Guggenheim Fellowship

Not to be confused with the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowship (Smithsonian Institution).

Guggenheim Fellowships are grants that have been awarded annually since 1925 (1925) by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, endowed by the late Simon and Olga Hirsh Guggenheim.[1] These awards are bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated distinguished accomplishment in the past and potential for future achievement. The recipients exhibit outstanding aptitude for prolific scholarship or exceptional talent in the arts.[2][3][4]

The foundation holds two separate competitions each year:[5]

  • One open to citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada.
  • The other to citizens and permanent residents of Latin America and the Caribbean. The Latin America and Caribbean competition is currently suspended "while we examine the workings and efficacy of the program. The U.S. and Canadian competition is unaffected by this suspension."[6]

The performing arts are excluded from these fellowships, but composers, film directors, and choreographers are still eligible to apply. While students are not qualified to apply, advanced professionals in mid-career, such as published authors, are encouraged to do so. Upon receipt of the grant, Fellows are free to use the funds however they deem fit.[7][1] The goal of the grant is to provide recipients with dedicated time and freedom to pursue their projects or artistic endeavours, while being relieved of their regular duties.[8][9] Applicants are required to submit references as well as a CV and portfolio.

As of 2023, the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has funded over 18,000 Fellows with a total sum of almost $400 million since its inception.[10] Each year, the foundation receives a high number of applications; since its formation it has seen anywhere between 500 and 4,000 applications.[5][7][8] Out of these, approximately 175 Fellowships are awarded.[11] The size of each grant varies and the amount and duration of the grant is adjusted based on the individual needs of the recipients,[12] taking into consideration their other resources and the purpose and scope of their plans. The average grant awarded is between $40,000 and $55,000.[13][14]

  1. ^ a b "Guggenheimers". TIME Magazine. 27 (14). June 1936.
  2. ^ "Electronic Cafe International Founders Kit Galloway and Sherrie Rabinowitz Named Guggenheim Fellows". Cultural Studies. 14 (1): 132–133. January 2000.
  3. ^ "Eleven Researchers, Artistes Awarded Prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships". News India Times. 49 (16): 12. 2018-04-20.
  4. ^ "Several Indian-Americans Among 2022 Guggenheim Fellows". News India Times. 53 (16): 10. 2022-04-22.
  5. ^ a b "Guggenheim Fellowships Awards 2011". Art Nexus. 10 (82): 58–60. September 2011.
  6. ^ "How to Apply". John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  7. ^ a b "Several Of Indian Origin Among 171 Recipients Of Prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship". News India Times. 54 (17): 7. 2023-04-28.
  8. ^ a b Elfman, Lois (July 2021). "CUNY Professor Wins Guggenheim Fellowship". Women in Higher Education (10608303). 30 (7): 13–15. doi:10.1002/whe.21015.
  9. ^ Little, Myles (2015-04-14). "Photojournalist Moises Saman Receives Guggenheim Fellowship". Time.com: N.PAG.
  10. ^ "ANNOUNCING THE 2023 GUGGENHEIM FELLOWS". John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation... Retrieved 2024-03-14.
  11. ^ "The Fellowship". John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Archived from the original on 2015-03-31. Retrieved 2009-08-11.
  12. ^ "At Least Four Individuals Of Indian Origin Win Prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship For 2021". News India Times. 52 (17): 12. 2021-04-23.
  13. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Archived from the original on 2015-03-16. Retrieved 2009-08-11.
  14. ^ Jones, Dylon (July 2014). "The End of Striving". Louisville Magazine. 65 (7): 93–103.