Cross-posted from Dis List
NMAI Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Conservation
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is committed to equity and social justice for the Native/Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration, and empowerment. NMAI stewards one of the most extensive collections of Native American cultural heritage in the world - approximately 825,000 items - representing over 12,000 years of history and more than 1,200 Indigenous cultures throughout the Americas.
NMAI has three locations: NMAI-DC, NMAI-NY and the Cultural Resources Center (CRC) in Suitland Maryland, where the collection is housed, and conservation labs are located.
The NMAI offers a two-year Andrew W. Mellon fellowship each fall to support progressive thinking in conservation, collections care, and stewardship. This full-time fellowship (40 hours/week) is designed for individuals with a strong interest in collaborative conservation and who are committed to advancing the field in ways that serve and benefit Indigenous communities.
This fellowship moves beyond traditional treatment-focused conservation to embrace a broader, more integrated approach. The fellow will:
- Implement collaborative engagements
- Develop integrated document practices
- Engage in collections care and stewardship
- Practice preventive conservation
- Design artifact displays
- Develop project management and decision-making skills
- Implement treatment using integrated, diverse knowledge sets
The fellow works closely with Conservation staff to develop and carry out a research project designed to serve the museum's Native/Indigenous constituency. This fellowship provides mentorship and resources to help the fellow reach personal, professional, and research goals.
Location:
The fellowship is based at the NMAI Cultural Resources Center in Suitland, Maryland.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold at least a bachelor's degree, and be proficient in English. US citizenship is not required. Applicants must be open to engaging in both Western and Indigenous approaches to cultural heritage care and conservation. Applicants should have proficient hand skills and knowledge of materials. Eligible candidates may include conservators, artists, makers, craftspeople, mountmakers, and those with an interest in cultural material science.
As part of the application process, applicants will be expected to define and articulate their primary field of knowledge or professional focus. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of Indigenous cultures or experience with community-based preservation. A familiarity and working knowledge of various materials is required. Examples of such materials are clay, wood, metal, vegetal fibers, fibers used in textile production, hide, feathers, beads, paint, and paper.
Criteria for Selection:
Applicants are evaluated on their knowledge, experience, potential, and vision by Conservation staff. Applicants must demonstrate:
- Knowledge of Indigenous cultures or experience with community-based preservation
- Familiarity and working knowledge of organic and inorganic materials used in the creation of Indigenous cultural heritage
- Ability to execute artistic or conservation practice skills
- Knowledge of ethics and practice of community- or collaborative-based work
- Openness and interest in engaging with both Western and Indigenous approaches to cultural heritage care and conservation
- Creativity, progressive thinking, and critical thinking
- Ability to develop a research idea that outlines the use of their funds and how it will support Indigenous communities
As part of its mandate for "the increase and diffusion of knowledge," including the diverse ideas, skills, and cultures of our nation, the Smithsonian Fellowship program does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, gender stereotyping, pregnancy, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status, or marital status.
Stipend:
- $50,000/year
- $5,000/year for research and travel
- $5,000/year for medical insurance assistance
- Funding for one roundtrip relocation ticket
Application Process:
The application process is a two-stage competitive process. All applicants are required to submit a Stage 1 application form with the materials listed below by the due date. These will be reviewed and select candidates will be invited to submit additional documents and references as part of Stage 2.
Stage 1 Submission Requirements:
- Statement of interest: In 1,000 words or fewer, share your personal and professional background as it relates to your field of knowledge or profession. Address why you are interested in this fellowship at the NMAI and what you think your impact could be.
- Vision for your research: In 500 words or fewer, describe your research intentions and goals.
- Transcripts: Provide unofficial copies of the highest education achieved.
- Curriculum vitae, résumé, or biographical sketch: Submit a detailed, up-to-date document that summarizes your background in your field(s) of knowledge and experience working with communities or artists.
How to apply: Applications must be completed and submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). Finalists will be invited for a virtual interview and an opportunity to present portfolio selections.
For information about Smithsonian fellowships and how to register and apply via SOLAA, please visit Smithsonian Fellowships
Phase 1 of the application process opens February 3rd 2025. All application materials must be submitted by the close date on February 28th at 5pm EST.
Designated applicants will be invited on March 7th to submit materials required for Phase 2 of the application process by April 11th. Interviews for select candidates will be in early May with notification of selection shortly thereafter.
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Caitlin Mahony
Objects Conservator
National Museum of the American Indian
Suitland
United States
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Laurie King
Archaeological Conservator
The Mariners' Museum and Park
laurieeking@gmail.com------------------------------