Organizer Information

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection that includes more than 142,000 objects illuminating 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. LACMA is committed to providing equal employment practices and cultivating unique voices through dedicated Education and Curatorial initiatives.

Title & Description

Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship (MUCF).

Running from Fall 2026 through Spring 2028, this fellowship is a transformative opportunity for undergraduate students to gain in-depth exposure to various professional pathways within the museum field. The program aims to demystify museum careers, build leadership skills, and create a strong network of peers and mentors for students from all academic and socio-cultural backgrounds.

The Role Overview

  • Salary: $18.00 Hourly.
  • Contract Type: Regular, Part-Time (Two-year duration).
  • Programme: Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship.
  • Department: Education and Public Programs.

Position & Tasks

  • Collaborates with staff to develop various projects in museum exhibitions and public programs.
  • Conducts Research relevant to LACMA’s collection, artists, and exhibition themes.
  • Assists with the development of exhibition texts, wall labels, and catalogue materials.
  • Supports educational programs and attends museum public events, symposia, and gallery talks.
  • Participates in professional development through special convenings, field trips, and mentorship.
  • Maintains a rigorous time commitment: Year 1 (12–16 hours/month), Summer (40 hours/week for 10 weeks), and Year 2 (12–16 hours/week).

Categories

Curatorial, Art History, Education, Museum Studies, Research, and Art Management.

Eligibility

  • Current undergraduate student in good academic standing at a Los Angeles-area two- or four-year college/university.
  • Must have at least two years remaining before graduation at the start of the program.
  • Demonstrates interest in fine art, art history, art education, museum work, or a related field.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and commit to the full two-year duration of the fellowship.

Program Benefits and Awards

  • Hourly Salary of $18.00 (subject to change).
  • In-depth mentorship and hands-on experience across multiple museum departments.
  • Paid summer intensive (40 hours per week).
  • Access to a professional Networking community of museum leaders and peers.
  • Opportunity to contribute to dialogues on community engagement and representation in museums.

Fees

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.

Application Requirements

  • Professional Resume.
  • Unofficial college transcripts.
  • Letter of Interest outlining your specific attraction to the MUCF program.
  • Letter of Reference (can be emailed directly by the referee to kidogokennedy@lacma.org).

How to Apply?

Applicants must submit their materials through the LACMA online recruitment portal. Apply via LACMA Careers Portal

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: Ongoing (listed 30+ days ago).
  • Fellowship Term: Fall 2026 – Spring 2028.
  • Summer Term: 10 weeks of full-time work during the fellowship duration.

Location

United States, Los Angeles, CA.

Additional Details

This position is specifically for students based in the Los Angeles area. LACMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and this fellowship focuses on providing access to the curatorial profession for students from diverse backgrounds.

Website Link: LACMA Employment Page