Paid Fellowships
Gain valuable experience.
In 2015, an industry study revealed overwhelming homogeneity in the art museum field. The Phillips Collection fellowship program promotes greater equity and diversity, enhancing the museum experience and better serving our community while providing sustained opportunities for positive growth.
Following the year-long fellowship, the Phillips will continue to engage the fellows through alumni activities, including continued mentoring and networking to ensure lasting impact and sustained professional relationships.
ELIGIBILITY
All are welcome to apply for the fellowship program. Successful applicants will demonstrate how they will contribute to the diversity of the institution, including identifying with an ethnic, gender, or ability group that is underrepresented, or having overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in the museum field.
ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY*
- Art History
- Anthropology
- History
- Art and Design
- Music
- Arts Management
- Education
- Communications
- Business
- Digital Humanities
- *Other relevant fields may also be considered
REQUIREMENTS
Ideal candidates include students currently enrolled in undergraduate studies at a university within the Greater Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Fellows are generally selected in the spring of their junior year after their majors have been declared. In a few cases, fellows may be selected in their senior year, as a graduate student, or as a recent graduate.
The following criteria are evaluated in the selecting of participants for the fellowship program:
- Academic promise (minimum of a 2.5 GPA);
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to pursue a career in the museum field, whether with coursework or professional experience;
- Application materials which include resume, cover letter, complete transcripts, writing sample, and 1 letter of reference;
- Availability for, and commitment to, engaged participation in all aspects of the fellowship program, including attendance at conferences and meetings;
- Status as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
2026-27 Fellowship Program
Research Fellow for the Charles Rumph Collection
In fall 2023, The Phillips Collection announced the establishment of the Charles Rumph Collection and Photography Fund at the museum, a major gift of 200 Rumph photographs and related archival materials given through a bequest from the Shirley Z. Johnson Trust. Working in collaboration with the Phillips’s Associate Curator and the curatorial department, the Research Fellow for the Charles Rumph Collection will examine and help catalogue the Rumph photographs, conduct object-based and artist research, and support the development of a special installation of his work. The Research Fellow will also contribute blog post(s) to share research in progress as well as write an essay on the artist for a publication.
Application open through October 27
Fellowship period from January 5, 2026-July 30, 2027
The Phillips Collection is an equal opportunity employer of qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. All employment decisions and personnel actions are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
