WASHINGTON, DC.- The National Museum of Women in the Arts announces the inaugural Suzanne and James Mellor Prize, an award of $50,000 to fund original research and authorship of a scholarly volume on a woman artist or subject related to the mission of the museum. This year’s Award Committee will consider book proposals on monographs concerning artists active before 1850.

“The Mellor Prize allows the museum to have a powerful presence in shaping scholarly dialogue on women in the arts,” states NMWA director Susan Fisher Sterling. “The award encourages the highest quality of scholarship in the field. We are extremely grateful to Suzanne and Jim Mellor for this generous contribution and for their continued support of the museum’s academic mission.”

Applicants must submit three copies (if submitting by mail) of the following materials for review by the Award Committee:

Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
10 page prospectus including:
Subject matter
The book’s place in the art historical literature
Intended audience
Author qualifications and track record for completing writing projects
Project timeline
Preliminary budget
Technical specifications
Approximate number and type of illustrations
Preliminary outline
2–5 page abstract
Two samples of previously published scholarly writing
Three letters of recommendation specifically addressing author’s track record of completing projects, scholarship and expertise in proposed subject area

Applications may be mailed to the attention of Jason Stieber, Mellor Prize Competition at 1250 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20005, or may be submitted via email to jstieber@nmwa.org. All applications must be received by April 30, 2009 in order to merit consideration. Questions may be directed to Mr. Stieber, Director of the Library and Research Center at 202-266-2807 .