Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Cambridge Fellowship opportunity for Scholars in Africa

Cambridge/Africa Collaborative Research Programme 2012-13

The Centre of African Studies invites applications for the Collaborative Research Programme around the theme of Art and Museums in Africa from candidates in all the disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Applications from scholars working in NGOs, research institutes, academia, libraries, and museums are all welcome.  Applicants from non-English speaking African countries are also encouraged, provided candidates can demonstrate a competent grasp of English.  The appointments will take place from 1 October 2012 - 31 March 2013 and are non-renewable.  Fellows will be affiliated to a Cambridge college.  Each award is worth up to £10,000; out of which travel, accommodation, maintenance costs and medical insurance will be paid by the Centre on behalf of the fellow.

The closing date for applications is 1 October 2011

Art and Museums in Africa

African art has long been globally famous but has also been controversial both intellectually and politically.  Most obviously, the scramble for African art engaged in by western museums and art collectors has been condemned as an appropriation, as has the borrowing of forms and motifs derived from African arts by European modernist artists.  Within disciplines such as art history and anthropology, there has been much argument about appropriate methods and concepts for the study of African art traditions.  In the epoch of decolonization efforts were made to establish new museums in African states, relevant to local aspirations and new national cultures.  Over the same period efforts have been made to revive customary art practices, and to create new craft industries, sometimes in the context of post-conflict and AIDS-prevention community projects.  Over the last 50 years modernist and contemporary arts have also emerged and have gained increasing international recognition, while typically lacking secure financial or institutional support within African states.

This theme aims to support a wide range of interests in historical and contemporary arts in Africa and in changing practices in local and national museums and art institutions.

The University follows an equal opportunities policy.

An application package may be downloaded from our website:

www.african.cam.ac.uk or contact the Centre by emailing: centre@african.cam.ac.uk

This programme is generously supported by the Leverhulme Trust and the Isaac Newton Trust


University of Cambridge
Centre of African Studies
The Mond Building
Free School Lane
Cambridge CB2 3RF UK

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