ARISC collaborative heritage management in Armenia grant – open

Source: ARISC FB page

Deadline: March 17, 2017
Contact Information: info “at” arisc. org

Project Description:
The American Research Institute of the South Caucasus invites proposals from collaborative teams in support of the preservation and conservation of the Republic of Armenia’s archaeological and historical heritage. This ARISC program, generously funded by Project Discovery!, seeks to foster joint work between American and Armenian scholars and institutions dedicated to the proper curation and preservation of heritage materials such as artifacts, sites, and manuscripts. Successful applications will demonstrate substantive collaborations that not only contribute to heritage conservation but also demonstrate efforts to build capacity and enhance local knowledge of current techniques and approaches to heritage management. These grants require active participation of both American and Armenian principal investigators in all aspects of the collaborative project.

Examples of potential projects include:

- Restoration of threatened archaeological remains
- Stabilization of historical resources
- Long-term protection for archaeological sites or historical monuments
- Curation and permanent exhibition of heritage materials
- Cataloging and recording of collections
- Digitization of heritage materials for wider public access
- Enhancement of conservation lab facilities
- Advanced training for specialists
- Given the level of funding, these awards can also be used as seed grants to demonstrate the feasibility of a pilot program and/or in concert with funds from parallel sources.

Grantees will be required to either give a talk or run a workshop pertinent to the subject of the grant while in Armenia.

Eligibility:
Proposals are submitted jointly by a team of two or more scholars and/or specialists. At least one must be a citizen of the U.S. and one a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. Proposals must show evidence of endorsement from all relevant institutions in Armenia in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the undertaking. These grants are not intended for primary research. The participants must demonstrate that the project requires true collaboration between both PIs, as well as active participation by both PI’s in all aspects of the work required to complete the project.

Late, incomplete, or ineligible applications will not be reviewed.

Award Information:
Awards are usually made for a period of 12 months during which the work described in the proposal must be completed. Extensions will be granted only with the explicit approval of ARISC. Award checks will be sent to the US collaborator. Awardees are responsible for tax payments in association with this award, either in the US or in Armenia. Grants will typically not exceed $4000. A portion of the grant stipend will be withheld until the recipient submits their Final Report on their grant.

Grant recipients are eligible to reapply for a second CHM grant two years after their most recent award.

Application Information:
Applicants are encouraged to contact ARISC in advance of submitting an application in order to confirm eligibility. A complete application will include the following materials:

Application Form. (This form must be downloaded to be completed.)
Narrative description of the project (not to exceed 3 double spaced pages).
Supporting documents: up to 2 pages of illustrative materials such as photos or maps.
Budget and budget summary (must show funds requested from ARISC as well as other current and pending support).
CVs for all participants, including associated personnel (limit to 2 pages each including most relevant experience and publications).
Evidence of endorsement from all relevant institutions in Armenia.
A portion of the grant stipend will be withheld until the recipient submits their Final Report on their grant.

If any item of equipment or supplies purchased with grant funds at an original cost in excess of $750.00 still has monetary value, the resale value must be returned to ARISC; or, upon approval by ARISC, such equipment may be donated to an educational or research institution in the South Caucasus in the name of ARISC.

Proof of Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must be provided, if relevant, upon receipt of grant.

Applications must be written in English and submitted electronically to info “at” arisc.org.

Application Review:
Proposals will be evaluated by ARISC’s fellowships committee according to the following four primary criteria:

Contribution to the preservation of Armenia’s heritage
Promotion of local skills in current techniques of heritage management and curation
Development of substantive collaborative ties
Advancement of public understanding
Notifications of awards will be sent out by May 2017.

ARISC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran.