Guest Curator

JOB DESCRIPTION:

About The National Academy of Design
Founded in 1825, the National Academy of Design promotes art and architecture in America. As the leading honorary society for visual artists and architects in the United States, we advocate for the arts as a tool for education, celebrate the role of artists and architects in public life, and serve as a catalyst for cultural conversations that propel society forward.

About the Annual Exhibitions
The National Academy of Design’s Annual Exhibition, first held in 1826, is the oldest serial exhibition of American art and architecture in the United States. The Annuals played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural history. For two centuries, these exhibitions have provided a platform for both emerging and established artists to present new work to the public, fostering dialogue, innovation, and public engagement with contemporary artistic practice. Historically, they helped define professional standards and offered one of the few venues where artists could gain visibility based on merit. Today, the Annual continues to serve the public benefit by presenting a cross-section of new art and architecture from across the United States.

The Project
In winter 2027, the National Academy will present the 192nd Annual Exhibition. As part of its longstanding commitment to reimagining the Annual—its format, themes, and participants—the Academy’s Exhibition Committee has decided to commission an independent guest curator to organize this iteration. The intention is to bring greater focus to the exhibition, more effectively highlight the work of selected National Academicians, and enrich the overall experience for the public. This is an exciting opportunity to curate a show drawing from the recent work of a community of the country’s leading artists and architects.

The Position
This opportunity is especially well-suited to a curator whose research interests focus on areas such as: American art and architecture, social justice movements and practice, artist collaborations, and the intersections of art and architecture, among others. A timeline and outline of the responsibilities of the role are provided below, but the Guest Curator will be expected to commit to a project timeline beginning in spring 2026 and continuing through the close of the show in May 2027.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

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.

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.

TO APPLY:

Please send a short cover letter, a CV or résumé that includes a list of previously curated exhibitions, and two writing samples to [email protected]. Links to past exhibitions or projects are greatly appreciated. Please include “Guest Curator” in the subject line.

Hiring Statement
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.

$12,000