NOMA Awarded Curatorial Internship Grant
The Decorative Arts Trust is pleased to announce that the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is the 2022–2024 Curatorial Internship Grant partner.
Since its founding in 1910, NOMA has endeavored to become a nexus for the arts in New Orleans, an iconic presence synonymous with the city, and recognized nationally as the foremost cultural institution in the Gulf South.
NOMA’s Decorative Arts Trust Curatorial Fellow will be integral to developing an exhibition and collection catalog for NOMA’s important glass holdings. NOMA houses one of the nation’s finest collections of glass, with more than 3,000 works dating from ancient origins to contemporary expressions.
The foundational collection of the museum’s decorative arts department was the expansive gift of world glass given by Melvin P. Billups, a New York railroad executive with Southern roots. Between 1955 and 1969, Billups gifted the Delgado Museum of Art (today’s NOMA) with one of the most important private glass collections assembled, with pieces dating from ancient Egypt through 19th-century American industrial production. NOMA’s decorative arts department is at the beginning of a three-year plan to thoroughly assess, photograph, research, and catalog the glass collection, consulting as needed with experts in the field.
Roman, Burial Urn, 1-99 CE. Glass. New Orleans Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. Frederick M. Stafford in honor of the 75th Anniversary, 86.40.
Syrian or Egyptian, Mosque Lamp, c. 1250. Non-lead glass, enameled and gilt. New Orleans Museum of Art, Gift of Melvin P. Billups in memory of his wife, Clarice Marston Billups.
New England Glass Company, Vase with Coin, c. 1840. Glass, free blown, with 1816 English coin. New Orleans Museum of Art, Gift of Melvin P. Billups in memory of his wife, Clarice Marston Billups.
London, England, “Long Live the Prince of Wales” Goblet, c. 1759. Clear and opaque lead glass, engraved bowl. New Orleans Museum of Art, Gift of Melvin P. Billups in memory of his wife, Clarice Marston Billups.
In addition to the primary focus on the exhibition and catalogue, the Fellow would also work in close collaboration to expand the collection through gift and purchase, interpret the collection through fresh research and engaging community input, and develop smaller rotating exhibitions as well as digital initiatives through NOMA’s partnership with Google Arts & Culture.
Under the mentorship of Mel Buchanan, the RosaMary Curator for Decorative Arts and Design, the Fellow will be part of a multi-disciplinary curatorial team, working with Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs Lisa Rotondo-McCord and NOMA curators in African Art, Asian Art, Modern/Contemporary Art, and Photography. The Fellow will also collaborate cross-departmentally with the museum’s Departments for Development, Visitor Experience, Learning & Engagement, and Communications.
Look for updates about this fellowship opportunity on NOMA’s website and social media outlets.
The Curatorial Internship Grant is awarded annually to museums and historical societies. The Trust thanks the members and donors who make programs like the Curatorial Internship Grant and other Emerging Scholars Program funding possible.
About The Decorative Arts Trust Bulletin
Formerly known as the "blog,” the Bulletin features new research and scholarship, travelogues, book reviews, and museum and gallery exhibitions. The Bulletin complements The Magazine of the Decorative Arts Trust, our biannual members publication.