The Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, is accepting submissions for the 2013 Archives of American Art Graduate Research Essay Prize Funded by the Dedalus Foundation, Inc., to be given to compelling original research using the resources of the Archives of American Art as primary evidence.
Authors should present an original argument by marshaling evidence from the holdings of the Archives of American Art. For example, authors may interpret a series of letters or photographs, a diary, oral history interviews. Authors may also analyze a range of primary sources to contextualize and interpret historical events from a fresh perspective.
Submissions that incorporate digital tools such as hyperlinks, mapping, word clouds, text mining, interactive timelines, and social media platforms may be favored. Authors may indicate in the body of the essay where he or she would add or embed digital features that would enhance the online presentation of the essay.
Students may consult original documents by appointment at the Archives' headquarters in Washington, D.C., view more than two million digital files and interviews online through the Archives website, www.aaa.si.edu, or use the substantial microfilm holdings available through interlibrary loan or at the Archives' Washington, D.C. headquarters, New York Research Center at 300 Park Avenue South, and affiliated research centers at the Amon Carter Museum, Boston Public Library, de Young American Art Study Center, and the Huntington Library
The competition is open to anyone currently enrolled in a graduate program in Art History, Visual Culture, American Studies, or related fields.
Review Criteria
- Entries must be in English.
- The entry must not be under consideration for publication elsewhere.
- It is a condition of entry that all entrants assign a non-exclusive license to the Archives of American Art if accepted for publication.
- Word limit: maximum of 8,000 words, inclusive of all footnotes and references.
- More than one prize may be awarded.
- Closing date for submissions: July 1, 2013
- Prize-winners will be notified in writing by September 1, 2013.
- Essays are judged by a panel of scholars of American art and one staff member.
How to Enter
- Submissions should be in Microsoft Word; the total file size should be no larger than 10 MB. Submissions not complying with the specifications will not be accepted.
- Email your submission as an attachment to AAAPrize@si.edu by July 1, 2013, along with the following information:
- Your name, mailing address, email, and phone number
- Your dissertation or thesis topic or title (if known), name of academic advisor, department/program, and university
- How did you become aware of the Archives of American Art Graduate Research Essay Prize
The Prize
- A cash prize of $1,000
- Publication of the essay on the Archives of American Art's website
- One year's free subscription to the Archives of American Art Journal
Questions should be directed to AAAPrize@si.edu
