Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), Washington, D.C. (USA)
The Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship supports scholars focused on Native American art, offering one fellowship annually for either a 12-month residency for predoctoral scholars or a 9-month appointment for postdoctoral or senior-level researchers. The fellowship provides a stipend of $53,000, along with up to $5,000 for short research trips, and additional support for health insurance and travel expenses. Fellows will be based at both the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), accessing extensive collections and archives.
Fellows will be seated at SAAM’s Research and Scholars Center and have access to the NMAI Cultural Resources Center. They will benefit from regular scholarly exchanges through seminars, workshops, and symposia organized by both museums. Advisors from SAAM and NMAI will provide guidance throughout the residency.
Eligibility: The fellowship is open to scholars whose research focuses on historical or contemporary Native American artists, designers, or makers. Successful applications must center Indigenous methodologies, knowledge, and communities, and demonstrate accountability to these stakeholders. Applicants must provide a letter of support from a tribal community member, knowledge holder, artist, or artist’s estate, with additional letters encouraged.
Fellowship Categories:
- Predoctoral Fellowships: For candidates engaged in dissertation research with a completed coursework and preliminary exams.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: For scholars who completed their PhD within the last five years and are pursuing independent research.
- Senior Fellowships: For scholars with a distinguished publication record or more than five years since completing their PhD.
Support and Tenure:
- Stipend: $53,000
- Research trip allowance: Up to $5,000
- Health insurance and travel support to Washington, D.C.
- No housing provided; residencies begin between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.
How to Apply: Applicants should submit their proposals via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) by October 15, 2024. Proposals should include two Smithsonian advisors—one from SAAM and one from NMAI—and outline the current state of consultation with Indigenous communities and rights holders. In addition to an academic reference, at least one letter of support from a relevant Indigenous source is required.
For more information, visit: https://americanart.si.edu/research/fellowships/betsy-james-wyeth
