The Archives of American Art Graduate Research Essay Prize
The Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, is accepting submissions for the Archives of American Art Graduate Research Essay Prize to be given to compelling original research using the resources of the Archives of American Art as primary evidence.
Since its founding in 1954, the Archives of American Art has remained committed to its mission to collect, preserve, and make available for study the historical records of this country’s rich artistic legacy, providing researchers worldwide with access to the largest collection of primary source materials documenting the history of the visual arts in the United States. The collections, consisting of 14,000 linear feet–approximately 16 million items–include letters, diaries, and scrapbooks of artists, dealers, and collectors; manuscripts of critics and scholars; business and financial records of galleries, associations, and clubs; photographs of art world figures and events; sketches and sketchbooks; rare printed material; motion picture film; and oral history interviews.
Students may consult original documents by appointment at the Archives’ headquarters in Washington, DC, view more than a million digital files online through the Archives website at www.aaa.si.edu/collections/online, or use the substantial microfilm holdings available through interlibrary loan or at the Archives’ DC headquarters, New York Research Center at 1285 Avenue of the Americas, and affiliated research centers at the Amon Carter Museum, Boston Public Library, de Young American Art Study Center, and the Huntington Library. For details on our research centers, see Hours and Locations.
REVIEW CRITERIA
The competition is open to anyone currently enrolled in a graduate program in Art History, Visual Culture, American Studies, or related fields.
Entries must be accompanied by an official Archives of American Art Essay Prize Entry Form [PDF].
Essays can be on any topic, provided they are based on the resources of the Archives of American Art.
Entries must be in English.
The entry must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere.
It is a condition of entry that all entrants assign a non-exclusive license to the Archives of American Art if accepted for publication.
Word limit: maximum of 8,000 words, inclusive of all footnotes and references.
More than one prize may be awarded.
Closing date for submissions: April 15, 2012
Prize-winners will be notified in writing by July 1, 2012.
Essays should focus on the holdings of the Archives of American Art, for example using a series of letters or photographs, a diary, oral history interviews or combination of primary sources to contextualize and interpret historical events from an original perspective.
Essays that incorporate the use of interrelated, multimedia layers of information will be favored. This can include digital humanities tools, hyperlinks, mapping, and social media platforms. Indicate in the essay where you would add links, oral history clips, or other innovative features that could enhance the online presentation of the essay.
Essays are judged by three scholars of American art and one staff member, appointed by the director of the Archives of American Art. No members of the Archives’ Board of Trustees may serve as a juror.
How to Enter
Download an Essay Prize Entry Form [PDF]
Submissions should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format; The total file size should be no larger than 4 MB. Submissions not complying with the specifications will not be accepted. Please direct submissions and questions to the Archives of American Art at AAAPrize2012@si.edu
