Application Guidelines:
All applications that do not directly focus on South America must demonstrate how the project relates to the art history of South America. Projects that focus exclusively on decorative arts, maps, or manuscripts are not eligible to apply. Applicants must have the ability to communicate and conduct research in both Spanish and English.
Fellowships and Travel Awards are portable and funds may be used in any reasonable way the applicant sees fit to accomplish the project, including travel and accommodation, photography/digital images, access and research fees, tuition remission, supportive staffing, and scientific analysis. Funds may only be used for the expenses of the grant recipient and research assistants (not family or companions).
Award money may not be used to fund group projects, equipment purchases, or projects that do not relate directly to the study of art and art history.
Projects should relate to a measurable outcome commensurate with the award amount, such as a dissertation, book manuscript, museum exhibition, essay, lecture series, article for a scholarly journal, etc.
Awardees will be selected by an anonymous jury of four accomplished professionals in the field. Decisions are made on the merit of the application and the compelling nature of the project. The number of awards made in each category will vary in response to the applicant pool.
We acknowledge that the overwhelming uncertainty currently surrounding research and travel plans may interfere with project timelines. Applicants are therefore encouraged to propose flexible timelines. Funds may be used up to three years from the date of issue. Foundation staff is available to respond to any questions or concerns during the application process. In the case of travel-related expenditures, winners will be asked to buy refundable tickets and travel insurance to protect against canceled flights and other unknowns.
The Thoma Foundation is not liable for any taxes, foreign or domestic, incurred by the receipt of these fellowships and awards. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the financial policies of their home countries and banking institutions, and should budget accordingly when planning fellowship research & travel.
Please only submit one application per year.
Congruent with the Marilynn Thoma Fellowship, the Foundation offers annual grants to scholars, curators, art historians, and advanced graduate students working on MA theses or PhD dissertations in support of projects and research initiatives that will advance the field of the art of the Spanish Americas. These grants are meant to help defray the costs of research-related expenses. Funding is provided each year to several scholars selected by an international jury of undisclosed experts in the field.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available for projects lasting up to six months.
