Each year, SEMC celebrates outstanding museum work by post-secondary students in the Southeast. Through the juried Spotlight on Student Work in Museums (S.W.I.M.) program, we recognize research, exhibitions, oral histories, web content, and public programs created by students working in museums across the region.

Who Can Apply?

Current students at any accredited college/university

Recent grads (within one year of the 2025 meeting)

Students involved in museum-based internships, practicums, or research in the SEMC region

Individuals and teams may apply. Group proposals must list all team members and designate a lead contact.

Note: Theoretical coursework is ineligible—projects must be museum-applied.



What Do Selected S.W.I.M. Participants Receive?

Successful projects are chosen by a jury. Those students then join the S.W.I.M. Team and present at the 2025 SEMC Annual Meeting (October 20–22 in Montgomery, AL) in two formats:

#1 Poster Session
Held during daily coffee breaks, this is a chance to share work informally through one-on-one discussions—ideal for visual projects or works-in-progress.

#2 Presentation Session
Each participant or group gives a 10-minute talk during a 50-minute panel, offering experience in professional conference presentation.
S.W.I.M. team members receive free Annual Meeting registration (limit: 2 free slots per group project). Evening receptions are included. Lunches, tours, and other special events are extra.


To participate in S.W.I.M., chosen students must attend the conference (at least one person per group project). For groups with more than two contributors, all are welcome to join by other means.


Benefits of Participating

Showcase your work to museum professionals

Network and gain feedback from peers and experts

Learn about emerging trends and professional practices


Application Details

Deadline: August 30, 2025

Submit:

Contact info
A 300-word project description
One-page resume for each collaborator
Notification: Early September 2025


Questions?

Contact 2025 S.W.I.M. Co-Chairs:
Lana Burgess – lburgess@mailbox.sc.edu
Katy Malone – kmalon15@utk.edu