Website Art Institute of Chicago
Summary
The Department of Arts of Africa seeks a 2026-2029 Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation Fellow to advance new avenues of research and collection development focusing on artistic traditions grounded in Africa’s Islamic heritage, interrogating the boundaries of the field and the ways in which the category of Islamic art is defined.
African art studies and collections in the West continue to privilege masks and figures from the west and central regions, leaving the continent’s varied expressions of Islamic art understudied. At the same time, while the artistic traditions of Egypt and Morocco are core to the study of Islamic art, vital areas of production by Muslim makers elsewhere in Africa remain underexamined. The fellow will explore lacunae in these research fields, working collaboratively with curators to document and study the Arts of Africa’s existing collection of Islamic artworks and identify areas for growth. The fellow will also contribute to the department’s ongoing exploration of the role western museums have played and might continue to play in defining the field. The overarching goal of this initiative is to allow the department to greatly expand the narratives we are able to tell—through objects and in-depth research—in a way that recognizes and celebrates Africa’s place in the visual culture of the Islamic world. The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow will be given the opportunity to assume a leadership role in the museum’s endeavor in this regard.
Key Details
The start date of the fellowship is flexible, and will be negotiated based on the candidate’s individual needs or circumstances. Optimally, the appointment would begin in late summer/fall 2026. This is a three-year term.
Deadline: February 20, 2026
Eligibility
- An advanced degree (Master’s-level or beyond) in art history, Islamic studies, Middle Eastern studies, African studies, history, anthropology, or a closely related field with a strong research focus on Islamic art produced on the African continent
- Reading fluency in Arabic is required; competency in other languages related to the candidate’s area of expertise is highly desired
- The ideal candidate brings a deep interest in working in or with museums and a strong research record
- Excellent writing skills, outstanding interpersonal communication, and the ability to collaborate with curiosity and open-mindedness
Compensation
Pay: $47,575–$61,844 per year
The fellowship includes benefits, a modest relocation allowance, a stipend for research/professional development, and funds for project support.
About
Founded in 1879, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s major museums, housing an extraordinary collection of objects from across places, cultures, and time. We are also a place of active learning for all—dedicated to investigation, innovation, education, and dialogue—continually aspiring to greater public service and civic engagement.
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