As the founder of the West African Museums Programme (1982-87) and Chief Curator of the National Museum of African Art (1987-97), Philip L Ravenhill was a major creative force in the study, collection, preservation, and exhibition of African art.

The Philip L Ravenhill Fellowship is awarded annually to an African art historian, cultural anthropologist, museum curator, or visual artist. The Fellowship is intended to give deserving individuals the opportunity to travel, conduct research, or practice their art in North American or European museums or educational institutions.

Preference is given to young or mid-career scholars or artists who have not recently had the opportunity to travel internationally. Support may be requested for periods of one to three months, and applications will be funded up to US $7,500. Successful applicants will have demonstrated accomplishment in research related to or practice of contemporary or traditional African arts. Fellowship recipients will be expected to deliver one lecture or give one critique and to make themselves available to staff, faculty and students at the host institution.

All applicants must be citizens of an African country, although not necessarily current resident of Africa. The following materials must be included in support of the application: Resumé or curriculum vitae and a description of no more than 1,000 words clearly explaining the project to be undertaken and the expected outcome (e.g. monograph, chapter, article, exhibition).. An official letter written by the department head of the proposed host institution (museum, art school, college, or university) is required, confirming approval of the applicant's proposed collaboration with that institution.

Three letters of reference from professional employers, mentors,or colleagues must be provided as well as projected dates of travel and length of residency. The name and address of a contact person at the proposed host institution should be supplied as well as a detailed budget including travel expenses, living expenses, and supplies. Visual artists should supply 10 to 20 35mm slides of recent work (or digital equivalent).

All applications are due on June 15, 2004, and should be sent to John Mack, Keeper, Ethnography Department, British Museum, Great Russell St., London WC1B 3DG.

Questions should be directed to Marla C Berns, UCLA Fowler Museum,berns@arts.ucla.edu