Organizer Information
Nam June Paik Curatorial Fellowship at the Harvard Art Museums is situated within one of the world’s leading academic museum complexes, comprising the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum under Harvard University’s Central Administration. Located at the intersection of public access and higher education, the Harvard Art Museums function as a premier institution for research, teaching, and professional curatorial training. Through a global collection spanning diverse geographies and historical periods, the museums invite the public to engage in inquiry and critical dialogue. They are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment in which scholars, artists, and curators can thrive within a rigorous academic community.
Title & Description
Hakuta Family Nam June Paik Curatorial Fellow
This prestigious fellowship is designed for emerging professionals embarking on careers in art history, museum curation, and time-based media. The fellow will focus on the legacy of Nam June Paik, a pioneer of video art, exploring his groundbreaking role in the development of experimental practices. The purpose of this role is to conduct original research, develop scholarship, and assist in the long-term planning for the installation and exhibition of Paik’s work. The fellow will work across departments to establish stewardship processes for time-based media, ensuring these complex works are preserved and integrated into the museum's curriculum and public programming.
The Role Overview
- Salary: $60,000 annualised compensation.
- Contract Type: Full-time, Term Appointment (Fixed-term).
- Term Period: September 8, 2026 – August 31, 2028.
- Reporting To: Houghton Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.
- Hours: 35 hours per week.
- Union Status: Non-Union, Exempt.
Position & Tasks
The Fellow will be an integral member of the museum staff, collaborating with the Time-Based Media Working Group (including curators, conservators, and media technicians). Key tasks include:
- Conducting original research on Nam June Paik and related artists in his network.
- Developing a multi-year plan for the installation of Paik’s work in galleries or other exhibition sites.
- Drafting interpretive materials, including wall labels, correspondence, and publication texts.
- Cataloguing the permanent collection in the museum database and assisting with new acquisitions.
- Participating in interdisciplinary teaching and public academic programs.
- Supervising students and temporary employees as needed.
Categories
Visual Art, Video Art, Time-Based Media, Art History, Curatorial Practice, Performance Art, Experimental Practices, and Museum Studies.
Eligibility
- Education: Candidates must hold at least an MA in Art History or a related field (a PhD is considered a plus).
- Experience: Previous museum or related experience is preferred.
- Language: Proficiency in a second language is helpful, with a preference for reading knowledge of Korean or Japanese.
- Commitment: Applicants should demonstrate an ongoing commitment to object-based research and the expansion of canonical narratives. The role is open to international and domestic applicants, though certain visa types may limit work location sponsorship.
Program Benefits
- Financial Support: $60,000 annual salary and access to dedicated travel funding.
- Benefits: Eligibility for Harvard’s comprehensive fringe benefits program, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Professional Development: Participation in a fellowship cohort, specialised training workshops, and the opportunity to present work at the annual Fellows Symposium.
- Campus Perks: Access to university resources, tuition assistance, and commuter benefits.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Cover Letter: Detailing interest in the role and how the candidate envisions contributing to the museum's mission.
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters will be requested from selected candidates following the initial review.
- Supporting Documents: Writing samples or other materials may be requested at a later stage.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 25 January 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: 8 September 2026
- Fellowship End Date: 31 August 2028
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Additional Details
The fellowship includes a 3-month orientation and review period. Harvard University is an equal-opportunity employer, and candidates from all backgrounds—including those re-entering the workforce or transitioning fields—are encouraged to apply. Pre-employment screening (identity, education, and criminal) is required.