$1,500 Graduate Research Scholarships for Research on Early Texas Art

CASETA, the Center for the Advancement and Study of Early Texas Art, is pleased to announce two $1,500 Graduate Research Scholarships for students pursuing original research on early Texas art and/or artists. Graduate students in Texas public and private universities are invited to submit a proposal for an original / primary research project on early Texas art and/or artists that is endorsed and supported by a faculty mentor. These scholarships are for the support of research not yet undertaken.

Scholarship Award

Each scholarship will provide $750 in "up front" money to be applied toward the completion of the project. Upon completion of the project, the remaining $750 will be paid. The award can be paid directly to the recipient or through their institution if the institution agrees to administer the scholarship. If desired, each recipient will be linked with an appropriate contact person with expertise in early Texas art – a curator, a collector, or a scholar who agrees to work with the recipient and their faculty mentor during the research process by facilitating contacts and making primary research materials available.

Purpose of Scholarships

• To promote and reward original research on early Texas art and artists by young and emerging scholars in public and private institutions of higher learning in Texas

• To contribute to the literature and documentation of early Texas art and artists

What is Early Texas Art?

As defined by the Center for the Advancement and Study of Early Texas Art (CASETA), early Texas art is work produced by artists who were born in and/or lived and worked in Texas from 1820 until 40 years prior to the present date.

What is Original Research?

Original research is primary research and refers to unpublished facts, arguments, concepts, statements, or theories. The term also applies to any unpublished analysis or synthesis of published material that appears to advance a position, or amounts to an original narrative or historical interpretation.

Who May Apply?

Any graduate student enrolled in a Texas public or private university.

Requirements of a Complete Application

Each applicant will submit the following material to CASETA by March 1, 2009:

• A completed Application Cover Sheet

• A 1500 word proposal (typed, double spaced, 12pt. font) which clearly outlines the proposed research, the methodologies that will be utilized, a timeline for the research, and the anticipated outcomes. It is anticipated that most projects will be completed within one academic year. However, a recipient may apply for an extension of up to six months if there are legitimate reasons for needing extra time to complete the project. A request for an extension must have the endorsement of the faculty mentor.

• A letter of endorsement and/or support from the applicant’s faculty mentor.

• An indication of whether a link with a person with expertise in early Texas art is desired.

Materials should be submitted as a packet electronically to cd26@txstate.edu or by mail to:

CASETA
601 University Drive
Brazos 112
San Marcos, TX 78666

Awards will be announced no later than May 15, 2009.

Selection Criteria

• The subject of the research must be some aspect of the history of art in Texas between 1820 and 40 years prior to the present date. A project treating a broader subject will be eligible for the award only if an aspect of early Texas art history is its primary concern

• The research should manifest originality of conception, thoroughness, rigor of argument, significance of findings, and clarity of expression

• The research may reflect any relevant art historical methodology relevant to the history of art, although work that furthers knowledge of an artist's oeuvre or a group of artists is especially encouraged

• The research must hold the promise of resulting in an article-length manuscript or some other form of publication

Selection Process

A distinguished panel of three to five scholars on art history, early Texas art, and Texas history will be selected by CASETA each year to read the submitted proposals and select the scholarship recipients.

Reporting Requirements

Upon completion of the project, the researcher will submit to CASETA:

• a complete manuscript with complete documentation (typed, double spaced, 12pt. font); electronic submissions are acceptable

• high quality reproductions of all images included in the manuscript

• reproduction permissions for all images used in the manuscript (associated costs can be negotiated with CASETA over and above the scholarship amount)

• written permission for CASETA to post the completed manuscript and images on the CASETA website

Recipients are encouraged to seek other avenues for sharing their research such as presentation at professional meetings, publications, and other electronic venues.

Click here to download the Scholarship Application

Completed research may be submitted for consideration for CASETA awards. Visit our Awards page for a complete description.

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