Congratulations to the 2020 Craft Research Fund Graduate Awardees!

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Center for Craft 25th anniversary logo in red

for Scholars

Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant

Grants up to $5,000 awarded to currently enrolled master’s students pursuing thesis research related to U.S. craft history or theory.

Molly Robinson, 2020 Graduate Grant Recipient. “Basket and Palm Rose.” Courtesy of the recipient.

The graduate grant is one of three categories that make up the Craft Research Fund, a visionary program dedicated to supporting scholarly craft research in United States. Since 2005 the Center annually grants $95,000 to academic researchers, independent scholars, curators, and graduate students writing, revising, and reclaiming the history of craft. In 2019, the Center added an additional $40,000 Artist Fellowship category to support the creation of new research and knowledge through craft practice.

Grant goals

Encourage

To encourage innovative research on critical issues in craft theory and history

Expand

To investigate neglected questions on craft history and criticism

Support

To support new cross-disciplinary approaches to scholarship in craft

Overview

Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant

The Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant is currently on hiatus.
For the 2022 grant cycle, we encourage MA students to apply for
the Craft Research Fund Project grant. For more information, visit
https://www.centerforcraft.org/grants-and-fellowships/craft-research-fund-project-grant.

Details

  • Award Amount:
  • Up to $5,000
  • Grant Period:
  • 7 months

Timeline

  • Applications Open:
  • TBD
  • Grant Orientation:
  • TBD
  • Deadline:
  • TBD
  • Notification:
  • TBD
  • Grant Period Begins:
  • TBD
  • Grant Period Ends:
  • TBD

2021 Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant - Eligibility

Applications are welcome from students enrolled in a humanities-based graduate program (MA) at an accredited college or university for grants up to $5,000 to support research for a thesis project relating to craft in the United States.

- No capital equipment purchases, tuition or living expenses are eligible for support.

- For the purpose of this grant, the Center for Craft requires that all grant recipients provide financial renumeration to working artists for their time, labor, and services rendered towards the awarded project scope and goals. For renumeration estimates, we recommend consulting the floor wages listed on the Working Artists and the Greater Economy (W.A.G.E.) fee calculator website for comparison: https://wageforwork.com/fee-calculator#top

- Applicants must be able to receive taxable income for the duration of the grant and report this grant as income. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

-Applicants cannot be disqualified persons, such as substantial contributors to the Center for Craft as well as current employees, consultants, or board members of the Center for Craft, or immediate family members of such a person

This grant is specifically for students pursuing an master’s degree in a humanities field. Students pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or are applying to support the creation of their own artwork are not eligible to apply.  Students interested in support for PhD research should apply for a Craft Research Fund - Project grant.

Examples of scholarly craft research might include:

  • Research addressing work by historically important or contemporary craft artist/s
  • Presenting a new understanding of the relationship between hand-made production and digital technologies
  • Contributions to the history of the studio craft movement
  • Or other topics that offer fresh perspectives within the field

The Center for Craft prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based on sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability or perceived disability, age, marital status, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected category. The Center encourages applications from historically under-represented populations. Submitting an application does not constitute a promise or guarantee of being awarded a grant or fellowship

2021 Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant – Requirements

- Seventy percent of the grant will be awarded upon execution of the grant agreement and receipt of the awardee’s W9.

- The final thirty percent will be awarded upon receipt of a final report, to include a project narrative, a budget report, and two copies of the final thesis for inclusion in the Craft Research Fund Study Collection at the Center for Craft.

- The Center for Craft reserves the right to limit support of a project to a particular portion(s) or cost(s).

- Project and final report must be completed in six months grant period.

- Recipients will acknowledge support from “Center for Craft - Craft Research Fund” in any publications or presentations resulting from the grant.

2021 Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant - Review Process

A panel composed of craft curators, faculty, and/or scholars will review proposals and evaluate them based on the following criteria:

 - The thesis or dissertation topic relates to one or more of the goals of the Craft Research Fund program.

 - The student demonstrates familiarity with existing research on the topic

 - The proposed research is feasible based on the timeline, expertise and budget reflected in the application.

- The research will advance scholarship and knowledge about craft in the United States.

- Representation and/or visibility - priority will be given to those who are underrepresented in the field.

-The research is consistent with and furthers the mission of the Center for Craft.

Considerations in final selection:

  • The Center for Craft respects, values, and celebrates the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. We foster open communication of diverse perspectives and bring a broad range of individuals together to enrich and support programming. Ultimately we will ask the Selection Panel to compose a set of recipients deserving of further recognition while prioritizing diversity, both in and outside of academia, and representing a range of geographies, materials, and communities served.

The Center for Craft reserves the right to limit support of a project to a particular portion(s) or cost(s).

2021 Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant - How to Apply

DEADLINE: The application for 2021 Graduate Research Grants must be submitted via SlideRoom no later than 11:59 pm EST on October 1, 2020.

NOTIFICATION: Notification of the results will be sent via e-mail no later than mid-November for a start date of December 1, 2020. The e-mail address listed on the application form will be used to send out notifications. Please be sure that it is a valid account that you check regularly.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must apply using the online application program SlideRoom at http://www.centerforcraft.slideroom.com. Please review the sample application below before beginning your application.

All applicants should create a login to be able to partially complete the form and return to finish it at a later date. Before submitting your application, you will be directed to a confirmation page where you will be able to review your form and return to edit or delete your uploaded files as needed. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to access your form again. Applicants will receive a confirmation email once the application form has been successfully submitted.

2021 Craft Research Fund – Graduate Grant SAMPLE APPLICATION

This is only a sample application, all applications much be completed in SlideRoom.

Cover sheet

 1. Name (applicant/s and or organization) 

 2. Your title (including degree sought, university and expected date of graduation) 

 3. Provide either your personal website or project website

 4. Grant amount requested (up to $5,000) 

 5. Are you over 18? (yes or no) 

6. Are you able to receive taxable income for the duration of the project period? (yes or no) 

7. Please provide a project title (up to 15 words/ 85 character limit) 

8. Please provide a summary of your research proposal (no more than 50 words/ 300 character limit) 

Application

 1. Please provide a one page summary of your proposal addressing the following (500 words/ 3,000 character limit) : 

  • Research question and relevance to advancement of craft in the United States
  • Research methodology

 2. Timeline for completing research. Projects must be completed by May 31, 2021 (7 months from start date) 10,000 character limit

 3.  Identify three other scholars who have written significant works on/around your topic, and describe how your work parallels and pushes the topic forward (500 words or less/ 3,000 character limit).

 4. Completed budget Expense Form provided in SlideRoom. (Examples for Expenses: Support Stipends/Honoraria (List artists with names); itemized by location- Travel/Expenses (include lodging and meals); Contracted Services (such as photography); Materials/Equipment. Please list no more than 50 items.)

5. Completed budget Income Form provided in SlideRoom. (Please list the total amount requested from the Craft Research Fund here. If you have additional sources of secured or anticipated (prospected) income, please list them here. Examples for Income: other grants secured/prospected; support from institutions (school or university support); in-kind support (for example: percentages of salaries or hourly rates for time commitments). Please list no more than 50 items.)

 6. Provide a budget narrative to explain any line items if necessary (300 words max/ 2,000 character limit

 7. Attachment: CV of relevant education and experience (no more than 2 pages)

 8. Attachment: Description of research, how it relates to your thesis, and how the research relates to the goals of the Craft Research Fund (no more than 5 pages in no less than 12 point type).

 9. Bibliography with at least 10 sources. (6,000 character limit) 

 10. Requested through SlideRoom application: One supporting letter from your primary advisor. Reference letter request is sent via SlideRoom and is due at the same time as the application, October 1 (11:59pm EST) 2020.

 11. Attachment: Optional single page PDF of image/s, if this will compliment or add clarity to the proposal.

2021 Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant - FAQ

Can my graduate advisor write a supporting letter of reference for me?

Yes, and we recommend that graduate advisors write letters of support for applicants.

Where can I find information about previous recipients of the Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant?

Check out our online Grant Recipient Archive here. You can sort by grant opportunity by clicking on “Grant” or search “Graduate” in the search Filter.

What is the final deadline for submitting my online application form?

The application for 2021 Graduate Research Grants must be submitted via SlideRoom no later than 11:59 pm EST on October 1, 2020.

What if my  proposed timeline is affected by COVID-19?

If your proposed timeline is affected by COVID-19, requests for extensions up to 6 additional  months may be made after the grant is awarded.

May I mail a hard copy of my application materials to the Center for Craft’s office?

No, hard copy submissions will not be accepted. The application must be completed and submitted through SlideRoom.

Can I work on my application and return to complete it at a later date?

Yes, creating a login account will enable you to complete the form in several online sessions.

I just submitted my application but I want to return to it and make an edit. Is this possible?

No, once your application is submitted, you will not be able to return to the form or change any submitted information. The application fee must also be paid at the time of submitting your application as you will not be able to log-in again to access the payment page again.

I have a question that wasn’t answered. How can I reach the Center for Craft?

If you have any further questions, please contact grants@centerforcraft.org.

recipients

Meet the 2020
Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant Recipients

The Center for Craft is pleased to announce the recipients of 2020 Craft Research Fund Graduate Grants.

Colleen Pokorny

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-

$4,805.04

Support for research related to the graduate thesis of Colleen Pokorny (M.A. Apparel Studies, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Class of 2020). Innovation in Craft: A Mixed Methods Study on Pre-cut Fabrics Impact on Quilt Making will explore how the innovation of pre-cut fabrics impacts quilting practices, quilt designs, and awareness of the historical craft of quilt-making for the Under 45 Quilter.

Learn more

Molly Robinson

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-

$2,005.00

Support for research related to the graduate thesis of Molly Robinson (M.A. Folklore, University of California at Berkeley, Class of 2021). Coiling History: An Exploration of Seagrass Baskets in Lowcountry South Carolina explores the environmental history of coastal South Carolina by tracking the changing materiality and social roles of Lowcountry seagrass baskets.

Learn more

recipients

Meet the 2020
Craft Research Fund Graduate Grant Recipients

The Center for Craft is pleased to announce the recipients of 2020 Craft Research Fund grants. This year 11 organizations, curators, scholars, and graduate students will receive a total of $94,310.04 to support craft-centered research, exhibitions, catalogs, and projects in the United States.

2 out of 4 Graduate Research Grant proposals awarded.

Colleen Pokorny

 — 

$4,805.04

Innovation in Craft: A Mixed Methods Study on Pre-cut Fabrics Impact on Quilt Making

Support for research related to the graduate thesis of Colleen Pokorny (M.A. Apparel Studies, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Class of 2020). Innovation in Craft: A Mixed Methods Study on Pre-cut Fabrics Impact on Quilt Making will explore how the innovation of pre-cut fabrics impacts quilting practices, quilt designs, and awareness of the historical craft of quilt-making for the Under 45 Quilter.

LEARN MORE

Molly Robinson

 — 

$2,005.00

Coiling History: An Exploration of Seagrass Baskets in Lowcountry South Carolina

Support for research related to the graduate thesis of Molly Robinson (M.A. Folklore, University of California at Berkeley, Class of 2021). Coiling History: An Exploration of Seagrass Baskets in Lowcountry South Carolina explores the environmental history of coastal South Carolina by tracking the changing materiality and social roles of Lowcountry seagrass baskets.

LEARN MORE

Colleen Pokorny

 — 

$4,805.04

Innovation in Craft: A Mixed Methods Study on Pre-cut Fabrics Impact on Quilt Making

Support for research related to the graduate thesis of Colleen Pokorny (M.A. Apparel Studies, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Class of 2020). Innovation in Craft: A Mixed Methods Study on Pre-cut Fabrics Impact on Quilt Making will explore how the innovation of pre-cut fabrics impacts quilting practices, quilt designs, and awareness of the historical craft of quilt-making for the Under 45 Quilter.

Molly Robinson

 — 

$2,005.00

Coiling History: An Exploration of Seagrass Baskets in Lowcountry South Carolina

Support for research related to the graduate thesis of Molly Robinson (M.A. Folklore, University of California at Berkeley, Class of 2021). Coiling History: An Exploration of Seagrass Baskets in Lowcountry South Carolina explores the environmental history of coastal South Carolina by tracking the changing materiality and social roles of Lowcountry seagrass baskets.

Colleen E. Terrell- $2,630

Bard Graduate Center

This project will draw on primary source material and archival documents to provide a focused, nuanced account of the American Craft Council’s “Craft Horizons” magazine’s content, intent, and role in the American studio craft movement in the postwar years (ca. 1950-1979).

Learn more

Eliza West- $5,000

Lois F. McNeil Fellow, Winterthur Program in American Material Culture

The craft of fulling (shrinking and felting) is essential to the production of woolen textiles, but its role in defining the end uses of textiles is not well understood. This project will recreate and full historic textiles using period techniques in order to better understand the importance of this craft.

Learn more

Selection Panelists

  • Elizabeth Essner is an independent curator, writer, and researcher based in Brooklyn, New York. A 2017 Curatorial Fellow with the Center for Craft, Elizabeth has curated exhibitions for institutions including the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum Ceramics Research Center, UrbanGlass, and the Woodlands, a historic house inPhiladelphia. Elizabeth serves as a researcher for two forthcoming craft-focused publications and is currently working on an exhibition about the history of Peters Valley School of Craft. She received her MA from the Bard Graduate Center in New York.
  • Dr. Catherine L. Futter is the Senior Curator of Decorative Arts at Brooklyn Museum. As the former Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, she completed several reinstallation projects for the museum as well as a major international loan traveling exhibition, Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at World’s Fairs, 1851–1939.
  • Dr. Anya Montiel is an Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Arizona. She teaches courses in Native American art, museum studies, and global arts and crafts. Previously she worked in the museum field for more than ten years, including eight years at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Field Building

The Craft Research Fund program is administered by the Center for Craft and supported by the Windgate Foundation.

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