Prestigious Clark Art Institute Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded Research in the USA
Introduction
Applications are now open for the Clark Art Institute Fellowship 2026 in the United States. This internationally recognized program welcomes postdoctoral scholars and art professionals who aim to conduct advanced research in the fields of visual arts and cultural studies. Each year, between eleven and sixteen fellowships are awarded for periods ranging from one month to a full academic semester, offering fellows the chance to immerse themselves in a world-class research environment.
The fellowship is designed for academics, critics, curators, and museum specialists with innovative projects that enhance global understanding of the visual arts. With its dual role as a major art museum and a premier research center, the Clark Art Institute provides fellows with access to exceptional resources, including one of the most distinguished art history libraries in the world.
Fellowship Summary
- Host Country: United States
- Institution: Clark Art Institute
- Study Level: Postdoctoral (PhD required or equivalent experience)
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
Fellowship Benefits
The Clark Art Institute Fellowship offers generous support, tailored to individual needs and project requirements:
- A stipend of up to $30,000 per semester.
- Round-trip travel reimbursement for the fellow and one family member.
- Housing in a restored 19th-century residence near the Clark campus, with fully furnished apartments (1–2 bedrooms) and common areas.
- Office and research space with access to the Clark’s network and library resources.
- Utilities and services covered (excluding long-distance calls).
Please note: pets are not allowed in the residence, and smoking is prohibited in all Clark facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Language: Proficiency in English.
- Nationality: Open to candidates from all countries.
- Academic/Professional Background: PhD degree or equivalent professional expertise in relevant fields (art history, visual studies, curatorial practice, criticism, etc.).
- Employment: Applicants may be full-time or part-time academics, independent researchers, or museum professionals.
- Skills: Strong research and writing skills; prior experience in conducting independent empirical or qualitative research is highly desirable.
Application Process
- Complete the online application form via the Clark Art Institute’s official portal.
- Submit a 500-character project summary.
- Provide contact details for referees (referees will send a one-page letter directly to [email protected]).
- Email the following documents after submitting the online form:
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF, max 3 pages, double-spaced).
- Project Statement (PDF, max 3 pages, double-spaced), including:
- Research assumptions and methodology.
- Relation to existing scholarship.
- Originality and significance of the project.
- Contribution to disciplinary debates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Clark Art Institute Fellowship?
The fellowship (part of the Research and Academic Program, RAP) provides funded, residential opportunities for established and emerging scholars in art history and visual culture.
When is the deadline?
Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2025, for fellowships taking place between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
Who can apply?
Applicants should hold a PhD or have equivalent professional achievements. They may be academics, critics, curators, museum professionals, or independent researchers.
What topics are accepted?
Projects in the history, theory, and interpretation of visual arts are welcome. Proposals that bring new approaches or challenge existing methods in art history are strongly encouraged.
How long are the fellowships?
Most appointments last one semester (September–December or February–June). Summer fellowships (five weeks) and shorter terms (two months) are also available.
What support is included?
Fellows receive a stipend, housing in the Scholars’ Residence, an office in the Research Center, and reimbursement for travel.
Can international scholars apply?
Yes. The program is open to applicants of all nationalities; U.S. citizenship is not required.
Does the fellowship support dissertation research?
No. Dissertation projects or book projects derived directly from dissertations are not eligible.
Are recommendation letters needed?
No formal letters of recommendation are required.
When will applicants be notified?
Decisions are usually announced by the end of March 2026.
