Smithsonian Institution is inviting applications for Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF). The program provides outstanding visual artists from across the world a unique opportunity to work with Smithsonian museums, research sites, collections, and scholars, so they may conduct research that inspires new artwork.

This unique residency offers creative collaboration in a dynamic environment. It brings together Smithsonian scholars and distinguished visual artists from a variety of disciplines throughout the United States and abroad to explore cross-disciplinary connections.

The Smithsonian Institution, established in 1846 “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” is a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States.

Course Level: Fellowship is available for pursuing a research program.

Study Subject: The program provides outstanding visual artists from across the world a unique opportunity to work with Smithsonian museums, research sites, collections, and scholars, so they may conduct research that inspires new artwork.

Scholarship Award:

• Stipends are up to $4,500 per month and are prorated according to a Fellow’s exact length of tenure.
• In addition, a Travel Allowance, exclusively for a Fellow’s one-time relocation cost (average cost of a round-trip coach seat on a train or airplane at the time of tenure) from his/her home to the Smithsonian, may also be provided. If Fellow elect to split the appointment into multiple trips, he/she will be responsible for covering the additional travel costs.
• A Research Allowance of up to $2,000 may be available for the artist to purchase research equipment or materials necessary for the Fellowship. Any travel related specifically to a Fellow’s research (e.g., non-local travel from one Smithsonian location to another to conduct research) falls into the category of research.

Scholarship can be taken in the USA

Eligibility: Applicants may apply for SARF Fellowship if the following applies to they:

• Secured a nomination and submitted a complete and valid nomination form to SIOFI-at-si.eduu by the deadline listed on the form
• Received an email from Office of Fellowships and Internships acknowledging receipt of nomination form
• Received an email from the Office of Fellowships and Internships inviting you to apply
• Outstanding visual artists
• Strong exhibition history beyond the home region
• Demonstrated record of artistic accomplishment
• Ability to create a strong research proposal that utilizes Smithsonian specific resources
• Ability to independently secure a nomination and a Smithsonian advisor
• US citizens and foreign nationals with proficiency in written and spoken English
• Ability to independently arrange accommodation and travel
• Self-reliant and flexible

Nationality: Both US and foreign nationals are eligible to apply.

How to Apply: To be considered for this fellowship, applicant need to submit a completed Nomination Form (SARF Nomination Form) to SIOFI-at-si.edu by the deadline listed on the form. If Section I of Nomination Form is blank, they will need to:

• Consider the research you want to conduct at the Smithsonian
• Find a Smithsonian research staff member in the Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study (SORS) whose research relates to the research applicant want to conduct at the Smithsonian.
• Reach out to the Smithsonian research staff member to discuss their research and ask if s/he would be willing to 1) nominate them and 2) serve as their advisor during a 1-2 month fellowship if they are selected.
• If the Smithsonian research staff member agrees to nominate them, send that researcher their Nomination Form. The Smithsonian researcher completes Section I and returns the form to them. They complete Section II and send the completed form to SIOFI-at-si.edu by the deadline listed on the form.
• Once completed Nomination Form is received, you will receive instructions about the next steps to apply for the fellowship.

Nomination Form

Application Deadline: The nomination deadline is October 17, 2016, and application deadline is December 1, 2016.

Scholarship Link