2009 Latino Museum Studies Program (LMSP)

2009 Latino Museum Studies Program (LMSP)

OVERVIEW
Organized by the Smithsonian Latino Center (SLC), the Latino Museum Studies Program (LMSP) was established to enhance leadership and professional excellence in the representation and interpretation of Latino history, art, and culture. The four-week program includes panel sessions, lectures, workshops, and behind the scenes access to
Smithsonian collections. Additionally, fellows work with Smithsonian staff on designated projects and contribute to current exhibitions, programs, and research initiatives in progress at the institution.
Each year up to fifteen mid-career museum professionals and graduate students are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants. Participation is free and includes the cost of round-trip travel to Washington, D.C. and housing accommodations for the duration of the
four-week program.

GOALS
Strengthen academic and professional excellence in the representation of Latino art, culture, and history. Provide a network among the participants, Smithsonian staff, and
guest faculty. Advance research in the areas of Latino art, culture, and history at the Smithsonian. Share and promote Smithsonian Latino collections and resources.

SUMMARY
The first half of the program will cover diverse topics of discussion such as curatorial practice, education, exhibition design, collections management, public programming, and audience development. The format is designed to promote dialogue amongst the faculty and participants on a wide range of topics in the museum and cultural field.
During the second half of the program, fellows will participate in a designated project. This component provides hands-on experience in different areas of museum work such as collecting initiatives, museum-based curriculum development, curatorial work, and on-line education initiatives. At the conclusion of the program, all fellows will be required to deliver a final presentation on their project and complete an assessment of their methodology.
The goal of the projects is to encourage the teams to develop new concepts and theories, and complete research, as well as contribute to current exhibitions, programs and research in progress at the Smithsonian.
Participants are required to complete all four weeks of the program.

CALENDAR
March 6: Online Application
April 17: Deadline for complete application packet
April – May: Application processing
May 15: Selection process finalized
July 12 – August 7: Program

SELECTION CRITERIA
LMSP is open to graduate students and mid-career museum professionals enrolled or engaged in the fields of Latino and Latin American art, culture and history, these include but are not limited to visual arts, sociology, performing arts, literature, cultural anthropology and related studies. Successful candidates should have considerable
research and/or leadership experiences within their field, and hold an active interest in theoretical and practical issues related to museums or other cultural centers.

APPLICATION
The 2009 Latino Museum Studies Program application includes:
-A complete online application form
-Two (2) letters of recommendation

DEADLINE
All application materials are due in the Smithsonian Latino Center office no later than 5 p.m. April 17, 2009. Materials should be sent to:
Express Deliveries:
Latino Museum Studies Program
Smithsonian Latino Center
600 Maryland Avenue, SW
Suite 7042 MRC 512
Washington, DC 20024
Attn: Joanne Flores

U.S. Postal Service/Priority Mail:
Latino Museum Studies Program
Smithsonian Latino Center
P.O. Box 37012 MRC 512
Washington, DC 20013
Attn: Joanne Flores

NOTIFICATION
All applicants will be notified of their application status in May 2009.
For more information, please contact Joanne Flores, Core Programs
Director at 202.633.0807 or email latinoconference@ si.edu.