Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion Curatorial Fellow

Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion Curatorial Fellow, Full-Time (Non-Exempt)

Why Join Us?

At the Denver Art Museum (DAM), we work together to build a world where art sparks creativity, and connects, inspires, and empowers people and communities. As the Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion Curatorial Fellow, we will provide curatorial experience, opportunities, and mentorship for individuals who seek a career as a museum curator specializing in textile arts and fashion beyond that included in their academic training. You will participate in a two-year fellowship, with an option for a third year, gaining hands-on experience in a large world art museum alongside seasoned curators. You will receive mentoring supervision and collaborate professionally with the curator and director of the Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion and an interpretive specialist. Through incremental incorporation into departmental and museum-wide initiatives, you will gain deep, practical experience applicable to the field.

Be a part of a curious, respectful, dynamic, inclusive and creative team who are committed to creating memorable museum experiences for all! If you share our passion for creativity and community building, we encourage you to apply!

Schedule: This is a 40-hour per week fellowship for two years, with an option for a third year.

Pay Range: $53,000 - $66,200 per year, paid on an hourly basis, based on experience.

Perks & Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, that can be extended to domestic partner, spouse, and children. DAM 100% paid Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability. Generous sick and vacation paid time off and one personal day. Ten paid holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and those who meet the requirements after one year will qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program. A free RTD Eco Pass. Free Telehealth and Employee Assistance Program. Access to Headspace. Two weeks Paid Parental Leave. Free DAM Family Membership.

Please note: The Denver Art Museum does not provide parking for its employees.

What You'll Do

Under the direction of the Director of the Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion, your responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with department head to develop ambitious exhibitions and programs.
• Researching and planning for permanent gallery rotations.
• Writing and editing Blog posts, program descriptions, and content for press and marketing.
• Researching collections, conducting provenance research, update object records.
• Being an active member of the curatorial division.
• Helping build and refine the collections.
• Cultivating collectors, patrons, curatorial colleagues, and cultural organizations.
• Planning and supporting events, public programs, and symposia.
• Participating in museum-wide teams and other museum or department tasks as assigned.
• Maintaining professional affiliations in scholarly organizations, professional societies, and relevant committees.
• Supporting DAM's Racial Equity Roadmap initiatives through goal setting and applying a racial equity lens in daily work.
• Additional duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

You might be a great fit if you have:

• M.A./M.F.A. required (minimum) in a related field.
• At least 3 years of professional work experience in a museum or research/educational institution; exhibition or gallery experience and publications highly desirable.
• Experience in publication editing and/or conference organizing.
• Demonstrated a clear commitment and passion to the museum profession through academic preparation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of textile and/or costume history, preference will be given to those with a focus on 20th and 21st century fashion.
• Knowledge of current trends and theories in textile art and costume history, museum studies, and provenance research.
• Sound work habits and organization, personal initiative, excellent written and verbal communication, along with the ability to work in a dynamic museum environment are essential.
• Quick learner; enjoy working collaboratively able to think creatively and critically.
• A love of objects, aptitude for curatorial work and evidence of scholarly promise.
• A strong network of professional colleagues, collectors, dealers, and artists.
• An excellent command of spoken and written English, able to generate content in English for broad audiences.
• French, Spanish or other languages desirable.
• Qualified candidates are expected to exemplify the DAM's internal values, which include being dynamic, respectful, inclusive, creative, and curious. The ability to maintain effective and positive working relationships with visitors, employees, volunteers, representatives of public and private entities, policy-making bodies, and contractors is critical to the success of this position.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Moderate to heavy lifting will be involved on occasion.
• Expected to adhere to a 40-hour work week.

This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU.

The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment. We are happy to consider accommodations. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Our Hiring Process & What to Expect

We know job searching can be overwhelming, so here's a transparent look at our process:

• Application close date is: May 1, 2026.
• Our hiring team will review the applications and resumes and select candidates for interview. The interview process may include a phone screening and in-person panel interviews at the DAM.
• Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding application status.
• Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted directly.

Who We Are

At the Denver Art Museum, we are deeply committed to standing against discrimination, violence, and hate in all forms against any individual or group. And we remain focused on fostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out.

The museum serves as a platform for creative expression and community well-being by collecting and presenting work by artists from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those communities that have been historically underrepresented in museums. We give space to a wide range of artist voices by sharing the work of and collaborating with artists and creatives from all races, backgrounds, and identities.

We believe that art and creativity have the power to promote mutual understanding and highlight our shared humanity-connecting, inspiring, and empowering people and communities. The museum's board of trustees, volunteers, and staff remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and making the Denver Art Museum an inclusive and diverse place where everyone always feels welcome.

ABOUT THE DENVER ART MUSEUM:

The Denver Art Museum strives to enrich the lives of present and future generations through the acquisition, presentation, and preservation of works of art, supported by exemplary scholarship and public programs related to both its permanent collections and to temporary exhibitions presented by the museum.

OVERVIEW:

Founded in 1893, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is an educational, nonprofit resource that sparks creative thinking and expression through transformative experiences with art. A premier cultural institution in the Rocky Mountain region, the Denver Art Museum holds collections from around the world and across time. The museum celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2018 and has recently experienced remarkable growth - with exhibitions and programs engaging more than 750,000 plus visitors per year. The museum's historic 210,000 square foot Gio Ponti-designed Martin Building opened in 1971 and recently underwent a $150 million renovation, and the addition of a 50,000 square foot welcome center.

The newly re-opened spaces bring the museum's world-renowned museum education programming for all ages to the center of the campus. The completion of the campus expands the museum's ability to serve the community, welcome guests to our city, and preserve and present priceless works of art from cultures around the world and throughout history for generations to come. DAM resides in the heart of the Golden Triangle Creative District -a culturally stimulating neighborhood that is home to 5 museums, 15 art galleries and several fine art studios and specialty stores in downtown Denver. The Museum's campus consists of four structures -the newly renovated Martin Building, the Frederic C Hamilton Building, the Sie Welcome Center and the Bannock Administration Building and outdoor areas encompassing 4.14 acres.

At the Denver Art Museum, we are deeply committed to standing against discrimination, violence, and hate in all forms against any individual or group. And we remain focused on fostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out. The museum serves as a platform for creative expression and community well-being by collecting and presenting work by artists from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those communities that have been historically underrepresented in museums. We give space to a wide range of artist voices by sharing the work of and collaborating with artists and creatives from all races, backgrounds, and identities.

We believe that art and creativity have the power to promote mutual understanding and highlight our shared humanity-connecting, inspiring, and empowering people and communities. The museum's board of trustees, volunteers, and staff remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and making the Denver Art Museum an inclusive and diverse place where everyone always feels welcome.

As an institutional member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD), and International Council of Museums (ICOM), the Denver Art Museum is committed to following the AAMD Report on the Acquisition of Archaeological Materials and Ancient Art and the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. All curators are required to abide by the above guidelines.

The AVENIR INSTITUTE OF TEXTILE ARTS AND FASHION

The Textile Art and Fashion department encompasses over 6,000 objects from Asia, Europe, and North and South America, and ranges from archaeological textiles to contemporary works of art in fiber and fashion from the 18th century to today. The sixth-floor Textile Art and Fashion Galleries has about 6,000 square feet of exhibition space, in addition to the PreVIEW textile conservation lab and the Nancy Lake Benson Thread Studio. In late 2021, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) announced a transformational $25M gift from the Avenir Foundation to elevate and build out the Textile Art and Fashion department, creating a new Institute of Textile Art and Fashion within DAM.