curatorial fellowship 2026-2027
This eight-month Curatorial Fellowship provides the opportunity to work closely with The Kitchen’s curatorial staff and a wide range of artists working across varied disciplines. The fellow reports directly to the Manager of Education & Interpretive Media under the direction of The Kitchen’s Senior Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs. The Curatorial Fellow will collaborate with the Curatorial team in ongoing work specific to projects and research in the day-to-day. The Curatorial Fellow is core collaborator in the preparation of the full programmatic season, aiding to bring projects in varied stages to fruition.
The Curatorial Fellow works with Kitchen curators on all phases of the exhibition, program and performance development, including liaising with artists and front of house teams, conducting archival and primary research for projects, and supporting production of supplementary didactic and interpretative materials, including assisting with texts for grant applications and communications. They will also assist with public programs, assist in publication project tied to The Kitchen's history, and contribute to online programs, including writing a Kitchen Magazine article developed from a research proposal of their choice. The Curatorial Fellow develops crucial experience connecting with key staff in the Curatorial, Production, Development, and Communications departments at the institution. To help inform their next professional steps, the fellow will also receive mentorship from the Curatorial team, Archivist, other internal Staff members, and external partners regarding the arts world at large and the variety of career pathways within it.
The Kitchen encourages applications from emerging arts professionals who have a demonstrated interest in curatorial work and experience in experimental approaches to contemporary art practice across the disciplines. The candidate must be flexible to support interdisciplinary projects and intrigued by The Kitchen's history and program in this pivotal moment of growth and change. They will be a highly self-motivated individual with strong writing, research, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as a keenness toward detail and time management. Ability to prioritize effective communication around varied projects and workflows in a fast-paced professional environment and comfort in managing simultaneous timelines is a top priority. Experience in the planning and production of exhibitions and live programs, and a familiarity and interest in contemporary artists working in time-based media and performance is a plus.
Our current and upcoming seasons extend The Kitchen’s “without walls” period as we continue to site programming at our temporary satellite space within Westbeth Artists Housing while our Chelsea home is under renovation. The Kitchen’s program and offices are temporarily relocated to the West Village, sited for the duration of the renovation at Westbeth Artists Housing, 163B Bank Street, 4th Floor Loft (Between Washington and West Street).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Produce one independent writing project and online program.
Collaborate on ongoing curatorial media such as creating labels, conducting research for future programming, and editing wall text.
Assist curators on several ongoing and future exhibition and curatorial programming including taking meeting notes, tracking paperwork, and organizing research.
Coordinate between staff members and stakeholders such as artists and outside partners including attending team meetings and artist studio visits.
Manage workflows across interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment like collecting and organizing media for upcoming events.
Communicate with outside partners about The Kitchen’s ongoing and archival projects.
Collaborate on projects to produce exhibitions and live performances across The Kitchen’s fall and spring seasons