Academic Workshop & Symposium Grants
The Terra Foundation for American Art actively supports projects that encourage international scholarship on American art topics, as well as scholarly projects with focused theses that further research of American art in an international context. Academic program funding is available for in-person exchanges such as workshops, symposia, and colloquia that advance scholarship in the field of American art (circa 1500–1980) that take place:
- In Chicago or outside the United States, or
- In the United States and examine American art within an international context and include a significant number of international participants.
Additionally, the foundation welcomes applications for international research groups. Such groups should involve 2 to 4 faculty members from two or more academic institutions, at least one of which must be located outside the United States. Groups should pursue specific research questions that will advance scholarship and meet in person two or more times.
Visual arts that are eligible for Terra Foundation Academic Workshop and Symposium Grants include all visual art categories except architecture, performance art, and commercial film/animation. We favor programs that place objects and practices in an art historical perspective.
NOTE: The foundation funds museum-organized educational programs related to exhibitions through its Exhibition Grants; therefore only organizers from universities and research institutes may apply for exhibition-related programs through the Academic Program area.
Within a given year, the foundation seeks to support a range of topics. Please note that grants in this area are typically capped at $25,000 with exceptions only made for unusual circumstances.
While the Terra Foundation for American Art welcomes recurring requests, organizations that have submitted multiple applications should note that the foundation also attempts to fund programs at a variety of organizations. Due to the competitive nature of this program area, not every request can be funded, regardless of prior support.
Deadlines
Fall 2017 Awards
Letter of Inquiry: March 15, 2017
Proposal: June 15, 2017
If the foundation responds to a letter of inquiry by requesting a proposal, the organization applying for a grant will be expected to complete an application.
How to Apply
The grant application process is three-part:
1. Before submitting a formal proposal to the Terra Foundation, prospective applicants must write a letter of inquiry (LOI).
2. After reviewing the letter of inquiry, the foundation may invite the submission of a formal proposal.
3. Formal grant proposals undergo a review process before final decisions are made by the foundation’s Board of Directors.
Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
A letter of inquiry must precede any formal grant proposal to the Terra Foundation; formal proposals are accepted only by invitation of the foundation after review of the letter of inquiry. A prospective applicant can expect to hear from the foundation within three weeks of receipt of its letter. The letter should be no longer than three pages (including any attachments) and include:
- Brief statement of the organization’s purpose and goals
- Description of the project, including its beginning and ending dates as well as the need and audience it addresses
- Objectives of the project
- Other organizing partners and funding sources and amounts for the project, if relevant
- Total cost of project and the grant amount requested
All letters should be written in English, addressed to the grants manager, and sent by email to grants@terraamericanart.org. Additional printed copies of the letters may be sent to:
Terra Foundation for American Art
120 East Erie Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
United States
Formal Proposal
After a letter of inquiry is reviewed, prospective applicants may be invited to submit a formal proposal. Please note that an invitation for a formal proposal does not guarantee funding at any level. Formal proposals must be written or translated in English and should not be stapled or bound. All attachments should also be written or translated into English.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.terraamericanart.org/what-we-offer/grant-fellowship-opportunities/academic-program-grants/