Spiegel Wilks Fellow

About the Role

The Spiegel Wilks Fellow contributes to shaping the intellectual direction of ICA's public engagement initiatives, connecting the Institute's exhibition and programmatic work to the research and pedagogical mission of the University of Pennsylvania. The Fellow will cultivate academic and community partnerships, develop inquiry-driven programs, and help integrate contemporary artistic practices into broader conversations about art, ideas, and society. This two-year fellowship (with the option of a third year at the discretion of the Director of Public Engagement) offers a unique opportunity for an emerging scholar or cultural practitioner to engage deeply in curatorial and public-facing research within a leading contemporary art institution.

Key Details

• Compensation: $21.52–28.84/hour
• Duration: 2 years, with possibility for third year (target end date of October 1, 2028)
• Schedule: FT
• Deadline: ASAP (Posted August 24, 2026)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with excellent time management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Self-starter who can work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong interest in ICA's mission and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
• 1–2 years of related experience in a cultural institution, university, or nonprofit setting
• Degree and/or course work in art history, cultural anthropology, design, or a related field preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Adobe Suite, and project management software

About the Institute

The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania (ICA Philadelphia) is a global hub for contemporary art and ideas. Free and open to all, ICA Philadelphia is dedicated to supporting artistic practices across disciplines and to serving as a laboratory for risk-taking, community-building, and knowledge-creation. Since 1963, ICA Philadelphia has championed the University's commitment to cultivating the next generation of imaginative creators and thinkers. Through commissions, exhibitions, programs, publications, and special projects, ICA Philadelphia fosters bold experimentation, curiosity, and discovery.