Organizer Information
Khoj International Artists’ Association is a premier contemporary art organization based in New Delhi, India. Since its inception in 1997 as an artist-led initiative, Khoj has played a pivotal role in developing a radical space for creative experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration in South Asia. By facilitating residencies, exhibitions, and community-based projects, Khoj serves as a bridge between local practices and the global art discourse. The organization is particularly renowned for its focus on socially engaged art, science-art collaborations, and its commitment to building an alternative infrastructure for the arts that prioritizes process over product.
The organization is particularly renowned for its focus on socially engaged art, science-art collaborations, and its commitment to building an alternative infrastructure for the arts that prioritizes process over product. To support this mission, the current opening for an Archivist and Research Manager at Khoj Studios is designed to provide professional oversight of its extensive institutional history and ongoing Research initiatives.
Title & Description
Call for Applications – Archivist and Research Manager
Khoj is seeking a highly organized and intellectually curious Archivist and Research Manager to oversee its extensive institutional history and ongoing research initiatives. This is a vital role designed to preserve nearly three decades of contemporary art history in South Asia. The successful candidate will be responsible for the physical and digital upkeep of the Khoj archive, ensuring that the wealth of knowledge generated through its past residencies and programs is accessible to researchers, curators, and the public. Beyond preservation, the role involves managing active research projects that feed into Khoj's upcoming curatorial cycles, making it a unique hybrid of administrative precision and creative intellectual engagement.
The Role Overview
- Salary: Commensurate with experience and industry standards in the Indian non-profit arts sector.
- Contract Type: Full-time.
- Reporting to: Curatorial Team and Director.
- Primary Focus: Archival Management, Research Coordination, and Institutional Memory.
Position & Tasks
- Catalog, digitize, and maintain the Khoj archive (including physical documents, digital media, and artworks).
- Facilitate research requests from external scholars and students.
- Develop new strategies for making the archive "live" and interactive through public programs or digital exhibitions.
- Lead research for upcoming curatorial themes, identifying relevant artists and cross-disciplinary intersections.
- Maintain the institutional library and resource center.
- Oversee the publication of archival material and research papers.
Categories
This opportunity falls under Art Management, Curatorial practice, Research, and Visual Arts administration. It is ideal for professionals with a background in Art History or Archival Sciences.
Eligibility
- Experience: Applicants should ideally have 3–5 years of experience in archival work, library sciences, or research within an arts/cultural context.
- Education: A Master’s degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Library Science, or a related field.
- Skills: Proficiency in archival software, database management, and high-level academic writing in English.
- Profile: Open to National (Indian) candidates and those with valid work permits. Candidates must have a strong interest in South Asian contemporary art.
Program Benefits
- Professional Growth: Direct exposure to international curatorial networks and leading contemporary artists.
- Mentorship: Collaboration with senior curators and the Director of a globally recognized institution.
- Research Access: Unparalleled access to primary source materials regarding the development of experimental art in India.
- Work Environment: A dynamic, artist-centric office located in the vibrant neighborhood of Khirkee, New Delhi.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover Letter: Outlining your interest in Khoj and your vision for its archive.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed professional and academic history.
- Writing Sample: A published article, research paper, or curatorial essay (approx. 1,000–2,000 words).
- References: Contact details for two professional or academic referees.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
- Shortlisting Notification: Mid-February 2026
- Interviews: Late February 2026
- Start Date: March 2026 (Negotiable)
Location
New Delhi, India
Additional Details
Khoj values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment and handle fragile archival materials with care. Proficiency in local languages (Hindi) is considered an asset for community engagement.