Open call for curators, researchers or art historians
Tate, in collaboration with Delfina Foundation, invites applications for the Brooks International Fellowship Programme 2016. Now in its second year, the programme will enable three individuals (curators, researchers, art historians or other museum professionals) from beyond Western Europe and North America to work with Tate colleagues over a three month period commencing in January 2016, complemented by activities at Delfina Foundation.
During this period, the Fellows will be part of a Tate team, actively participating in gallery projects and discussions, and gaining first-hand experience of working within the organisation, with special access to its collection, programme, archive, staff and networks.
The Fellows will reside at Delfina Foundation, where they will have the opportunity to participate in the public programme, presenting their research at Tate to a range of audiences.
These fully funded opportunities are made possible by the generous support of the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation.
Background
Tate’s mission is to increase public awareness, understanding and enjoyment of British art from the 16th century to the present day, and of international modern and contemporary art. Tate is developing its work internationally, collecting and showing art from as wide a geographical reach as possible, deepening knowledge through international research, and engaging with a global community of artists, curators and researchers. To learn more about Tate please visit www.tate.org.uk
Delfina Foundation is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering artistic talent and facilitating exchange through residencies and public programmes ranging from workshops to exhibitions, both in the UK and with international partners. For more information about the foundation please visit www.delfinafoundation.com
The Brooks International Fellowship Programme was founded in 2014 and is funded by the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Foundation. To learn more about the foundation and its other activities please visit www.brooks-foundation.org
Fellowship opportunities
Three fellowships are available in 2016 and the opportunities are set out below. Applicants are asked to carefully consider their skills and experience against the requirements before making an application for one of these opportunities. Only one application per candidate is permitted.
Opportunity 1
We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in contemporary art and specialist knowledge of photography, who are currently working in Africa, Asia, Latin America or Russia, to work on a photography research project.
Hosted by Tate Modern Curatorial department, the Fellowship will support research around a notable collection of international photography. The successful candidate will be asked to focus on the theme of Protest and Propaganda. The Fellow will work closely with their mentor and colleagues to establish a research plan for the collection, and draw on their photographic and contemporary art expertise to focus on particular aspects of it – either geographically or thematically. The Fellow will be required to conduct direct research which will directly inform a future display of this work within the new Tate Modern. The successful applicant will make regular visits to meet and work with the collector.
Opportunity 2
We encourage applications from candidates currently working in Commonwealth or former Commonwealth countries, to work on research around migrant artists from these countries in the post-war period (1945 to 1960).
Hosted by Tate Britain Curatorial Department, this Fellowship will support research around the presence in Britain of artists from a specific area of the Commonwealth either working or attending art school in Britain in the immediate post-Second World War period. This research project will feed directly into the development of the Tate collection and will inform the early stage development of a major exhibition looking at British art: 1945-60.
Opportunity 3
We encourage applications from candidates currently working outside North America and Western Europe, in contemporary art, with experience in research, exhibitions and displays, to support exhibition research and the development of collection displays at Tate Liverpool and Tate St. Ives
Hosted jointly by Tate Liverpool and Tate St. Ives, and based at Tate in London, this is an exciting opportunity to shape and support the form of collection displays, and how they integrate with the broader programme at each Gallery. This would involve working closely with the artistic directors, curators, and on archival research, exhibition design and planning. Monthly visits to Liverpool and St Ives will be supplemented with regular meetings in London.
The Fellow will also be required to carry out specific research on future programmes already in planning and engage in curatorial discussions with the two artistic directors about the programmes at Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. This could involve researching innovative programme models and artists whose work relates to a specific curatorial direction.
Opportunity 4
We encourage applications from candidates currently working in South East and East Asia to support the creation and delivery of a professional development programme for early-career museum professionals.
Hosted by Tate’s Learning team based at Tate Britain and Tate Modern, this fellowship will support the development of learning programmes aimed at international participants.
We are particularly interested in working with a Fellow from South East or East Asia who can contribute to the curriculum design by bridging professional and cultural parameters, and help inform other collaborative projects, including an international forum for cultural programmers.
Opportunity 5
We encourage applications from candidates currently based in Africa, ideally in South Africa, to support the development of a new learning initiative.
Hosted by Tate’s Learning team, the Fellowship will support the development of Tate Exchange, a new learning initiative to be launched in 2016. The Fellow will conduct research, plan and actively participate in the launch of one of the international strands of the project in South Africa. The fellow will help catalyze the development of this important new initiative within the new Tate Modern.
Essential requirements
To apply for a Fellowship, candidates will need to meet the following requirements:
• At least a postgraduate level qualification relevant to the selected Fellowship theme;
• Proficient English language skills;
• Recent professional experience in the relevant field;
• Ongoing research and/or practice relevant to the selected Fellowship theme;
• Proven ability and willingness to work collaboratively;
• Ability to demonstrate how this Fellowship opportunity may benefit the applicant’s practice and career development.
The three selected candidates will receive:
• A three month Fellowship commencing in January 2016 based at Tate Britain or Tate Modern;
• Participation in a thematic residency programme at Delfina Foundation, including accommodation;
• Economy return flights, visa support, a bursary for per diems and a local travel allowance;
• Access to Tate’s collection, archive, staff and networks and the opportunity to collaborate with Tate and Delfina Foundation peers;
• Opportunity to present research at Tate and Delfina Foundation events, and contribute to wider activities at both organisations.
Application process
For further information or to request an application form, please send an email (stating the opportunity that you are interested in) to . Completed application forms must be returned to by 15 July 2015. CVs will not be accepted.
Timetable
Open call: 11 June 2015
Closing date for applications: 15 July 2015
Shortlisting: 18 July 2015.