The support of the Outer Arch of the Tabira Gate before the Stabilization Project began. (Photo: Akam Omer Ahmed, A UIS CACHE)

Established in 2020 with annual contributions from a generous donor, the Shepard Urgent Action Grants program was created to support emergency and rapid response activities on archaeological sites in the greater Mediterranean region. This April marks the first year of the Shepard Grant Program. In the inaugural year, Shepard Grants provided a total of $15,000 to projects with urgent need. Read more about the first two projects that received Shepard Grants below.

Tobin Hartnell (American University of Iraq, Sulaimani) “The Tabira Gate Stabilization Project at Ashur”. The Tabira Gate serves as one of the iconic features of the ancient site of Ashur, which was founded in the mid-third millennium BCE. Destroyed by ISIL in 2015, the Gate was in danger of collapse and in urgent need of stabilization. The 2020 Shepard Grant enabled construction of mud-bricks to stabilize the structure before the rainy season. The Grant also provided funds for the necessary protective health equipment to support the team during the COVID-19 pandemic and funding for a series of interviews with the local community on heritage. Read the full report here.

Lindy Crewe (Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute) “Stabilisation and refurbishment of a Chalcolithic roundhouse visitor centre at the archaeological site of Kissonerga-Mosphilia, Paphos District, Cyprus”. In 2010, a reconstruction of the famous “Pithos House” was created as part of the visitor centre at Kissonerga-Mosphilia in order to integrate archaeology into an accessible narrative and encourage alternative tourism in the area. A 3D rendering of the roundhouse can be found here. Since then, heavy rains have severely damaged the roundhouse reconstruction and repairs are necessary to make the structure ready for visitors to the site. Work on the roundhouse is ongoing and a full report on the project will be available this summer.

Click here for more information on applying for a Shepard Urgent Action Grant. 

ASOR plans to award an additional $15,000 in Shepard Urgent Action Grants in 2021. Award amounts may range from $2,500 to $10,000, with most awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. Applicants who request more than $5,000 will not be considered for smaller grants if their proposal is not successful; at present the program strongly encourages applications under $5,000 so that more urgent projects can be support. The application deadline is rolling, and review of applications is ongoing. Because these grants are intended for emergency (or truly urgent) activities, ASOR will strive to provide a response within four to six weeks from submission of the application. Funds are normally available within 5-10 business days after all paperwork has been completed by successful applicants, and transfer of funds is contingent on complying with U.S. and international regulations and laws. Questions about Shepard Urgent Action Grants should be directed to Marta Ostovich.