Curatorial & Reseach Associate

Curatorial & Programming Assistant (Contracted) 
Compensation: $4000 honorarium

Rooted in Arab arts and culture, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture offers artistic and educational programming that enriches understanding, celebrates diversity, and affirms Arab American cultural identity while contributing to the broader civic fabric of American society. 

With support from the Philadelphia Funders Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, Al-Bustan is launching the Philadelphia Arab History Project (PAHP)—a multi-year initiative to uncover, document, and celebrate the histories of Arabic-speaking communities in Philadelphia. Through archival research, oral history collection, community arts programming, and a culminating public exhibition, PAHP amplifies stories that have long been underrepresented. 

We are seeking a Curatorial & Research Associate to support both the research and exhibition phases of this project. This hybrid role is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable conducting archival and oral history research and shaping those findings into meaningful public narratives. 

Role Overview 

The Curatorial & Research Associate will contribute across all phases of the project—from archival research and oral history collection to exhibition development and community storytelling. This role begins with a focus on research (Spring–Summer 2026) and transitions into curatorial and exhibition work (Fall 2026 onward), working closely with Al-Bustan staff throughout. 

Responsibilities 

1. Archival Research 

  • Conduct research on Arab immigration to Philadelphia, with a focus on early 20th-century migration and recent settlement in the 19122 (Riverwards) district  

  • Identify gaps in existing archives, particularly related to undocumented communities  

  • Maintain a working bibliography and organized source log  

2. Oral History Collection 

  • Design and implement an oral history interview process in collaboration with Al-Bustan staff  

  • Conduct interviews with community members across Philadelphia, including key sites that is represent SWANA community hubs. This includes researching and finding channels to meet families within the community.  

  • Engage broader communities by connecting with local historians, community leaders, and institutions to access and share SWANA histories.  

  • Record, transcribe, and archive interviews  

  • Collect supporting materials (photos, documents, artifacts) with proper consent  

3. Community Engagement 

  • Attend and support community-based programs and events organized by Al-Bustan  

  • Participate in and document workshops, storytelling sessions, and other cultural programming  

  • Engage with community members to build relationships and foster trust  

  • Identify and follow up with potential participants for oral histories and exhibition contributions  

  • Support outreach efforts and encourage community participation across project activities 

 

4. Exhibition Development 

  • Collaborate with staff to shape the Philadelphia Arab History Exhibition  

  • Review, organize, and select materials from research and oral histories  

  • Develop themes, narratives, and interpretive text for exhibition display  

  • Edit oral history excerpts into accessible formats (audio and written)  

  • Assist with multimedia and public-facing storytelling components  

5. Documentation & Reporting 

  • Submit monthly progress reports detailing research, interviews, and outreach  

  • Maintain organized databases of sources, contacts, and collected materials  

  • Prepare a final research and curatorial summary to support exhibition production  

 

Qualifications 

  • Background in history, anthropology, museum studies, Arabic studies, or related field  

  • Experience in archival research and/or oral history collection  

  • Strong writing, storytelling, and organizational skills  

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively  

  • Arabic language proficiency required or strongly preferred  

  • Experience with community-based or cultural projects is a plus  

 

Project Questions 

  • Who are the Arab communities that have shaped Philadelphia’s history?  

  • What stories have been overlooked or underrepresented?  

  • How can research be transformed into meaningful, accessible public narratives?  

 

Timeline 

  • Phase 1 (Research): April – August 2026  

  • Phase 2 (Curatorial/Exhibition): September 2026 onward  

This role offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with community history while shaping how it is preserved and shared with the public. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter, and (if applicable) a portfolio or samples of past curatorial/event work or writing samples to info@albustanseeds.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.