Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) is one of Chicago’s major museum institutions and one of the nation’s largest facilities devoted to the art of our time, offering exhibitions, performances, and programs of the most thought-provoking art created since 1945.

Considered one of the premiere curatorial training opportunities in the nation, the MCA’s Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship is intended to offer an exceptional graduate-level candidate the opportunity to gain professional curatorial experience in a major museum setting. The Fellow is primarily responsible for exhibition- and/or collection-related research, with additional duties as appropriate to specific projects. As a 12-month commitment, the Fellow is exposed to all aspects of curatorial operations and participates in internal and external communications on a daily basis. With a start date of July 1, 2014, the full-time fellowship carries a stipend of $25,000 plus selected benefits.
The MCA considers exceptional candidates in art history, museum studies, and related fields with a strong emphasis on art historical research and methodology. Qualified applicants must possess an M.A. degree or be in their final year of graduate work. The MCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The application deadline is January 31, 2014.

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Application Process

There are no application forms. Please note that application materials, including writing samples and any supplementary materials, will not be returned to candidates. All application materials should be typed and include the following:

1. Cover letter with name, home and school addresses, and telephone numbers of the applicant.
2. A full resume of education and employment history.
3. Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional settings.
4. An essay describing the applicant’s interest in the internship program, museum work, and reasons for applying.
5. Two writing samples.
6. Application materials should be sent to:

Internship Coordinator
Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Please note: International candidates must be in possession of a valid US work visa for the entire fellowship period.
After reviewing all applications, a group of candidates are selected for either an in-person interview or telephone interview. Final notification to all applicants will be mailed by the end of April.
The MCA Chicago Curatorial Department reviews applications. Final selection of the Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellow is determined in consultation with the Susman family and curatorial staff.
The Marjorie Susman Curatorial Fellowship was established by members of the Susman family in honor of Marjorie Susman.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the cover letter differ from the essay of intent?
A: The essay should elaborate on your interest in the program, reasons for applying, qualifications, and professional and scholarly experiences related to the Fellowship. The cover letter is intended to be introductory. It is similar to a cover letter submitted with a job application.
Q: How long should the writing sample be?
A: The writing sample should be no more than 2000 words (roughly 5 pages). It can be an excerpt of a longer work. Both academic and professional papers are accepted.
Q: Does the MCA sponsor visas?
A: The MCA encourages international applications, however the MCA does not sponsor visas. We expect applicants to procure their visas independently. Applicants can contact their embassy to learn about what type of visa is needed and how long it would take to secure one. International candidates must be in possession of a valid U.S. work visa for the entire fellowship period.
Q: How strict is the start date?
A: Applicants must possess an M.A. degree by the start date of July 1. International applicants should also be in possession of a visa by the start date.
Q: I earned my M.A. several years ago. Can I still apply?
A: Qualified applicants must possess an M.A. degree. There is no specified time frame required to have received your degree, however, qualified candidates must have relevant professional or academic experience since obtaining their M.A.
Q: Can letters of recommendation be mailed separately from the application?
A: Recommendation Letters may be mailed with your application, or separately.
Q: Do the materials need to be sent my mail only?
A: Yes, materials must be mailed or dropped off in person at our security entrance on Chicago Avenue.
Q: Does my application need to arrive at the MCA by January 31, or simply be postmarked by that date?
A: Applications should arrive by January 31st. If January 31st falls on a weekend, application materials should arrive by the following Monday.
Q: Can my application materials be returned to me?
A: The MCA cannot return application materials. For that reason we ask that you not provide us with any original documents.

If you have any questions about applying for a fellowship, please email alopez@mcachicago.org.