Description

Job: Two-year (temporary), Full-Time,  Exempt, Union

Salary and Benefits: $40,000/year + Benefits

Supervisor: Demmer Curator of 20th- and 21st-Century Design 

The Milwaukee Art Museum is a vibrant, welcoming destination where art, architecture, and community come together. As a cultural cornerstone of Milwaukee and a symbol of civic pride, the Museum connects people of all ages and backgrounds through inspiring exhibitions, engaging programs, and unforgettable experiences  

Position Overview

The Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) Marie Zimmermann Fellowship offers hands-on curatorial learning and work experience across collection assessment, development, exhibition planning and programming, and publication. This is a full-time grant-funded position, with salary and benefits for 24 months.

Under the direction and mentorship of the Demmer Curator of 20th and 21st Century Design, the Marie Zimmermann Fellow will participate in the planning and execution of two major initiatives that will advance MAM's American decorative and design programs: (1) The Jody and Dick Goisman Collection Project – a comprehensive undertaking involving assessment, exhibition, and catalogue publication centered on a promised gift of modern design; and (2) American Decorative Arts Collection Assessment and Gallery Reinstallation – a research-focused project to evaluate the museum's holdings and support future gallery planning

Key Responsibilities

Goisman Collection Assessment

• Conduct research and visual analysis of objects in the Goisman collection, with a focus on twentieth-century American design.
• Develop connoisseurship and design analysis skills through close object study. 

Exhibition Development

• Learn the exhibition development process by helping to conceptualize exhibition themes and narratives, under direct supervision of the Demmer Curator.
• With guidance of the lead curator, support checklist development in conjunction with colleagues from Registration, Conservation, Art Preparation, and Education teams.

Publication

• Learn about catalogue development processes and support the publication process, including  research, writing, and assisting with editorial and production efforts.
• Work with external contributors, editors, and designers under the guidance of the lead curator.

American Decorative Arts Assessment

• Support efforts to complete an assessment of the American decorative arts collection.
• Under supervision of the Abert Family Associate Curator, contribute to early-stage planning for a reinstallation of the American art galleries, integrating decorative arts into broader art historical narratives.
• Work with Learning and Engagement colleagues to envision interpretive strategies for the new installation.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Recent graduate from an M.A. or PhD program, Art History, Museum Studies, American Studies, or related field.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Interest in American decorative arts, design history, and curatorial practice.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Prior museum or archival experience is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements

The Marie Zimmermann Fellow is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about their work area, between buildings and the Museum campus grounds, handle various types of materials, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions