Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art Instructions for Application Materials 

  • Apply Through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) 
  • Application Materials (for upload): 
  • The SOLAA application will allow you to upload the following files types (there is a 3MB limit and only the following types of documents are supported: .bmp, .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .rtf, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .xls, and .xlsx): 

Abstract 

  1. No more than one (1) page, double spaced. 

Research Proposal 

  1. The full statement of your research you plan to undertake at the Smithsonian.  
  • No more than 6 pages, double spaced (excluding all other parts of the application, such as the abstract and bibliography but including images, table etc.), Paper size should be 8.5 by 11 inches (210 mm x 297 mm), with 1" margins, and do not use type smaller than 11 point. 

In preparing your proposal, be sure to provide and address the following: 

  • A description of the research you plan to undertake at the Smithsonian Institution, including the methodology to be utilized. 
  • The importance of the work, both in relation to the broader discipline of art history and to your own scholarly goals. 
  • Justification for conducting your research at the Smithsonian and utilization of research facilities and resources. Please note that any researcher requesting access to sacred, ceremonial, or culturally sensitive items must obtain and provide proof of permission from an authorized tribal official prior to viewing. 
  • Information on the current state of consultation or collaboration with Indigenous artists and estates, knowledge holders, and communities relevant to the work; knowledge of appropriate contacts; and plans for sharing research findings with these communities.
  • Permissions to utilize non-Smithsonian collections or facilities or Smithsonian collections and facilities not associated with your advisor(s). (If applicable) 
  • Identification of the member of the SAAM and NMAI research staff who might serve as your principal advisor/host and co-advisor/co-host. The publication, Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study, contains the necessary information on staff research specialties and current departmental interests to help you determine which staff members are best suited to your research needs. Research staff may be named by applicants to serve as principal advisors, co-advisors or consultants. Affiliated research staff may be named as co-advisors or consultants if they will be in residence during at least a portion of the tenure period proposed. You are encouraged to notify your proposed advisor(s) in advance of your application.

Timeline 

  • Estimate of time period for each phase of the research proposed for the full fellowship period. 

Statement on Indigenous Inclusion  

  • Please address - How Indigenous methodologies, knowledges, and communities are centered within your work. 
  • No more than one (1) page, double spaced.  
  • This needs to be uploaded for the application material name “Other” in SOLAA. 

Budget and Justification 

  • Budget and justification for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct the research itself (excluding stipend and relocation costs). You may not include funding to do any direct hires.  
  • If the funds required to support the research exceed the maximum research allowance of $5,000 per year, please explain the source of additional funds. 

Bibliography 

  • Bibliography of literature relevant to the applicant’s proposed research. 

Curriculum Vitae (CV) 

  • Please provide your current CV (please limit to 4 pages maximum). 
  • Including previous and current fellowships, grants, and/or awards, as well as work and collaborations with Indigenous communities and relevant stakeholders. 
  • If English is not your native language, describe the level of your proficiency in reading, conversing, and writing in English. 

Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) (you may upload up to three 3MB files) 

  • Transcripts (or other materials when transcripts are not issued) from all appropriate institutions are required except for senior fellowship applications. 
  • Applicants for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships need only submit graduate transcripts. 
  • If transcripts or other materials are not in English, the applicant should provide translations. 

References – from two appropriate persons selected by you. Along with an academic reference letter, at least one letter of support from a tribal community member, knowledge holder, artist, or artist’s estate should be submitted. More than one such letter may be included. 

  • Names and email addresses of two people familiar with your work. Please, do not use your proposed Smithsonian advisor(s) or consultant(s) as your referees. 
  • All reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been waived by the referee. 
  • Provide a copy of your proposal and a copy of Letter to Referee (downloadable pdf) to your referees. 
  • Through SOLAA you will send an email from the system to these referees so they can provide references through the SOLAA system. Please note: referees will not be able to view your application and you may send the request any time prior to submission. They will still be able to submit their reference before or after you submit your application. 
  • Referees are encouraged to submit references no later than the application due date. Applicants can check their SOLAA application prior to the deadline to determine if letters of recommendation have been submitted or not. Applicants are encouraged to follow-up with referees who have not yet submitted.