Participants in the cohort will:

• Learn to use digital tools appropriately and effectively with art collections
• Understand the scope and implications of digital tools (and infrastructure) relevant to organizations with art collections
• Gain knowledge of ways in which the Smithsonian’s digital projects and arts-related resources can support their organization’s needs
• Learn strategies for leading change and practicing leadership at their home organizations
• Engage with other diverse mid-career museum professionals in collective learning experiences
• Be part of a learning cohort where they can learn from and work with both Affiliate and Smithsonian colleagues

The curriculum for the two-week program will be developed specifically to support the needs and interests of the 10 cohort members. The program will mix presentations by Smithsonian staff, small group learning, site visits with deep dives into Smithsonian resources, individual reflection, problem solving exercises, and other interactive learning activities. The VPP will emphasize collaborative learning and dialogue over one-way, teacher-to-student content delivery. There will also be post-program opportunities to connect with Smithsonian colleagues and fellow cohort members to continue talking with and learning from one another.

Full-time, mid-career staff members at Affiliate organizations that have art collections. In accordance with the American Alliance of Museums’ Emerging Professionals group, we are defining mid-career staff as those who are past entry level but not nearing the end of their career, and are not the director of the organization.

Participants will receive a $2,000 stipend plus a travel allowance. The stipend may be used to defray housing costs or in any other way that supports the participant’s stay in Washington. The travel allowance may be used for airfare, train transportation, mileage, and/or parking. Payments are officially distributed by the Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships.

The deadline to apply is February 28, 2019.

Applicants must apply using the Smithsonian online application system https://solaa.si.edu.
Once registered and logged in applicants will need to complete the requested information.

A complete application package must include:

• A current CV or résumé (2 page limit)
• A two-page essay outlining the following:
  • A statement of a problem and/or challenge involving digital programming that the participant will work on during the VPP
  • A statement describing the applicant’s professional experience and personal and professional learning goals for participation
  • A statement addressing how the applicant intends to affect change upon returning to the Affiliate organization
• A completed Certification Form signed by the director or supervisor of the organization indicating permission for the staff member to be at the Smithsonian for two weeks and that the challenge identified by the participant is a priority for the Affiliate. In addition, the signed form will allow the staff member to participate in follow-up, virtual activities with the cohort.
• A letter of reference from the applicant’s director or supervisor

Essential Tips for the Online Application

• Do NOT submit your application until all necessary components are uploaded. Once submitted, you cannot upload or change anything within the application.
• If you have trouble uploading reference letters, you may direct hard copies to:

Regular Mail:
Elizabeth Bugbee
Smithsonian Affiliations
P.O. Box 37012 MRC 942
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

FedEx:
Elizabeth Bugbee
Smithsonian Affiliations
470 L’Enfant Plaza SW
STE 7400
Washington, DC 20024

VPP candidates must complete the application materials, which include a certification form from the director or supervisor of their home organization, an essay, a CV or resume, and a reference letter from their director or supervisor. All application materials are then reviewed and evaluated by Smithsonian Affiliations and an external review committee. Selection criteria are based upon how well the applicant describes the problem/challenge involving digital program design as it relates to art collections; the relationship of the project to the Affiliate organization’s strategic plan or priorities; and the project’s intended outcomes.

Smithsonian Affiliations will provide candidates and Affiliate organizations with information regarding the status of applications and will notify the candidates of final selections. Not all candidates may be accepted.

Participants are expected to complete an evaluation survey and participate in post-residency activities, including two interviews with an evaluator in the year following the program. Project reports may be shared with Smithsonian staff, or used in promotional material as appropriate.

The Smithsonian does not provide housing, nor is there a specific housing office at the Smithsonian. As such, Visiting Professionals are responsible for their own living arrangements during their time at the Smithsonian. Participants may use the $2,000 stipend to cover housing expenses. Below are nearby hotels close to the Smithsonian Affiliations office where coursework will take place.

Hilton Washington DC National Mall
Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol
Mandarin Oriental
Canopy by Hilton- DC Wharf
Hyatt House- DC Wharf
Residence Inn
Hyatt Place