Our commitment to education means that we want the gallery to be a place where students can learn the hands-on skills of working in an arts institution. Our student staff are involved in every aspect of the gallery’s operations and develop a wide range of skills over the course of their time at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery.

Hiring for these positions takes place in the spring quarter and the role begins in the autumn of the following academic year. The full job descriptions are posted on the UW work-study job board, HandShake, and the School’s Employment page in early spring. 

Graduate Research Assistant

The Graduate Research Assistant furthers our work of creating engaging programming centered around education, social justice, and experimentation that honors the legacy of Jacob Lawrence. The Graduate Research Assistant is involved in the planning and execution of exhibitions at the gallery along with the managing of day-to-day operations. They assist the Director + Curator in the research of topics, themes, and educational impacts of exhibitions and programming at the gallery. The position is 50% FTE and a fixed term of 9 months. It is open to graduate students across the University and hiring usually takes place in the spring quarter.

Curatorial Assistant Program

Curatorial Assistants make up the core of the Jacob Lawrence Gallery staff and are divided across three areas of work, Exhibition Management, Design, and Engagement. The positions are available to work-study eligible students and are hired for the academic year from September through the last day of school in June. Hiring usually takes place in the spring quarter.

Exhibition Management

This student helps execute all the exhibitions at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery, both student shows and curated projects. They are a key support in project management and work directly with artists and fabricators to create the final gallery installation.

Design

This student shapes the Jacob Lawrence Gallery brand and creates the design identity for each of our programs and exhibitions. Their work can include everything from social media assets and motion graphics to gallery publications and signage.

Engagement

This student shapes how we welcome and engage with our public. They assist in ideating and producing public programs, build campus partnerships, maintain and expand our accessibility practices, and manage our social media.