Silver Eye

Position: Scholar @ Silver Eye
Status: Paid, part-time, temporary
Reports to: Deputy Director of Programs
Hours: 8 hours per week for two semesters
Deadline: 5pm on May 31, 2024

Outline
Scholars @ Silver Eye are college seniors from Pittsburgh area universities who have been selected to participate in a year-long, intensive, work-based training program, at Silver Eye. The Scholars @ Silver Eye develop hands-on, fine art skills alongside curatorial and arts nonprofit management training.

Students undergo a competitive application process for this position, and are paid for their time at Silver Eye. The Scholars spend 8-10 hours at the Center each week, which includes a mandatory weekly all-staff meeting. These meetings focus on different topics each week.

The Scholars learn the ins and outs of the operations of an arts non profit, working towards developing a deep understanding of our mission, goals, and values. They also help to create artist-centered exhibitions, and support the creative and community based work we do. Scholars @ Silver Eye gain fine art skills through working in our digital photography work space, the Lab @ Silver Eye, and gain curatorial and research skills while assisting in the development and implementation of exhibitions at Silver Eye.

Students interact with artists and arts professionals in and outside of the gallery through field trips, and engage with our diverse and curious public audience at exhibition openings and programs, or while sitting at the gallery’s front desk. Scholars @ Silver Eye become an integral part of Silver Eye’s creative community, and are a valued member of our team.

Scholars @ Silver Eye Are:
–Senior undergraduate students as of September 2024
–Active members of a creative community
–Passionate about learning and working within a creative field
–Collaborators with Silver Eye staff and the other student Scholars
–Highly motivated, organized, and passionate about photography and contemporary art
–Great communicators, with who are excited to share their love of art with others

Scholars @ Silver Eye Learn:
–How an arts nonprofit works
–How to work with and support artists and communities
–To perform effective curatorial research
–To be an ambassador for Silver Eye
–To produce fun, welcoming, and safe events and programs in the gallery
–To write and communicate clearly for a general audience about contemporary art
–How to produce original exhibitions and publications
–To develop and enhance practical skills including: fine art printing, scanning, framing, matting, digital retouching, art handling and installation

Commitment
The Scholars @ Silver Eye program is two semesters long, beginning in the fall of 2024. In addition to individual student schedules at the gallery, the group meets weekly to dig into specific topics and case studies related to work in the fine art world, the arts non-profit sector and the museum field. Scholars also serve as the public face of the gallery during their weekly shifts, sitting at the gallery’s front desk, where they greet visitors and educate the public about our exhibitions. Attendance at Silver Eye events and exhibition openings is required, as are some Saturday shifts. Scholars @ Silver Eye report to Silver Eye’s Deputy Director of Programs, Helen Trompeteler.

This work is paid with a weekly commitment of 8 hours.

Eligibility + Qualification
Scholars @ Silver Eye are senior undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in photography, graphic design, arts education, art history, arts administration and museum studies. Our program provides an opportunity to learn about the operations of a non-profit art institution and work alongside an exciting range of emerging and mid-career artists. While previous experience working in a museum, arts nonprofit, or gallery setting is not required, candidates must have strong communication and writing skills, and a desire to learn about working in a creative field.

To apply: Email resume and a cover letter describing your interest in the program to: helen@silvereye.org Deadline for applications is 5pm on May 31, 2024.

About Silver Eye
Silver Eye promotes the power of contemporary photography as a fine art medium by creating original exhibitions, unique educational programming, and a space for artists to learn, create, and connect through our digital lab. Our programs are dedicated to supporting the work of emerging, mid-career, and under-recognized artists and sharing that work with our diverse audiences in engaging and meaningful ways.

Silver Eye Center for Photography provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic or trait protected by local, state, or federal law.