(New York, December 10, 2020) -- The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) announced today that Irwin Warren and museum President Elizabeth V. Warren will support a new museum fellowship. Through the Warren Family Curatorial Fellowship, AFAM will foster the advancement of an individual who will work with its staff on exhibitions and exhibition plans, collection development, and scholarly publications.

“Irwin and Liz’s remarkable, long-standing commitment to the American Folk Art Museum is truly inspirational,” said Jason T. Busch, Director and CEO of the museum. “With this most recent example of their ongoing support, we will engage an individual who will help shape and define the future of our field.”

The fellowship program will seek applicants from a range of backgrounds and perspectives who, through their work, can bring fresh ideas to and evolve the field of folk art. Over the course of two years, the Warren Family Curatorial Fellow will be involved in a range of ambitious projects relating to the museum’s upcoming exhibition programs and its collection. The fellowship, which will begin in the summer 2021, includes a salary and health benefits, as well as professional mentoring and support from within and outside of the Museum. 

 “Each of us who cares about art has a role to play in increasing opportunity for those interested in careers in the museum field. Irwin and I are proud to support the curators of today and tomorrow with this fellowship,” said President Warren. Commented Irwin Warren: “We hope our support inspires others to provide opportunities to the next generation of museum professionals, while helping the museum to better serve not only its audiences, but also the broader community.”

By participating fully in the museum’s day-to-day operations, the Warren Family Curatorial Fellow will maximize opportunities for practical curatorial experience, deep scholarly research, engagement with the public, and access to professional networks.

 “In collaboration and partnership with the museum’s new fellow, we will deepen and broaden our work, advance AFAM’s mission, and incorporate fresh perspectives to exhibitions and programs,” said Emelie Gevalt, the museum’s Curator of Folk Art.

This Warren Family Curatorial Fellowship continues the museum’s commitment to providing opportunities for students and academics across all ages and backgrounds. Its Teen Leader Program brings high school students together with artists, curators, and educators to discuss art critically and think creatively. Participants in Youth Art Connections explore folk and self-taught art and learn about careers in the arts through a variety of engaging activities. And the Museum Career Internship Program, now in its sixth year, provides paid internships to LaGuardia Community College students interested in pursuing careers in the arts. 

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About the American Folk Art Museum

Since 1961, the American Folk Art Museum has been the leading institution shaping the understanding of art by the self-taught through its exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. As a center of scholarship, it showcases the creativity of individuals whose singular talents have been refined through personal experience rather than formal artistic training. Its collection includes more than eight thousand works of art from four centuries and nearly every continent—from compelling portraits and dazzling quilts to powerful works by living artists in a variety of mediums. The museum will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2021.