Audrey Flack Short-Term Fellowship 2027

An annual fellowship supporting one researcher undertaking a 30-day research residency at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., within the June 1, 2027–May 31, 2028 residency period. The program supports research in American art, prioritizing projects requiring SAAM collections and staff expertise while also accepting proposals using other Smithsonian resources. Benefits include a $5,000 stipend, a $100–$1,000 travel allowance, a dedicated study carrel, research access, interaction with other fellows, seminars, and professional development events.

American art research

Open internationally to predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior scholars researching American art. Applicants must reside, work, or attend school outside commuting distance from Washington, D.C. The residency lasts one month (30 days) within June 1, 2027–May 31, 2028. Applicants must explain why a short-term fellowship is appropriate, including financial, employment, caregiving, or other circumstances that make a longer residency difficult. Projects requiring access to SAAM collections and staff expertise receive priority; proposals using other Smithsonian resources are also eligible. All application materials must be in English; applicants whose native language is not English must be able to write and converse fluently in English. Smithsonian employees and contractors are generally ineligible during their employment or contract period and must observe the required separation period unless prior approval is obtained; the page does not specify that period's length. Researchers working with Indigenous communities should explain the status of consultation or collaboration with relevant artists, estates, knowledge holders, and communities. A support letter from a tribal community member, knowledge holder, artist, or artist's estate may strengthen such a proposal. Access to sacred, ceremonial, or culturally sensitive Smithsonian materials requires proof of authorization from an appropriate tribal official. Applications open December 1, 2026 and are submitted online. One researcher receives the fellowship annually. A $100–$1,000 travel allowance supports relocation to Washington, D.C., in addition to the $5,000 stipend.