Which artists, genres, topics, and themes are eligible for the research?
The Redefining Canadian Art History Fellowship is intended to contribute to a fundamental re-working of the narrative of Canadian art history by incentivizing major research projects on the full range of visual culture across the country. The program is focused on projects that propose new research about formerly marginalized topics and artists who are relevant to the study of art in Canada. Projects should be grounded in an archival or museum collection or body of work related to an artist (or group of artists) overlooked due to gender, racial, or cultural background. The program prioritizes research on artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQQIA+, Nonbinary, Gender non-conforming, Deaf, Living with Disabilities, and/or Women.
Can I research more than one artist during the Fellowship?
Yes, you can, if the collection that you are studying is associated with an artist collective or with a group of artists rather than a specific individual. Please keep in mind that the research you undertake must be closely focused, as it must be completed within one year.
Which museums/collections are eligible to be researched for the fellowships?
Any substantial archive of materials related to an artist or group of artists is eligible. The archive might be a public archive in a library or museum, or it might be a privately held archive (held by an artist, private gallery, or foundation, for instance). If you are planning to conduct research in a privately held archive, or about a living artist, you must have permission to do so at the time of application. For projects that focus on a living artist, you must be able to share written permission from the artist with ACI at the time of application.
What is the assessment process for the submissions?
Only complete applications will be considered. An adjudication committee comprised of leading scholars in Canadian art history will assess each application according to the following criteria:
- the applicant’s research ability and relevant experience
- the potential impact of the proposed project for both the applicant and for the field of study
- the applicant’s attention to ethical considerations of the subjects, artists, and communities involved in the research
- the applicant’s plan of access to collections of study, and demonstrated ability to feasibly complete the project within the Fellowship term
Is the fellowship based in Toronto?
ACI’s main office is based in Toronto, but Fellows may live and work anywhere.
I am a student—can these publications be included in my academic work?
A Fellowship project cannot be identical to work being previously or simultaneously completed for another project. However, applicants may consult with their institutions or departments of study to see if the project aligns in a complementary fashion, such as by fulfilling requirements for an independent study.
I have other funding. Can I apply for this fellowship?
It is up to the applicant to ensure there are no funding conflicts.