UChicago Faculty
The museum strongly encourages faculty to use its collections and exhibitions within courses and to use original works of art as a tool for teaching in a broad range of disciplines. At the core of the museum's mission is the belief that learning from original works of art in a museum setting is an essential component of a liberal education and a key factor in understanding the world in which we live. Collection acquisition and research as well as exhibition planning often involve the input of university faculty, and faculty members are often take part in our lively series of public programs. The following resources and programs are in place to facilitate this process.
Class Visits
Find details on arranging class visits and tours here. To schedule a guided or self-guided tour, complete this form. To view works in our Education Study Room, use this form.
Collection Research
Details on research opportunities and staff contacts.
Mellon Program
Ongoing exhibition series offering collaborations between University of Chicago faculty and Smart Museum Curator and Mellon Program Coordinator Anne Leonard.
Smart Museum Mellon Grants for Faculty Initiatives
The Smart Museum’s Mellon Program, generously funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, has strengthened connections between the University of Chicago and the Museum since 1992. The Foundation’s support fosters collaboration between Museum staff and University faculty and students; it likewise encourages the integration of the Museum’s collections, exhibitions, and programs into the academic and intellectual life of the University. An important recent gift from the Mellon Foundation has made possible various enhancements to the existing program, including a new Fund for Faculty Initiatives, explained here.
Purpose of the grants
These grants are available to faculty members from any department of the University of Chicago who wish to integrate the collections or exhibitions of the Smart Museum of Art into their research or teaching. Proposals might include but are by no means limited to the following sample initiatives:
- support for new courses involving Smart permanent collection objects or exhibitions
- sponsorship of faculty-suggested lectures or other events relating to Smart collections, exhibitions, or programs
- long-term loans from other museums to support a course offering
- support for faculty publications involving Smart collections or exhibitions
- conservation education
Application for Grants
Grants can be requested in any amount, though most will fall in the $500–$1,500 range. Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis each year until funds are exhausted. Because initiatives will differ in nature, structure, and duration, prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Smart Museum’s Mellon Program Coordinator, Anne Leonard, before submitting a formal proposal. The application cover page (PDF), plus a narrative and budget, will be the typical starting point.
Proposals will be reviewed by Smart Museum staff and evaluated as to feasibility, relevance to Smart collections and exhibitions, and likelihood of completion.