Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF)

The Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF) program provides visual artists from around the world the opportunity to work with Smithsonian museums, research sites, collections, and scholars in self‑directed research that inspires new artwork. Fellows spend one to two months in residence at the Smithsonian, gaining access to unparalleled collections, archives, laboratories, and field sites across the United States and abroad. The fellowship is nomination‑only; artists must be nominated by a Smithsonian curator, researcher, or an external nominator. The 2026 cycle opens for nominations on October 15, 2026, with the application deadline on January 28, 2027. The program does not charge an application fee. Selected fellows receive studio space, access to collections and experts, and the chance to develop new work that bridges art, science, history, and culture.

1‑2 month residency, studio/workspace, access to Smithsonian collections, archives, laboratories, scholars, and research sites.

Open to visual artists worldwide; nomination required; nominees must have a demonstrated record of artistic accomplishment; undergraduate students and MFA candidates are not eligible.