The Robert Motherwell and Renate Ponsold Research Fellowship Application

Key Details

• Stipend: Up to $25,000 per fellow plus travel and housing allowance up to $5,000
• Duration: 1 year
• Deadline: November 2, 2026 (11:59 ET)

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a public lecture, a video interview, and the Biennial Art History Symposium at PAAM by the conclusion of the Fellowship
• Submit a final report highlighting research notes pertinent to the purpose of the Fellowship
• Submit a scholarly manuscript based on research conducted during the Fellowship

Requirements

• 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
• 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
• Applicants who do individually qualify for the Fellowship may submit applications with a research team

About Provincetown Art Association and Museum

Established in 1914 by a group of artists and townspeople, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum builds a permanent collection of works by artists of outer Cape Cod and exhibits art that allows for unification within the community.

Project Focus

Projects that broaden and diversify scholarship on Provincetown art and artists are required.