The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation is excited to announce a new grant aimed at promoting and supporting conservation projects and research initiatives focused on South American viceregal art.
The fellowship will award and distribute up to $50,000 annually among several projects selected by an international jury of experts. This grant is intended for restorers, conservators, museums, and academic institutions, supporting projects that demonstrate significant potential to contribute to the preservation and conservation of South American viceregal art. International applicants, particularly from Latin America, are strongly encouraged to submit proposals.
The Thoma Foundation Conservation Fellowship supports projects in various stages of development, from initial planning to advanced implementation, with the goal of preserving historic works of art and safeguarding South American viceregal heritage.
Projects must involve a conservation professional working individually or leading an interdisciplinary team composed of academic institution or museum staff, scientists, conservators, art historians, and other relevant experts. Grants will be awarded for one to two years, with the expectation that at the end of the term, the fellow will select appropriate channels to disseminate the results of their research.
Applicants are required to submit a complete application form, including a project title, abstract (300-word limit), period of performance, project director information, and a project proposal (seven double-spaced pages, plus up to two optional pages of images/charts/diagrams). The proposal must be organized under the following sections: significance for art of the Spanish Americas and methodology, preservation/conservation research impact, evaluation, curriculum vitae of the project director and key personnel, work plan timeline, and a detailed budget with justification.
The proposal should describe the preservation/conservation challenge addressed, anticipated project outcomes, methodology, and plans for disseminating results. It should also highlight the connections to previous and current efforts in the field and how the outcomes would advance specific theories, practices, or knowledge in the area of viceregal art.
