The Robert Motherwell and Renate Ponsold Research Fellowship Application

Thank you for your interest in the Robert Motherwell and Renate Ponsold Research Fellowship at PAAM.

All materials must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. EST on June 1, 2026 for consideration. Application progress is not saved, please review the application and prepare all materials in advance of your submission. Below you will be asked to provide the names, emails, and phone numbers for two appropriate references, one must be from an art history professional (the other may be from a professional working in a related field). In addition, please send your references your Research Proposal directly as well as the Letter to Referees from PAAM.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPLICATION

• Applicants must already hold or be enrolled and working toward a PhD in art history, curatorial studies, or a related field.
• Postgraduate fellows, professors, curators, or other art history professionals may apply to support their research and writing on the art or artists of Outer Cape Cod.
• Students enrolled in accredited PhD-level art history programs may apply for support for their dissertation research. By the time an appointment begins, the students’ university must approve the undertaking of research at PAAM and certify that all requirements for graduation other than the dissertation have been met.
• Applicants who individually qualify for this fellowship may submit applications with a research team. Additional team members may but do not need to individually qualify for the application to be eligible.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

• All application materials must be complete and submitted on time.
• Applications are evaluated by a panel of scholars in American Art based on the following criteria: the proposal’s merit; the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research and study; the likelihood that the research could be completed in the requested time; demonstrated commitment to equity and accessibility; two letters of recommendation, at least one by an art history professional (one may be from a professional working in a related field); the extent to which PAAM, through its staff members and resources, could contribute to the research and professional goals of the Fellow.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT

• All applicants must fill out an application form and submit a specific and detailed research proposal indicating why PAAM/Provincetown is an appropriate place to carry out the study. Projects that broaden and diversify the research specific to Provincetown art and artists are encouraged.
• All Fellows are expected to spend some time at PAAM carrying out their research; however, Fellows may divide their time between Provincetown and their home base.
• Upon completion of the fellowship the Fellow will participate in a video interview with PAAM’s Digital Content Officer.
• The Fellow will participate in the Biennial Art History Symposium at PAAM following the completion of their fellowship.

STIPENDS AND ALLOWANCES

• A stipend up to $25,000 per Fellow plus travel and housing allowance up to $5,000. Please note the maximum stipend and travel and housing allowance potentially granted does not change if the applicant is an individual or research team. Housing and travel are to be arranged by the Fellow, although PAAM is available for assistance in locating accommodations.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION DEADLINE

• Application opens March 16, 2026 and closes June 1, 2026 at 12:00pm EST.

Application