibition checklists, graphics, catalogue production, and documentation. Fellows will also gain experience in arts administration and professional expectations in the workplace.
Description of the paid curatorial fellowship:
− Visual Art Exhibitions: With a focus on Chicanx/Latinx contemporary art, the Fellow will participate in the planning, research, installation, and evaluation of exhibitions and related public programs, while earning the byline as Co-Curator for one exhibition. The Fellow will produce digital products, including writing a curatorial statement/brochure, adding to an online archive, and producing content for aforementioned digital archive to be published on social platforms and printed. The Fellow will gain insight into how our exhibitions are curated, spending a third of the fellowship focusing on the gallery installation process. Fellows are expected to assist in quarterly exhibition installation, which involves painting walls, using power tools, handling artwork, and lifting large objects weighing a minimum of 30lbs.
− Studio Visits: Curatorial Fellows will be invited to join the Visual Arts Curator on artist studio visits. With the guidance of MACLA’s curator, studio visits will provide the opportunity to interview artists and build meaningful relationships.
− Gallery Visits: As an opportunity for insight into practices, the Curatorial Fellows will visit local and regional arts organizations, along with one trip to a national Latinx arts institution.
− Gallery Front Desk: This position is expected to cover at least one gallery shift (open gallery hours are Wednesday – Sunday 12-5PM).
Eligibility
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; graduate students are preferred. An ideal candidate has a BA degree in Art History, Visual Cultural/Criticism, Latin American History, Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, Chicano/a/x Studies, or equivalent.
• MACLA will prioritize candidates who are committed to working with arts and culture organizations.
• Must be able to work on-site. MACLA is located in downtown San Jose. MACLA cannot provide travel or relocation stipends.
• As a part of our commitment to health and safety, COVID-19 vaccination is required for all current and newly hired employees, contractors, interns, and fellows.
• Must be able to lift 30lbs.
Terms
This role is an in-person, part-time fellowship averaging 15-25 hours per week during the academic year and 25-30 hours per week during the summer at $34.45/hr over a 10-month period for a total of 935 hours. Eligible for paid sick time as defined by CA state laws. This role is contingent on continued financial support by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
To Apply:
Studies show that BIPOC apply to 20% less jobs because they feel they are underqualified. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single qualification.
Submit the following application materials:
• Cover letter (specifically state how your experience and training matches the position requirements, and confirm your availability for all shifts listed)
• RÈsumÈ
• Writing sample (1-2 pages about an an artist and their work, please use something already in your portfolio – no need to write something for this application)
• Contact info for 3 references (of which at least 2 are professional references)
Send to:
Subject Line: MACLA Curatorial Fellow Position
Please note that only complete applications - cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample – will be considered.
No calls, emails, or social media messages, please. We will follow up with qualified candidates only due to the volume of interest. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review our website and social media prior to applying.
MACLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and to creating a work environment where the individual is valued and respected. MACLA welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and seeks to hire qualified staff reflecting the rich diversity of communities we serve. We define diversity in broad terms to include race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and socio-economic status.
For more information, please visit https://maclaarte.org