The international EMMA-Saastamoinen Curatorial Fellowship Programme is a new form of collaboration between EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art and the Saastamoinen Foundation. During the three-year programme, the museum and foundation will annually invite a curator to Finland to work as part of EMMA’s multidisciplinary team. The programme offers curators the opportunity to delve into research related to one of Finland’s most significant art collections, become acquainted with professional practices at EMMA as part of the exhibition and collection teams, and build networks within the Finnish art scene. 

The aim of this international collaboration is to exchange perspectives and practices in curating, encourage research and support professional development. We are seeking applicants with a drive and vision for curating contemporary art. Applications are welcome from both experienced curators and those at the early stages in their careers. At the end of the fellowship period, the curator will produce a research article on a work, artist, or art movement based on their work with the collection.

• A six-month paid working period at EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art: salary €3396.78/month, in accordance with the museum’s pay scale 

• The chance to work with EMMA’s exhibitions and collections teams in a professional museum environment 

• An opportunity to focus on curatorial research into one of Finland’s most prominent collections of contemporary and modern art  

• A platform to develop curatorial expertise as part of the curatorial team planning the renewal of the Dialogues collection exhibition 

• A workspace at EMMA’s office, 30 minutes from the centre of Helsinki 

• Coverage of one-time travel expenses to and from Finland and, if necessary, costs related to a residence permit 

• Necessary work equipment, including a phone and a laptop 

• A focus on curating and researching contemporary art, with an interest in art collections 

• Relevant education and/or practical experience in curating and research 

• The production of a research article based on the Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection at the end of the working period 

• Excellent oral and written English language skills 

• The ability to work independently on research as well as collaboratively with diverse individuals 

• Please note that this programme is only open to international applicants; Finnish citizens are not eligible

Applications are accepted until 1 December 2024 at 11:59pm (UTC+02:00). Interview selections will be made during the first two weeks of January 2025. Selected applicants will be contacted individually. Online interviews with selected applicants will be held between 13 January 2025 and 21 February 2025. The final selection will be made by 28 February 2025.

Applications should be submitted via the online form linked below. In the form, briefly explain (max. 600 characters) why you are applying for the research programme. Please also attach A CV (pdf), max. 2 pages, outlining relevant curatorial and research experience and a motivation letter (pdf), max. 1 page, focusing on your personality, interests and motivation for applying specifically to this programme.

Salary

The selected curator will sign an employment contract with EMMA. Salary is paid according to EMMA’s pay scale at €3396.78/month. The curator should familiarise themselves with the tax regulations of Finland and their home country. Information on Finnish tax practices can be found here, and on social security contributions here. 

Travel expenses

EMMA will cover the economy-class travel expenses for the selected curator at the start and end of the employment. Travel will be arranged by EMMA in collaboration with the curator.

Accommodation

EMMA does not provide accommodation but can assist in the search. Information on local housing prices is available here. 

Residence permit  

If the selected curator is from outside the EU, they will likely need a residence permit. EMMA will cover the costs of the permit for the selected individual. Information on Finnish residence permit procedures can be found here. EMMA can assist with the application process, but the curator must submit the application. The residence permit (or passport for EU citizens) will be checked at the start of the employment.

Useful links on working in Finland:
Work in Finland – Suomi.fi
Work and Enterprise (infofinland.fi)
As a foreign employee in Finland – Tyosuojelu.fi – Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

If you have further questions about the programme or the application process after reading the information provided, please contact us at rekry@emmamuseum.fi. Please note that, applications should be submitted via the online form by Sunday 1 December 2024 at 11.59pm (UTC+02:00).