Smithsonian American Art Museum Fellowship Program
The SAAM Fellowships support on-site research in American art, craft, and visual culture at the Smithsonian for scholars at all stages, with access to collections and a collaborative scholarly community.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (SIFP/SAAM, Betsy James Wyeth) | February 2027 (Audrey Flack Short-Term)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 (10-week grad) | $45,000/year (predoc) | $53,000 (Wyeth) | $57,000/year (postdoc/senior); research and travel allowances available; award duration varies 1–12 months.
Summary: Supports residential research in American art, craft, and visual culture at the Smithsonian American Art Museum for scholars at all career stages.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; deadlines are projected and may change.
Description
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and its Renwick Gallery offer a prestigious fellowship program supporting full-time, residential research in the art, craft, and visual culture of the United States. The program is open to scholars from any discipline, including graduate students, predoctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars. Fellows benefit from access to the Smithsonian’s unparalleled collections and resources, as well as a vibrant scholarly community.
Applicants may be considered for a range of named fellowships, including the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP), the Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art, and the Audrey Flack Short-Term Fellowship. The program values innovative research approaches, encourages engagement with Indigenous communities where relevant, and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.
Fellowships are residential and require relocation to Washington, D.C., for the duration of the award. The program provides stipends, research and travel allowances, and opportunities for professional development and scholarly exchange.
