Fellowships and Financial Aid

 

Museum EXP Exhibits Professional Conference Fellowship

Museum professionals working in exhibit design, development, and fabrication are essential to creating the engaging, hands-on experiences that define children’s museums. ACM is pleased to recognize the importance of supporting emerging professionals in these disciplines as they advance their careers and contribute to the field.

As sponsor of the Exhibit Professional Conference Fellowship, Museum EXP invests in the professional development of individuals working in exhibit disciplines through participation in the InterActivity conference.

Sponsored by Museum EXP

Fellowship Includes:

– Conference registration to InterActivity 2026
– Travel stipend of $550 to support conference attendance
– Pre-conference virtual meetup with Museum EXP team and ACM conference staff to help you make the most of your InterActivity experience
– Opportunity to write about a professional project or topic of interest for the ACM blog after the conference
– Photo opportunity with sponsor at ACM MarketPlace (optional)
– Complimentary one-year Friend of the Field membership to ACM

Apply for the Museum EXP Fellowship

This fellowship is open to professionals working in exhibit design, development, or fabrication. Priority will be given to emerging exhibitions professionals with 1-5 years of experience in the field. ACM membership or employment at an ACM member institution is not required.

The application for the 2026 awards is now open through January 9, 2026.

Application Requirements:

Portfolio Highlight or Recent Project

– One paragraph describing a project or accomplishment you’re proud of and why you selected it
– 1-4 photos that illustrate the project (minimum of 1 photo required)
– Submit all materials in one format: PDF, PPT, link to Google Doc/Slides, or link to an online portfolio page containing all required information
– Conference Impact Statement Share how attending InterActivity will benefit you professionally.

Consider:
How will participation support your career at this stage and your future goals?

What do you hope to learn or bring back to your organization?

How might attending the conference “fill your well”?

Applications will be assessed based on relevance of work and projects featured and expression of need for both financial and professional development support. Priority will be given to emerging exhibitions professionals with 1-5 years in the field.

Fellowship recipients will be recognized in the InterActivity 2026 Final Program and onsite at the conference during a Plenary Session.

Contact Kristin DeNovellis, Associate Director, Museum Member Services at kristin.denovellis@childrensmuseums.org.