The Oak Spring Garden Foundation calls application for Oak Spring Fellowship in Plant Conservation Biology 2021. In 2021 the Oak Spring Garden Foundation will award the annual Oak Spring Fellowship in Plant Conservation Biology to one early-career practitioner, scholar, or scientist working on issues related to plant and landscape conservation in the broad sense.  This is the most prestigious award for practicing plant conservation biologists. Generally, this fellowship will be granted to an exceptional individual who is engaged nationally or internationally in research or conservation action to help conserve plants, and the landscapes and ecological systems of which they are part.

Funding and Benefits 

Moreover, the award includes a $10,000 individual grant and requires a two-to-four-week stay at Oak Spring. This fellowship will be granted to an exceptional artist who shows remarkable promise to contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world, and humankind’s place in it.

The Fellow will reside in a nicely appointed, self-catering accommodation during their time at Oak Spring.  The fellow will have a private bedroom and bathroom and share a living room and kitchen.

Role

The individual selected for this award will be asked to spend 2 – 4 weeks at Oak Spring where they will be able to meet with staff, explore Oak Spring Garden Foundation 700-acre landscape and the efforts in sustainable land management and visit the rare book library that holds over 19,000 objects, including many examples of botanical art. The Fellow will have ample time and space to work independently on their own projects during their stay. The only requirement during their time at Oak Spring will be to give one 45-minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other fellows or residents who might be on site.

Eligibilities

• Eligible applicants must be early-career practitioners, scholars, or scientists not enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in 2021.
• The successful Fellow must be self-directed and able to work independently while on site.
• Applicants are expected to show dedication to their artistic practice; clear connection to the natural world in their work, exceptional promise, and good communication skills.

Applications

• A resume/curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages),
• A 200 – 300-word statement on your artistic practice,
• Similarly, a statement of 200 – 300 words stating how your work relates to Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s mission to “perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate, and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. Basically, OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants; including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being,”
• Furthermore, five images or videos of work that best convey your current artistic interests; images or other media must include the year of creation, title, dimensions, and medium.

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