Organizer Information
Davidson College is a highly selective residential liberal arts college located in Davidson, North Carolina, near Charlotte, United States. Founded on the principles of academic excellence, community engagement, and inclusive learning, Davidson College offers undergraduate education across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
The Van Every/Smith Galleries are part of Davidson College’s cultural and educational ecosystem, serving as spaces for contemporary art exhibitions, public programs, artistic dialogue, and community engagement. The Galleries present exhibitions that connect students, faculty, artists, and local audiences with diverse artistic practices while supporting learning through direct interaction with artworks and cultural professionals.
The Galleries operate as platforms for contemporary art exploration, hosting exhibitions, artist visits, lectures, receptions, educational initiatives, and campus-wide programs. Through collaborations with visiting artists, academic departments, students, and community partners, the Van Every/Smith Galleries create opportunities for audiences to engage with artistic processes and critical conversations.
The Exhibition and Program Assistant Fellow position provides recent graduates with professional experience in gallery operations, exhibition coordination, public programming, communications, and visitor engagement. The Fellow works closely with the Director/Curator and supports the practical implementation of exhibitions and cultural events, gaining valuable insight into the daily operations of a university gallery.
Title & Description
Exhibition and Program Assistant Fellow – Van Every/Smith Galleries
The Van Every/Smith Galleries at Davidson College are seeking an Exhibition and Program Assistant Fellow to support exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, communications, and visitor engagement activities.
This full-time fellowship position is designed for recent graduates interested in developing careers in contemporary art, museum operations, gallery management, arts administration, and cultural programming. The Fellow will work closely with the Director/Curator to coordinate exhibitions, artist visits, lectures, receptions, tours, and community-based programs.
The role involves supporting the complete lifecycle of gallery activities, including exhibition logistics, artwork handling, installation support, event coordination, communications, documentation, and audience engagement. The Fellow will serve as a key connection point between the Galleries, campus departments, visiting artists, student teams, and community audiences.
Responsibilities include assisting with exhibition preparation, coordinating artwork transportation and loans, maintaining exhibition records, supporting public events, producing digital content, managing visitor services, and contributing to educational programs.
The position offers practical experience in a university gallery environment, allowing the selected candidate to develop skills in exhibition production, public engagement, digital communication, and cultural project management.
The Role Overview
- Position: Exhibition and Program Assistant Fellow
- Organization: Van Every/Smith Galleries, Davidson College
- Contract Type: Full-time Fellowship / Professional Staff Position
- Employment Schedule: Full-time
- Reporting To: Director/Curator
- Programme / Department: Van Every/Smith Galleries – Exhibition and Public Programs
- Job Category: Academic Support Roles
- Location: Davidson, North Carolina, United States
- Degree Level Required: Bachelor’s Degree
Position & Tasks
The Exhibition and Program Assistant Fellow supports gallery operations through exhibition coordination, public programming, communications, and visitor services.
Exhibitions Support
- Assisting with exhibition logistics, including artwork shipping, installation, deinstallation, and art handling.
- Supporting lighting adjustments, vinyl cutting, and exhibition preparation in gallery and campus spaces.
- Coordinating incoming exhibition loans with the Collection Coordinator.
- Maintaining exhibition documentation and records.
- Supporting artist visits, lectures, receptions, and exhibition-related events.
- Organizing travel arrangements, accommodations, schedules, catering, and event logistics.
- Documenting exhibitions and public programs through photography and video.
- Editing and publishing content for social media platforms and the Van Every/Smith Galleries YouTube Channel.
- Supporting activities related to the Art Collection Advisory Committee, including meetings and alumni art trips.
- Coordinating gallery interns and work-study students alongside the Director/Curator.
Communications & Outreach
- Create promotional materials such as posters, exhibition guides, and digital resources.
- Update digital gallery displays and internal communication platforms.
- Support mailing campaigns and distribution of printed materials.
- Assist with website updates and online communications.
- Develop social media content and press-related materials.
- Manage audience outreach activities.
Visitor Services & Gallery Operations
- Coordinating intern schedules for gallery coverage.
- Supporting visitor engagement activities.
- Maintaining email and mailing lists.
- Collecting and reviewing visitor survey data.
- Supporting gallery events and public-facing activities.
Educational & Community Programs
- Assist with student-centered programming.
- Support educational initiatives.
- Help facilitate community engagement activities.
- Provide operational support during gallery events.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Curatorial
- Art Management
- Culture
- Research
- Photography
- Video/Film
- Design
- Writing
- Educations
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Recent college graduates from the classes of 2026, 2025, or 2024.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Academic background in:
- Art
- Art History
- Museum Studies
- Arts Administration
- Education
- Related fields
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong communication skills.
- Excellent organizational abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Interest in contemporary art and public engagement.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Preferred qualifications:
- Davidson College graduates.
- Previous experience in galleries, museums, arts organizations, or higher education.
- Experience with social media and digital communications.
- Knowledge of WordPress.
- Experience coordinating events and public programs.
- Experience working with students and diverse audiences.
Program Benefits
- Professional experience within a university-based art gallery.
- Hands-on training in exhibition coordination and gallery operations.
- Experience working with contemporary artists and cultural professionals.
- Exposure to exhibition installation, documentation, and public programming.
- Development of skills in communications, outreach, and audience engagement.
- Experience managing gallery events and educational activities.
- Career preparation for roles in museums, galleries, arts organizations, and cultural institutions.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Location
Davidson, North Carolina, United States
Additional Details
- This opportunity is intended for early-career professionals entering the museum and gallery sector.
- The role combines exhibition coordination, public programming, communications, and administrative responsibilities.
- The Fellow should have an interest in contemporary art and creating meaningful experiences between artworks and audiences.
- Evening and weekend availability may occasionally be required for exhibitions and public events.
- The position provides valuable experience for candidates pursuing careers in museums, galleries, arts administration, and cultural organizations.