Art Gallery
americanart.si.eduSmithsonian American Art Museum
Art & exhibitions3 open opportunities listed
About the gallery
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is the nation's first collection of American art, founded in 1829 and housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building in Washington, D.C. Its fellowship program, administered through the museum's research division, supports advanced scholarship in American art and visual culture from the colonial period to the present. The program is distinguished by its commitment to object-based research, providing fellows with access to SAAM's extensive collections, the Archives of American Art, and the Smithsonian's broader resources. Fellowships are residential and intended for predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior scholars, fostering a community of rigorous inquiry within the museum's intellectual environment.
Artist opportunities
3 listedWorking with the gallery
Applicants should propose a well-defined research project that demonstrably benefits from SAAM's collections, archives, or the Smithsonian's resources. The selection committee values clear, focused proposals that articulate the specific objects or collections to be consulted and the potential contribution to American art scholarship. It is advisable to contact the museum's research staff in advance to discuss collection access and to ensure the feasibility of the project. Applications should include a detailed research statement, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from established scholars in the field. Deadlines are typically in the fall; consult the museum's website for exact dates and requirements.