Organizer Information
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), part of the Smithsonian Institution, is one of the major U.S. museums dedicated to American art and visual culture. The fellowship is offered in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and is supported by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art. Together, these institutions provide extensive collections, archives, libraries, and research expertise related to Native American art, artists, designers, makers, and cultural histories.
Title & Description
The Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art
The Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art supports advanced scholarly research focused on historic or contemporary Native American artists, designers, and makers. The fellowship emphasizes research approaches that center Indigenous methodologies, knowledges, and communities.
One fellowship is awarded annually for either a 12-month predoctoral residency or a 9-month postdoctoral or senior-level appointment. Fellows conduct independent research while working with resources and staff at SAAM and NMAI. The programme also encourages consultation and collaboration with Indigenous artists, estates, knowledge holders, and communities relevant to the proposed research.
Categories
- Art History
- Visual Culture
- Native American Art
- Indigenous Art
- Museum Studies
- Curatorial Research
- Cultural Research
- Scholarly Research
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to scholars at three career levels:
- Predoctoral: Applicants who have completed coursework and preliminary examinations for a doctoral degree and are undertaking approved dissertation research.
- Postdoctoral: Scholars who received their PhD within the previous five years. Predoctoral applicants may also qualify if they will meet this requirement by the fellowship start date.
- Senior: Scholars who received their doctorate more than five years ago, or who have an equivalent record of professional achievement.
Applicants must propose research centered on historic or contemporary Native American artists, designers, or makers. Non-native English speakers must be able to write and communicate fluently in English, and all application materials must be submitted in English.
Program Benefits & Awards
The fellowship provides a $53,000 stipend, plus up to $5,000 for short research trips. Additional funding supports health insurance premiums and travel to Washington, DC.
Fellows receive research space at SAAM's Research and Scholars Center and additional desk space at NMAI's Cultural Resources Center. They are jointly advised by one SAAM staff member and one NMAI staff member and can participate in seminars, workshops, and symposia.
The Smithsonian will assist eligible international recipients with J-1 exchange visa arrangements. The Wyeth Foundation also offers former fellows publishing grants of up to $5,000 for first-time authors.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2026
- Predoctoral Fellowship: 12 months
- Postdoctoral/Senior Fellowship: 9 months
- Residency Period: Between June 1, 2027 and August 31, 2028
Location
Washington, DC, United States
Additional Details
Research proposals should demonstrate the applicant's existing consultation or collaboration with relevant Indigenous artists, estates, knowledge holders, and communities, as well as plans for sharing research findings with those communities. Access to sacred, ceremonial, or culturally sensitive materials requires documented permission from an authorized tribal official.
Smithsonian employees and contractors generally cannot hold a Smithsonian fellowship during their employment or contract and must observe the applicable separation requirement unless prior approval is granted.
Questions can be directed to SAAMFellowships@si.edu. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals well before the deadline.