Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF)

Name: Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF)

Award Amount: $5,000 per month.

Information And Eligibility:
The Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF) program, launched in 2007, offers outstanding visual artists from around the world the opportunity to work with Smithsonian museums, research sites, collections, and scholars to conduct research that inspires new artwork. Fellows spend one to two months in residence at the Smithsonian, immersed in its collections and scholarly expertise, bridging art, science, history, and culture. The program provides access to both public and non-public areas of the Smithsonian’s nineteen museums, the National Zoo, libraries, archives, and field sites.

Eligible applicants must be accomplished visual artists with a strong exhibition history, able to create a research proposal that utilizes Smithsonian resources. Applicants must also independently secure a nomination and a Smithsonian advisor. U.S. citizens and foreign nationals with proficiency in English are welcome to apply. Applicants should be self-reliant, flexible, and capable of arranging their accommodation and travel.

Applicants who are undergraduate students, MFA candidates, or current/former Smithsonian employees or contractors within a year of employment are not eligible.

Deadline: Nomination deadline: October

Criteria for Selection: Selection is based on the merit of the research proposal, the applicant’s artistic accomplishments, and their ability to utilize Smithsonian resources.

Apply For This Grant/Fellowship: For more information on the Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship or to apply, please visit The Application Page. To find more grants and fellowships for college, search our Online College Grant and Fellowship Database.

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