Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Fellowship
This fellowship supports extended research residencies at the Smithsonian American Art Museum for scholars advancing studies in modern and contemporary art.
Funder: Helen Frankenthaler Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program / Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Fellowship)
Funding Amounts: $45,000/year (predoctoral, 12 months) | $57,000/year (postdoctoral/senior, 9 months) | Up to $5,000 research allowance; relocation and health insurance support available
Summary: Supports extended research residencies at the Smithsonian American Art Museum for scholars advancing studies in modern and contemporary art.
Key Information: Applicants for SAAM as host are automatically considered for this fellowship via the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) application.
Description
The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Fellowship, administered through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP), offers scholars the opportunity to undertake extended, residential research at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). The fellowship supports innovative scholarship on modern and contemporary art, providing access to SAAM’s extensive collections, research library, and archives, as well as a vibrant community of fellows and professional development opportunities. Residencies last twelve months at the predoctoral level and nine months at the postdoctoral or senior level, fostering deep engagement with the museum’s resources and scholarly exchange through seminars, talks, and symposia. Applicants who propose SAAM as their host in the SIFP application are automatically considered for this named fellowship.
