Conservation Fellow, Latinx Art

Project Description

Latinx art is an integral yet thus far significantly under-recognized part of American art. The MFAH understands “Latinx art” as work produced by artists of Latin American descent who were born or are active in the United States. This includes but is not limited to those who identify as Chicana/o, Puerto Rican/Nuyorican, Mexican American, Dominican American, Cuban American, as well as others born in Central, South America, or the Caribbean who have made the United States their country of residence. Despite Latinx artists’ critical contributions to U.S. art histories, their work has not benefitted from the same level of representation and visibility as their peers in mainstream arts institutions or university classrooms. The MFAH and its International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA) are working to address this erasure via ¡Aquí Estamos!: Latinx Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. This multi-year, institution-wide initiative aims to transform this emergent field by opening critical pathways for the study and exhibition of Latinx art and artists within a major encyclopedic museum.

¡Aquí Estamos! will provide hands-on training for future museum and research professionals focused on Latinx art by placing fellows in Museum departments, including Curatorial, Conservation, Learning and Interpretation, and the ICAA. Mentored by key MFAH staff, emerging professionals and scholars will participate in an array of projects, including the ICAA Latinx Papers Project. Fellows will benefit from the unique and unprecedented opportunity to engage in the deep study of Latinx art with a cohort of ¡Aquí Estamos! fellows. Opportunities for collaboration and professional development will be facilitated by regular project meetings, workshops centered on critical issues in the field, and collaborative projects ranging from the development of collection object studies, interpretative materials, public programs, and/or publications.

Fellowship Description

Key to the multi-year ¡Aquí Estamos!: Latinx Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston initiative are emerging researchers and professionals who are well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the project. Fellowship opportunities recognize the importance of early career exposure to conservation practices and to advancing the study of Latinx art objects that have not yet been the subject of significant technical research and analysis.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is offering a Conservation Fellow the opportunity to compile a comprehensive survey of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s collection of Latinx art. The fellow also participates in all activities in the Conservation Center and the Museum, including acquisition and loan exams. They will lead individual treatment and research initiatives and contribute to collaborative efforts led by the Head of Lab and/or the Chairman, Department of Conservation that will further conservation and technical art historical research at the Museum.

This is a two-year, full-time appointment with a possible six (6) month extension. The anticipated term is September 9th, 2024 to August 28, 2026. Applicants with backgrounds historically underrepresented in museum professions are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Examine objects in the MFAH collection of Latinx art, assess condition, prepare examination reports, arrange for photographic documentation, propose and perform treatment for artworks.
• Prepare examination reports to describe materials used in fabrication; assessment of condition problems; requirements for handling, storage, exhibition, and travel; and treatment recommendations.
• As necessary, propose and carry out additional analysis to identify materials and techniques of fabrication used in works of art already in the collection and for works being considered for acquisition. A variety of analyses and tests may be performed to determine media and support identification, age, structure, and stability, and to help determine the outcome of various treatment options.
• Carry out basic treatments to stabilize and restore, as much as possible, the physical and/or visual integrity of the work of art. Works with senior staff and conservation scientists on complex conservation projects.
• Enter all findings and written documentation in Museum database. Ensure the photographic documentation related to the conservation of objects is properly labeled and stored.
• Keep the lab organized and clean with all hazardous materials stored and labeled properly according to the Guidelines for Chemical Safety.
• As needed, perform field research, studio visits and/or artist interviews with established and emerging Latinx artists from across the United States.
• Participate in regular project workshops and in project-team meetings as needed.
• Communicate research results through written reports, journal publications, and conference presentations aimed at the scientific and art conservation communities.
• Foster an understanding and assimilation of scientific information among conservators, curators, educators, other museum staff and the general public.
• Participate in the ¡Aquí Estamos! cohort working seminar and project meetings as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master's degree in conservation, chemistry, materials science or similar specialty. At least two years of post-internship experience in object conservation.
• Rudimentary knowledge of museum practices and collections management, a familiarity with the types and materials represented in the museum’s collection of Latino art and a strong record of achievement in the field of conservation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as with others, e.g., Museum staff, volunteers, and diverse public constituencies to achieve institutional objectives and fulfill the mission of the museum.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential, as is an ability to work with databases, word processing, and other computing tools that the staff is expected to use on a regular basis. Spanish language (written and/or verbal) is helpful but not required.
• Ability to effectively disseminate and communicate scientific results to non-technical audiences.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Manual dexterity is frequently required as duties call for the handling of artwork, and the operation of tools and equipment.
• Job duties entail standing, walking, sitting, occasional climbing, bending, and kneeling. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the risk of radiation.
• Must currently be eligible to work in the United States.

Stipend

The Conservation Fellow, Latinx Art will receive a $48,000 award and $3,500 allowance for research-related travel each year. Support for relocation to Houston is also available. The Fellow is eligible to receive benefits from the MFAH.

Residency

The Conservation Fellow, Latinx art will be in residency at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston for two years and will participate fully in the activities of the ¡Aquí Estamos! initiative throughout the fellowship period. The fellow has access to the notable resources represented by the MFAH art collections, the MFAH Hirsch Library, the International Center for the Arts of the Americas, and other specialized research libraries and collections in the Houston area.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following materials via MFAH Careers by April 5th:

• Letter of interest describing your experience and professional goals as relevant to this opportunity (maximum 1500 words)
• CV or résumé
• The name and contact information for at least two (2) professional references

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration. Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Notifications will be sent by May 6th.

About the MFAH

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600 employees and 1,000 docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial, and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.

The MFAH is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of Latin American and Latinx art.

Over the last 20 years, the Museum built a core collection of post-World War II modern and contemporary art with over 850 emblematic works in all media from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the United States. During this time, the MFAH acquired works by major Latinx artists including Ana Mendieta, Luis Jiménez, Amalia Mesa-Bains, Mel Casas, César A. Martínez, Daniel Joseph Martinez, Margarita Cabrera, Camilo Ontiveros, Vincent Valdez, Adriana Corral, Jay Lynn Gomez, Antonio Martorell, and Allora & Calzadilla. To date, the Museum’s holdings in this area encompass 400 works by 71 artists.

Position Available:

Fellow Title: Conservation Fellow, Latinx Art

Academic Level: Post-Masters degree in conservation or equivalent training

Supervisor: Per Knutås, Chairman, Department of Conservation, Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation

Department: Conservation

Term: September 9th, 2024 to August 28, 2026

Location: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Work Schedule

Full-time exempt 2-year position with a regular in-person work schedule (M-F, 35 hrs/wk). A six (6) month extension may be offered upon successful completion of the full term.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Essential duties may include the following:

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity is frequently required as duties call for handling artwork and operation of tools and equipment.
• Standing, walking, sitting, occasionally climbing, bending, and kneeling.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, and peripheral vision.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the risk of radiation. (PPE will be supplied.)

Equal Opportunities for All

At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.

Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org.

Benefits:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
• Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
• Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
• Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
• Holidays - Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year
• Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Other Benefits

• MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.
• Metro commuter subsidy available upon request