The Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery invites applications to its premier fellowship program, the oldest and largest in American art. Scholars from any discipline whose research engages the art, craft, and visual culture of the United States are encouraged to apply, as are those who foreground new perspectives, materials, and methodologies. Fellowships are residential and support full-time research in the Smithsonian collections. SAAM is devoted to advancing excellence in art history and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.   

Resources 

Each fellow is provided a carrel in SAAM’s Research and Scholars Center. There, they have access to the museum’s collection of over 46,500 works, specialized study collections and databases, the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art, and an 180,000-volume branch library specializing in American art. The Research and Scholars Center is a short walk from other Smithsonian museums and libraries, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the National Gallery of Art. Regular workshops, seminars, and lectures provide a forum for lively scholarly exchange and professional advancement.  

Fellowships Available 

Candidates may apply to one or more of the following three opportunities: 

• SIFP Fellowships at SAAM: SAAM hosts fellows through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) and awards its own named fellowships to predoctoral, postdoctoral, and senior candidates from this general pool. Deadline: October 15, 2025. 

• The Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship in Native American Art: This joint fellowship at SAAM and the National Museum of the American Indian is awarded for a twelve-month term at the predoctoral level or a nine-month term at the postdoctoral or senior level. Deadline: October 15, 2025. 

• The Audrey Flack Short-Term Fellowship: One fellowship is awarded annually at the predoctoral, postdoctoral, or senior level for a one-month term. Deadline: February 1, 2026. 

For general information, visit AmericanArt.si.edu/fellowships or email SAAMFellowships@si.edu.