The Project Future School (working title) is the second of three exhibitions in “The 200 Year Project,” a yearlong celebration of our bicentennial this fall. The show questions the role, relevance, and impact of the traditional “art academy”–one associated with conventional practice and privilege–by exploring new artist and architect-led models of art education through community-driven and public-facing initiatives. It is geared toward aspiring artists and architects, especially those excluded from advanced education and careers in the fine arts. This project will also inform how we redevelop our own educational model.
Conceived in response to the recent closures of prominent art schools like the University of the Arts (2024), the San Francisco Art Institute (2022), and the National Academy’s own art school (2017), this exhibition explores alternate learning paradigms focusing on accessibility. It also investigates why institutional art education models are failing and how nontraditional art educational models are eroding the stature of storied institutions. These emerging models, often grassroots, offer learning opportunities to those historically excluded due to demographic, geographic, or financial barriers. As a 200- year-old organization created to offer access to contemporary art education in the US when there was none, our history represents this type of educational organizing. Yet, like many traditional institutions, we inherited a legacy that excluded marginalized communities. Future School addresses these omissions by exploring new models to expand the voices and perspectives that configure the future of art and architecture in America.
The Position The National Academy of Design is seeking a Guest Curator to work in tandem with Associate Curator Natalia Viera Salgado on this upcoming exhibition. This is an exciting opportunity for a curator whose research interests may have focused on any of the following: education, pedagogy, community building, experimental projects, and the history of grassroots organizations in art and education. A timeline and full list of the responsibilities of the role are below, but it is expected that the Guest Curator will commit to a project timeline beginning in the late summer of 2025 and concluding in May 2026.
Production Schedule Working backward from the exhibition opening date (currently slated for February 12, 2026), the Guest Curator and Associate Curator will draft a full production schedule for this exhibition to then be shared with all National Academy staff.
Budget Using an exhibition budget template, the Guest Curator and Associate Curator will develop an estimated budget for the exhibition for review and approval by the Executive Director.
Checklist The Guest Curator and Associate Curator will develop an exhibition checklist that includes artworks that sufficiently present and explore the narrative of the exhibition.
Outside Loans Working with the Academy’s Registrar, the Guest Curator and Associate Curator will correspond with lenders to secure all works in the exhibition. The Guest Curator may be called upon to assist in finalizing loan agreements and to accept artworks upon delivery at the Academy.
Writing Both the Guest Curator and Associate Curator will develop an interpretive essay to accompany the show of no more than 4,000 words. This essay will be included in a printed exhibition brochure available during the run of the exhibition. The division of writing labor can be decided by the two curators.
Accompanying Texts & Images Guest Curator and Associate Curator will write all wall and label text and compile high resolution images of the checklist works, and provide them to our graphic designers by the deadlines specified in the project timeline. Writing accompanying wall text and labels, as well as compiling high-resolution images, will be divided evenly between the two curators, unless they choose to otherwise divide this responsibility.
Programming The Guest Curator and Associate Curator will meet with the Programs Department to discuss possible programmatic avenues and ideas for public programming held during the run of the exhibition. While the Guest Curator is not responsible for creating these programs, they may be asked to act as a moderator for a program.
Exhibition Design & Installation The Guest Curator and Associate Curator will work together to create a layout, timeline, and to-do list for the installation and design of the exhibition. In addition, both the Guest Curator and the Associate Curator must be on-hand during installation of the exhibition to ensure that Art Handlers are directed and that all protocols are followed.
Press & Promotion The Guest Curator will work with the Academy’s outside public relations firm to draft a press release as well as to make themselves available for press interviews that may arise from outreach to journalists and news outlets.
Opening Event The Guest Curator will be required to attend the opening celebration currently scheduled for February 12, 2026.
Deinstallation The Guest Curator is not responsible for being available during deinstallation but may be asked to respond to inquiries regarding lingering questions about artwork, loans, or conditions, as needed.
Timeline This project will commence upon signing of an agreement, which the Academy hopes to complete by July/August 2025. Completion of the project will be around February/March 2026, after the opening of the exhibition and conclusion of any related, scheduled exhibition walk-throughs or press appointments. An exact commencement and conclusion date will be confirmed in an agreement.
Compensation The Guest Curator fee is $12,000, paid in two installments – 50% due at the commencement of the project and 50% due upon the conclusion of the project. Any pre-approved incidental expenses, such as transportation to and from necessary studio visits or research trips will be paid for by the National Academy.
Qualifications Candidates must have seven years or more of curatorial experience or ten years of a relevant combination of curatorial, collections, and arts management experience. An MA/PhD in art history, or related discipline, with a focus on contemporary American art is preferred but not required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a track record of curating and producing impactful exhibitions and projects. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to successfully manage project budgets, and a collaborative and generous work style are all required. | |
How to Apply / Contact | |
Please send a short cover letter, a CV or résumé that includes a list of previously curated exhibitions, and two writing samples to careers@nationalacademy.org. Links to past exhibitions or projects are greatly appreciated. Please include “Guest Curator” in the subject line. The National Academy of Design is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color, and gender nonconforming candidates to apply. The National Academy of Design is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation. |