The Museum of Modern Art. Photo by Brett Beyer:Diller Scofidio + Renfro:Gensler
The initiative is fully funded by the Ford Foundation, which typically provides grants to small and midsize institutions in support of diversity efforts, rather than to institutions of MoMA’s size. The museum is currently seeking nominations through its website for the residencies, and self-nomination is allowed. MoMA has stated that it is seeking those whose studies address “historically underrepresented artists, moments, movements, and geographies, or offers new perspectives on art-historical topics.” Scholars working in a wide range of disciplines, including art, writing, and choreography, will be considered. Nominations close January 12, and the inaugural trio is to be named in April.
“Museums and cultural scholars are critical to our understanding of the arts, and in turn our perspective of the world around us,” said Ford Foundation president Darren Walker. “We are honored to support the Ford Foundation Scholars in Residents Program at MoMA and advance creative, diverse, and innovative thinking about the role contemporary and modern art plays in our society today.