Kéla Jackson, C'2019, has been selected as a 2016-2018 Andrew W. Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellow at Atlanta's High Museum of Art. She is one of 10 students from across the country selected for the third class of Mellon curatorial fellows at five partnering U.S. museums.
The fellowships aim to increase diversity at U.S. museums and supports Spelman's goal to help close the national diversity gap in the arts. The fellowship includes a ten week summer internship at the High Museum of art gaining hands on experience and practical application of art historical knowledge.
Jackson, an art history major and African diaspora minor, also is a member of Spelman's inaugural curatorial studies program, launched with a Mellon Foundation grant in January. An aspiring chief curator and museum director, she hopes to push for more inclusivity in the art world.
"Being a part of Spelman's inaugural curatorial class really opened my eyes to the value in simply seeing yourself in the person that holds the position or career you aspire to hold. Both programs have afforded me many connections and resources in the art world," Jackson said.
"There is a need to revitalize museums and keep them relevant, and the Mellon Foundation supports the initiative by cultivating new and diverse minds."