New Fellowships Announced to Boost South Asian Textile Research and Education
The MAP Academy and Nalli Silks have launched a new Fellowship program to support innovative projects exploring South Asian textile traditions. As textiles from this region play a crucial role in both local and global histories, the initiative seeks to generate renewed interest in these practices among diverse audiences. The MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowships will provide significant support for projects that delve into the production, design, and cultural significance of textiles across South Asia, combining Nalli Silks’ expertise in textile production and design with MAP Academy’s commitment to fostering incisive research in art histories.
About the Fellowships
The Fellowship program offers two types of grants: a Research Fellowship and an Educator Fellowship, each with a budget of up to INR 5,50,000. These Fellowships are designed to support projects focusing on a wide range of textile practices in South Asia, including handmade, machine-made, semi-mechanized, or digitally produced textiles. The grants can be used to cover various project costs such as technology, research fees, maintenance costs, equipment procurement, training materials, travel within South Asia, and other essential resources. Importantly, the Fellowships can be combined with other funding sources to meet specific project requirements.
Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship is aimed at encouraging scholarly inquiry into lesser-known and under-researched textile practices, communities, and histories in South Asia. Proposals are invited for projects that contribute to expanding academic or practice-based research in textiles, draw on existing practices as sources of inspiration, and critically approach the histories of textiles. Projects may involve field research, documentation, and engagement with national archives, cultural institutions, and collections. A particular focus is given to projects that promote knowledge dissemination in South Asian languages through translation-based efforts, innovate on traditional practices, or critically engage with concepts such as sustainability and equitable resource distribution in textile production.
Educator Fellowship
The Educator Fellowship supports projects that aim to disseminate knowledge about South Asian textiles. This includes building curriculums, developing workshops, and conducting fieldwork to educate various audiences on textile practices, techniques, and histories. The Fellowship encourages applications that build course curriculums on the histories of South Asian textiles, develop pedagogical tools, and incorporate fieldwork and community experiences into teaching practices. Projects that explore stakeholder relationships within the textile industry and critically address sustainability issues are also encouraged. Outcomes may include curriculum interventions, workshops, conferences, or the publication of educational materials.
Application Process
Applications for the 2024–25 MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowships are now open, with a deadline of 30th September 2024, 11:59 PM IST. Applicants must be over 18 years of age, based in South Asia, and demonstrate familiarity with relevant textile histories and practices. Proposals must outline tangible outcomes within a year of commencing the Fellowship, and applicants should provide proof of additional funding if required for larger projects.
Applications will be reviewed by a five-member Advisory Committee, including representatives from the MAP Academy, Nalli, and three external specialists in textiles, design, and arts education. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by the end of November 2024.
For more information and to apply, visit MAP Academy Fellowships. Queries can be directed to fellowships@map-india.org. The program currently accepts applications in English, with plans to welcome submissions in other South Asian languages in the future.
By PhotoMail Published on July 25, 2024
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