Root Division seeks an individual who is passionate about exhibitions programming, curatorial practice, and gallery management to fill its Exhibitions Fellowship position from August 2021 through May 2022. Root Division is a visual arts non-profit located in the San Francisco’s Mid-Market/SoMA District. Root Division’s mission is to empower artists, promote community service, inspire youth, and enrich the Bay Area through engagement in the visual arts. This fellowship provides valuable professional opportunities for an emerging arts professional to coordinate exhibitions and public programming.

This fellowship will include both virtual and in-person responsibilities, in accordance with local and CDC guidance regarding COVID-19. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Frank-Ratchye Studio Artist Project Space: The Frank-Ratchye Studio Artist Project Space provides a physical and online gallery for Root Division Studio Artists to exhibit their art to the public. The physical Project Space is free and open to the public during gallery hours in conjunction with the current exhibition. The fellow will coordinate presentations of Root Division Studio Artists in the FRPS from August 2021 through May 2022. The fellows will primarily conduct studio visits, select artworks, and host interviews as well as serve a support role with related tasks such as installation, image management, and copy editing. 
2. Root Division Talk (blog): In addition to coordinating artist exhibitions in the Frank-Ratchye Studio Artist Project Space, the fellow will produce a series of artist interviews or articles to accompany the exhibitions for Root Division’s blog “Root Division Talks.” 
3. Curatorial Committee: Comprised of twelve prominent Bay Area curators, artists and arts professionals, Root Division’s Curatorial Committee reviews and selects the guest-curated exhibitions for the 2nd Saturday Exhibition Series. The fellow will join the Curatorial Committee for the length of the fellowship, gaining valuable experience by attending two proposal review meetings and participating in strategic planning sessions with leadership. 
4. 2nd Saturday Exhibition Series: Root Division’s 2nd Saturday Exhibition Series showcases high caliber work with an emphasis on Bay Area emerging artists reflecting contemporary artistic ideas and current social concerns, in a variety of artistic disciplines, aesthetic sensibilities, and forms of cultural expression. Exhibiting over 350 artists and hosting over 6,000 visitors to the gallery yearly through receptions, gallery hours, artist panels, online exhibitions, and digital programming, this dynamic program continues to grow in its relevance and importance in the careers of Bay Area artists and curators. The Exhibitions Fellow will participate in 2nd Saturday openings for the FRPS, and also has the opportunity to work in support of the Art Programs Manager, guest curators, installation team, and exhibiting artists to produce and market Root Division’s monthly exhibitions and public programs in the main gallery and/or online. Part of this includes the opportunity to support the jury review process, aid in exhibition design, catalogue production, and technical support in the creation of 2nd Saturday exhibitions.

The Fellow actively participates in developing and presenting public exhibitions-related programming at Root Division, and a strong candidate will: 

• Have at least one year of experience in exhibition coordination, curatorial practice, art-writing, and/or facilitating group art projects.
• Have a sensitivity to and understanding of the needs and interests of artists and a diverse audience
• Be available a minimum of 5-8 hours per week for a total commitment of 20-32 hours per month from August 2021 through May 2022. This includes 2nd Saturday receptions and 1-2 weeknights per month for additional program activities or meetings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, curatorial studies, art history or equivalent experience in exhibition coordination (Current students are eligible to apply.)
• Strong writing ability and computer skills (Mac, G Suite, Dropbox)
• Ability to work with various constituencies from a wide variety of backgrounds, including Studio Artists, exhibiting artists, curators, jurors, staff, and supporters of the organization.
• Enthusiasm for working independently and as a team to serve the community in an inclusive, creative, and fast-paced environment

Beneficial:

• Basic photo, video, graphic design, and/or web based skills (or a willingness to learn)
• Marketing / public relations experience
• Art handling or installation experience

The Exhibitions Fellow will receive: 

• Yearly stipend of $2,500 (disbursed in bi-monthly payments with project deliverables)
• Access to participate on the Curatorial Committee for 10 months
• Access to free classes and professional development workshops
• Invaluable training and hands on experience in a dynamic visual arts non profit

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Please submit the following materials for review:

• Completed Online Application Form.
• Cover letter: Please introduce yourself, tell us why you are interested in the Root Division community, and how this fellowship would impact you as a curator / arts professional. Please add three references (contact name, email, phone) at the bottom of the letter.
• Current resume/ CV (including name and contact info.)
• Examples of past exhibition coordination, curatorial projects, or gallery work (5 images and/or video documentation) with a corresponding image list.
• Statement about your practice supporting exhibitions as presented in submitted images. (500 word maximum)
• Writing sample (2 page maximum). This could be academic or professional arts writing.

Application process includes submitting completed Fellowship Application Form and required materials. Finalists should be available between July 12-15 for interviewing with Root Division’s Staff.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Please submit all documents as PDFs and images as JPGs zipped into a file and email to: submissions@rootdivision.org
For any additional questions, please email Renée Rhodes, Art Programs Manager at submissions@rootdivision.org with any questions.