Research Fellow, Performance

Location: Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, New York
Duration: Full-time 12-month term (renewable for a second term)
Reports to: Director of Archives and Digital

Position Summary

Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Research Fellow to engage Robert Rauschenberg's thirteen performance works, choreographed from 1963 and 1967, and their related histories. 

Performance, in its many manifestations, was at the core of much of Rauschenberg’s artistic output. His earliest explorations can be traced to his education at Black Mountain College, North Carolina, where many artists experimented with groundbreaking forms of theater.  Throughout his career, Rauschenberg designed sets, costumes, and lighting for Merce Cunningham and other choreographers such as Trisha Brown and Paul Taylor. His involvement in the early 1960s with Judson Dance Theater, New York, an experimental collective that included dancers as well as visual artists, resulted in performances free of narrative, emphasizing instead the purity of movement. It was within this context that Rauschenberg became a choreographer. 

Between 1963 and 1967, Rauschenberg choreographed thirteen works. His first work, Pelican, was created when Rauschenberg was “accidentally” listed as a choreographer in the press announcements for the Judson Dance Theater’s Concert of Dance Number Five on May 9, 1963, in Washington, D.C. Rauschenberg often featured everyday items consisting of props, decor, or costumes, which often restricted movements, and amplified the noises made by the interaction of performers and objects. Critic John Gruen aptly described a performance as “a Rauschenberg painting come to life—one of his combines seen moving and producing shattering noises,” an effect often accentuated by the use of projected images. After Rauschenberg choreographed his last performance, Urban Round, in 1967, he continued to collaborate with artists, choreographers, and engineers as a productive means for pushing the boundaries of conventional art making. 

The fellow will perform in-depth research and analysis of Rauschenberg’s performance history, creating and enhancing comprehensive documentation of each event as well as contributing to a complete understanding of the Foundation’s related holdings and their importance. This position offers an opportunity to work closely with archivists, curators, and scholars to advance the institution's commitment to understanding Rauschenberg’s performance history.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research on Robert Rauschenberg's thirteen performance works.
• Establish guidelines and tools for documenting historic works of performance based on current best practices.
• Survey and enhance current archival records of performance-related materials within the Foundation Archives, including photographs, film and video recordings, and ephemera.
• Research, locate, and document critical performance-related materials in external repositories.
• Develop and create performance-related documentation, including but not limited to annotated bibliographies, research guides, and catalog records.
• Assist in identification and original cataloguing of Rauschenberg's performance props and costumes to ensure their proper preservation and accessibility.
• Engage with artists, scholars, and community partners to foster dialogue about Rauschenberg's performances.
• Present research findings in internal and public forums, such as lectures, panel discussions, and academic conferences.

Qualifications & Skills Required

• Master’s or PhD degree in Art History, Performance Studies, Cultural Studies, Library Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in research, writing, and cataloguing.
• Strong understanding of contemporary art practices and performance history.
• Knowledge of Rauschenberg's artwork and interdisciplinary approach.
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with archival research methods and documentation.
• Understanding of FileMaker or similar collection management databases is a plus.

Work Environment

This is a fully in-person role to be based at RRF's office in New York, NY. The role will also require conducting research in local and national archives, which will involve travel or digital access to off-site collections.

ADA Specifications

• Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings.
• The ability to traverse stairs.
• This role requires local and national travel (10-15%).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated compensation for this position is between $62,000 and $72,000 per annum, depending on experience and level of education. The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We also provide generous employer contributions for vision coverage, life insurance, STD, LTD and exceptional retirement savings options with an industry-leading employer matching contribution. Additionally, the Foundation offers a robust charitable giving matching program, tuition reimbursement and generous time-off policies to support work-life balance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining their research interests and relevant experience.
• A current CV/resume.
• Two academic or published writing samples.
• Samples of cataloguing records (optional but encouraged)
• Contact information for three professional references.

Application Deadline

Please submit all application materials by Friday, September 5, 2025.