CSA Midwest Region: Otto Thieme Memorial Internship Grant

CSA Midwest Region: Otto Thieme Memorial Internship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Costume Society of America
Amount: US $2,000
Last Updated: February 26, 2026

Summary

The CSA Midwest Region: Otto Thieme Memorial Internship provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in a hands-on curatorial experience with costume collections at Midwestern museums, historical societies, or universities. Awarded a $2000 stipend for an eight-week internship, students will gain valuable mentorship and training in the field of costume. This program honors Otto Charles Thieme, an influential figure in costume scholarship, enhancing students' academic pursuits while fostering appreciation for historic costumes.

Overview

The Otto Thieme Memorial Internship offers the opportunity to give a student a museum experience in the field of costume through a hands-on curatorial experience during the spring or summer semesters. The winning applicant will receive a $2000 stipend for an eight-week student internship to work with a costume collection affiliated with a Midwestern museum, historical society, or a university. Students are encouraged to apply with a host institution of their choice. The regional internship has the following objectives: To provide a mentored experience that draws from the knowledge and expertise of the region’s many talented professionals.To encourage the training of professionals in the field of costume.To provide a focused, hands-on curatorial experience that will supplement a student’s academic curriculum, and establish the groundwork for an appreciation of the use of historic costumes in costume scholarship. Otto Charles Thieme (1943-1996) taught courses in textile design and the history of textiles for the Related Art program in what is now the School of Human Ecology, from 1972 to 1979 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He went on to become the Curator of Costume, Textiles, and Tribal Arts at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Mr. Thieme was an important and influential member of the Costume Society of America.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:Must be a current Midwestern Region CSA Student Member.Be of senior status or a graduate student enrolled in a degree program at an accredited institution.Have completed at least three courses relating to the field of costume history, museum studies, art history, women’s history, textiles, and/or material culture centered around the study of dress.Obtained the permission of a potential supervisor to intern at a Midwestern museum, historical society or university. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. Must be a current Midwestern Region CSA Student Member.