*Applications for the 2026-2027 CAPP committee are now open!*
Do you think art can change the world? Do you believe art can teach us more about our diverse society? Do you want a say in the kind of art STAMP collects and publicly displays?
The Contemporary Art Purchasing Program (CAPP) is an art acquisition program led by students for students – this is your chance to make your mark and learn how contemporary art reflects the world around us! Accepted applicants will embark on a rigorous research and training program, including extensive visits to galleries and artists’ studios in Baltimore, New York, and Washington, DC, and select artwork by emerging and established contemporary artists to purchase for STAMP's permanent art collection using a provided budget.
The Stamp Gallery is now accepting applicants for the 2026-2027 CAPP committee. To apply, carefully review the program requirements, then submit the online application in TerpLink by April 3, 2026, 11:59 pm EST and have a professor or TA email a letter of reference to Tara Youngborg at tny@umd.edu.
Candidate interviews will take place in mid-April and participants will be selected by April 24, 2026.
Questions? Contact Gallery Manager, Tara Youngborg (tny@umd.edu)
Members of the 2022-2023 CAPP Committee visiting Asya Geisberg Gallery in New York
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Do I need to be an Art History or Studio Art major/minor to apply? Do I need to demonstrate substantial previous experience of work or study in the arts? Students across all University of Maryland academic programs are encouraged to apply. CAPP's mission is to bring together students of diverse academic backgrounds and interests and empower them to work collectively as student leaders toward the common goal of shaping the University's contemporary art collection.
- Do I need a lot of previous knowledge about art? Applications should demonstrate deep interest in and enthusiasm for the prospect of immersing themselves in the world of contemporary art and artists, but previous knowledge about art is not necessary. CAPP is designed to support students in developing critical knowledge of contemporary art through a required course in Markets and Collecting, mentorship by the CAPP advisor, and research activities as a committee.
- How many students will be selected for the 2024–2025 CAPP Committee? Approximately six (6) students are typically selected for the CAPP committee.