The Vera List Center for Art and Politics (VLC) is pleased to offer a dynamic and immersive opportunity for a student at The New School. Working closely with and under the supervision of the VLC curatorial team, the Fellow will support curatorial research, exhibition development, and public programming. Given the Center’s small and collaborative structure, the Fellow will work across departments and gain exposure to all facets of VLC’s operations, including publishing, communications, outreach, and stewardship.
This fellowship offers in-depth experience in the development of exhibitions, public programs, fellowships, publications, and prize cycles, situated within the VLC’s biennial Focus Theme, Matter of Intelligence. Through this work, the Fellow will gain insight into the VLC’s interdisciplinary approach, its role within New York City’s cultural landscape, and its national and international networks.
The Curatorial Fellow will play an integral role in the planning and execution of Rosana Paulino: ¿História Natural? and the VLC Forum 2026. Brazilian artist and curator Rosana Paulino is the recipient of the VLC’s 2025–2027 Jane Lombard Prize for Art and Social Justice, awarded for her 2016 artist book ¿História Natural?. Opening in early October, the multi-week solo exhibition at The New School will introduce new scholarship on Paulino’s influential practice and foreground her impact in Latin America and beyond. The exhibition will anchor the VLC Forum 2026 (Oct. 9-10), which will convene the Jane Lombard Fellows, a keynote speaker, and invited artists, scholars, and practitioners.
A strong interest in social justice, contemporary art, and curatorial practice is essential, as the Fellow will contribute meaningfully to the VLC’s major initiatives for multiple events over several days.
About the Vera List Center for Art and Politics
The Vera List Center for Art and Politics is an artist-centered organization at The New School that imagines and supports politically-engaged art, public scholarship, research, and community around the world. Founded in 1992, we are guided by the unwavering belief that artists play an essential role addressing issues that are urgent to communities around the world. We are: a vibrant locally, nationally, and internationally connected hub for art that advances equity, inclusion, and social justice; a forum for rigorous study, research, and teaching on the significance of art as a force for political empowerment; and a venue to support, present, and commission visionary projects. Across all our work, we galvanize resources to support artists and nurture public recognition of the extraordinary role they play in society. We contribute to a thriving arts ecosystem through: direct support of artists (prizes, fellowships, exhibitions, and other meaningful public presentations of artists’ work); educational and public programs that are free and open to the public; and publications intended for a wide audience.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.
This position reports to Eriola Pira, Curator and Director of Programs and Carin Kuoni, Senior Director and Chief Curator.
Flexible dates, but commitment to eight weeks between June 1 and August 28.
Please provide a resume and cover letter explaining your interest, and 2 writing samples by April 10, 2026.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Outstanding research, writing, and communication skills.
Curatorial and editorial experience.
Passion for engaging with diverse communities of different backgrounds and levels of expertise through contemporary art and social justice work.
Strong office, administrative, and organizational skills.
Diligent and attentive to detail.
Ability to work independently as well as take direction and follow through.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Social media and communication experience.
Experience with video editing, graphic design, WordPress, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Indesign software a plus.
Portuguese speaking a plus.
WORK MODE
Indicate the Work-mode option for this position using one of the following statements below:
Hybrid/Split - Employees hired for this position have regularly scheduled, consistent percentage of time on campus (ex 1-4x/week) and also work some of the time remotely.
HOURLY RATE
$21 per hour
Responsibilities:
Assist in the conception, design, and planning of the Jane Lombard Prize exhibition, by the 2025–2027 prize recipient, Rosana Paulino and other Forum-related initiatives and programs such as performances, publications, outreach, receptions, and communications. Also support research and program initiatives for the Matter of Intelligence theme, as well as some website, database, and archival maintenance, and administrative support related to curatorial and research projects.
We look forward to receiving your application!