The Oroya and Melvin Day Fellowship in New Zealand Art History

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Victoria University of Wellington invites applications for the Oroya and Melvin Day Fellowship in NZ Art History, a four-month full-time research and teaching role in Te Kura Kōmanawa. Open to emerging scholars, the fellowship runs in 2026 summer trimester from November 2026 to February 2027 and combines research with teaching a topic to undergraduates in NZ art history. Requirements include a master’s in art history or related field, knowledge of NZ art history, and tutoring or relevant experience. Apply on the careers page with a cover letter and CV by September 7; questions to Prof Susan Ballard. Tips: tailor your proposal to NZ art history and outline a concrete four-month plan with dissemination goals.

• Are you an emerging or early-career scholar in Aotearoa NZ Art History?
• Would you like the opportunity to conduct research for the Summer Trimester?
• Are you passionate about teaching, promoting and bringing life to Aotearoa NZ art history?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently inviting applications for the Oroya and Melvin Day Fellowship in New Zealand Art History, funded by the Oroya and Melvin Day Trust. This is a 4-month full time research and teaching position.

This fellowship aims to promote research in New Zealand art history by providing the Fellow with an opportunity to work within an academic environment during a summer trimester (November 2026 to February 2027).

The fellowship is a 4-month full-time position designed for emerging or early-career scholars. It provides an opportunity to advance their research while also developing and teaching a special topic to undergraduate students in the field of New Zealand art history. The successful candidate will be located in the Art History programme within Te Kura Kōmanawa, the School of Arts and Media.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

The successful candidate will have a master’s degree in art history (or a relevant discipline) and be intending to develop a further career as an art writer, curator or art historian. You will have a proven knowledge of New Zealand art history, with tutoring or teaching experience or have been working in the gallery or museum sector delivering public talks, workshops or wānanga. The Fellow will be expected to conduct research in a specialist topic in New Zealand art history, and work towards the dissemination of this work through scholarly publication and/or exhibition.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 07 September 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Professor Susan Ballard, Art History Programme ([email protected]).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.