The Robert Motherwell and Renate Ponsold Research Fellowship and Scholars Endowment

RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

The Robert Motherwell and Renate Ponsold Research Fellowship is a one-year, low-residency program that supports one doctoral-level scholar annually in conducting original research on the visual art and artists of Outer Cape Cod.

Research Fellows utilize PAAM’s collections, archives, and research resources to develop projects that contribute to the scholarly understanding of the region’s cultural history. By the conclusion of the Fellowship, recipients are expected to participate in a public lecture, a video interview, and the Biennial Art History Symposium at PAAM. Fellows are also expected to submit a final report highlighting research notes pertinent to the purpose of the Fellowship and a scholarly manuscript based on research conducted during the Fellowship. Projects that broaden and diversify scholarship on Provincetown art and artists are required.

The Fellowship will be awarded each year to a PhD holder working as a professor, curator, art history professional, etc. pursuing independent research. This opportunity is also open to a PhD student enrolled in accredited art history, curatorial, or related program conducting dissertation research. Student applicants must receive university approval confirming that all degree requirements, aside from the dissertation, have been met prior to the Fellowship start date. Individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements may partner with an individual/multiple individuals that do meet the requirements and submit applications as a research team. Additionally, applicants who do individually qualify for the 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.

Applications are reviewed by a panel and evaluated based on the scholarly merit of the proposal, applicant’s ability to carry out the project, feasibility within the proposed timeline, demonstrated commitment to equity and accessibility, alignment between PAAM’s resources and the applicant’s research goals, and the two letters of recommendation. 

Each year the Research Fellow is awarded a stipend of up to $25,000 and a travel and housing allowance of 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. Fellows arrange their own travel and accommodations, with assistance available from PAAM as needed. While the program is low-residency, Fellows are expected to spend time conducting research on-site in Provincetown.

Required application materials include: Research Summary, Research Proposal, Curriculum Vitae, Academic Transcripts (for all applicants other than senior scholars), and References.

Complete applications must be submitted online via forms found here. All materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 2, 2026 for consideration. Join the mailing list below to receive periodic updates about this fellowship.

SCHOLARS ENDOWMENT

Established in 2024 by the Ponsold Motherwell Charitable Trust, the Robert Motherwell and Renate Ponsold Scholars Endowment promotes research and scholarship on Provincetown art and artists.

Through its Research Fellowship and Biennial Art History Symposium, the endowment fund aims to build a lasting body of art-historical literature and archive that focuses on the visual arts of Outer Cape Cod, with a primary emphasis on the art and artists of Provincetown.

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