The Ebrahimi Fellowship for Persian Art promotes excellence in research and publication on Persian art from the ancient to the contemporary period. Fellowships support research at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC. Research proposals are evaluated in terms of merit, originality, methodology, and potential for significant publication that will advance scholarly and public understanding of Persian visual arts. Interdisciplinary proposals with a primary focus on Iranian visual arts will be considered.
The Ebrahimi Fellowship is intended to provide an environment conducive to research, writing, and collegial discourse. Fellows are expected to devote themselves full-time to the proposed project, to participate in the museum’s scholarly community and programs, and to present a research-in-progress seminar during the period of the appointment.
Scholars of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Meeting the requirements and obtaining the required visas for residence and research in the United States are the responsibilities of the applicant. If necessary, the Smithsonian will review the individual for participation in an Exchange Visitor Program and will support the individual, if eligible, in their application for a J-1 Visa. This fellowship is offered in partnership with the American Institute for Iranian Studies.
Doctoral candidates, early career scholars, and senior scholars are all encouraged to apply.
Term
Awards will be made for a period of up to three months and are not renewable. Appointments must take place in 2025-2026.
Stipend
The maximum stipend is $15,000. It will be prorated for shorter terms (approximately $5,000 per month). Additional support not to exceed $3,000 may be provided for approved research and travel expenses.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 3, 2025. Notification of awards will be sent in March.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English and must include:
- Curriculum vitae with contact information and complete list of publications
- Research proposal consisting of a précis (150 words) and a narrative (maximum length 1,500 words). The proposal should address previous relevant research and published results, the significance and originality of the current project to the study of the arts of Iran (from ancient to contemporary) or related disciplines, methodology, bibliography, and the projected schedule of research and writing.
- List of up to 5 objects you would like to view at NMAA, including an explanation of why they are important to your research and the links from https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/collections/search/. If you are interested in the Archives, please list particular areas of focus with justification.
- Detailed budget and justification for projected research expenses not to exceed $3,000.
- Two letters of recommendation emailed to FreerResearchCenter@si.edu. Reviewers should comment on the merits of the proposal and the feasibility of the research plan as well as the candidate’s potential for original contribution to the field of art history.
The finalists may be invited to participate in Zoom interviews.
For more information or to submit application materials, please email the Freer Research Center at FreerResearchCenter@si.edu.
