---

During this 12-month contract, Community Curators work closely with MoPOP Collections and Curatorial staff to select objects and oral histories from the MoPOP Permanent Collection to create a mini-exhibition on the topic of Hip-Hop history utilizing the five (5) pillars: DJing, Rapping/MCing, B-Boy/B-Girl/Dancing, Graffiti, and Knowledge of Self with artifacts from MoPOP’s permanent collection.

Community Curators create the exhibition text and any audio/visual components in their own curatorial voice. The exhibition can be related to the other Community Curators in the gallery or contain standalone content. Working closely with MoPOP Curators and Collections, the Guest Curator creates layouts for their casework with opportunities to learn more about mounting and exhibition floorplan creation. They are provided with hands-on installation experience as well as the chance to work closely with MoPOP Design and Marketing teams.

Location: Approximately 1200 square feet of space, each built-in caseworks

Core Responsibilities:

Develop, research, and curate an exhibition centering:

• MoPOP’s Early Hip-Hop Collection (1977-2000)
• Exhibition text and interpretation utilizing the five pillars of Hip-Hop.
• Curate the selections and interpretation of Hip-Hop history and culture.
• Engage with museum visitors to cultivate new perspectives of MoPOP’s Hip-Hop collection.
• Work with MoPOP Marketing to create a Hip-Hop blog post and social media content promoting the exhibition. Participate in public programs, lectures, press, and panel discussions as opportunities arise.

Compensation and Benefits:

Guest Curators receive compensation of $6,000 for their dedication and hard work. This compensation reflects MoPOP’s commitment to supporting emerging professionals in the curatorial and exhibition museum field, and it acknowledges the importance of their unique voices and content.

Participating in this program goes beyond financial compensation, as it fosters personal and professional growth, encouraging collaboration and learning for both Community Curators and MoPOP staff. By joining this initiative, Community Curators contribute to the evolution of the museum, ensuring it remains at the forefront of cultural exploration and interpretation.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelors in African American studies, cultural studies, museum studies, journalism, or related experience related to Hip-Hop culture. (Preferred)
• Deep knowledge and experience in writing, teaching and research on hip-hop culture, including its history, music, dance, art, and social impact.
• Cultural awareness and understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences within the hip-hop community.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• A passion for engaging with diverse audiences.
• Curators must be local to Seattle or the surrounding area.

Application Requirements:

• Resume/CV
• Writing sample of 150-200 words:
  Writing Prompt: How will you use MoPOP’s permanent collection to demonstrate Hip-Hop’s role in social and political activism?
• (Optional): Include samples of your curatorial work, such as exhibitions plans, research papers, journal articles or related paper projects/workshops.
• (TWO) References: Provide contact information for two professional or academic references who can speak to your qualifications.

Please submit your application materials to guestcuratorprogram@mopop.org with the subject line: “Hip-Hop Community Curator Application – [Your Name].”

We look forward to receiving your exciting proposals and collaborating with you to shape the future of pop culture exhibitions at MoPOP!

Opportunity Website

---

CuratorExhibition CurationHip HopMoPOPPop Culture