MOIFA Summer Research Fellowship Presentation

MOIFA Summer Research Fellowship

Since its founding in 1953, the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe has built the largest collection of international folk art in the world, along with related archives, and pursued its mission to “shape a humane world by connecting people through creative expression and artistic traditions” through award-winning research-based exhibitions, public programs, and community engagement. Its collection includes objects from more than 100 countries, representing cultures and communities from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania, with additional concentrations in Spanish Colonial Art, Contemporary Hispano & Latino Art, and Textiles and Dress. Founded along with the museum, the Bartlett Library & Archives documents the history of the museum and its exhibitions and provides books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, artist files, and other resources to support research and study related to the museum’s collection and history. 

These holdings offer rich resources for research on folk art traditions – their histories, techniques, meanings, and artists – as well as comparative work and research on the development and workings of a unique museum institution. Potential fellows should identify the particular collection and archive resources they wish to use for their proposed project. We encourage research that will approach MOIFA’s collections and archives from different perspectives, find new ways to work with our diverse holdings, or focus on under-researched aspects of MOIFA’s materials. MOIFA Summer Research Fellows will build lasting relationships and vibrant professional networks by connecting with fellow folklorists and researchers, museum staff, and the local community.