The Northwestern University Library’s John Cage Collection is an extensive archive of primary materials documenting the life and work of the 20th century’s most revolutionary composer. Established by Cage in the early 1970s, the collection grew considerably over the following decades as Cage placed more and more materials at Northwestern until his death in 1992. Since then, the archive has been expanded further with acquisitions obtained through donation and purchase. As a major repository of original Cage materials, the collection supports the work of scholars worldwide and has been a source for many books, articles and dissertations.
Established in 2013 to promote further use of the John Cage Collection, the Northwestern University Library John Cage Research Grant is a competitive award for one or more scholars whose research requires substantial on-site use of the Cage Collection.
Deadline: Apr. 1, 2025
- Open to academic and independent researchers. We encourage applications by those working in traditional academic practice as well as those whose research is interdisciplinary, or oriented towards creative arts and practices.
- There are no restrictions as to the applicant’s nationality or academic status.
- Research may be in any field (e.g., musicology, art history, philosophy, literature, cultural studies), but projects must concern an aspect of Cage’s life and work and must clearly demonstrate a need for extensive use of the Cage Collection.
- Travel grants are not granted to researchers affiliated with Northwestern University.
- Applicants who are not awarded the grant the first time they apply may resubmit in following years without prejudice.
- An applicant may receive only one award for any one project as determined by the selection committee and Northwestern Libraries.
- Each year we will award one or more grants, up to a total of $3,000.
- Grants will be awarded to reimburse expenses for transportation, accommodations, and meals for one or more on-site visits to Northwestern University Libraries for the purpose of research using the John Cage Collection.