Artistic Research Fellowships

About the Open Call

Folger Institute Artistic Research Fellowships are designed for artists whose practice would benefit from significant primary research related to the histories, concepts, art, and objects of the early modern world (ca. 1400-1800) and its legacies. Applicants are not required to hold a formal degree but should demonstrate relevant training and experience. Fellowships can be taken fully onsite, fully virtual, or as a combination of both, for durations of one, two, or three months. Onsite fellowships provide access to the Folger's collections but do not include studio space. Virtual and hybrid options aim to alleviate barriers, allowing artists to utilize funding to 'buy time' for research, studio work, and personal/professional expenses. All fellows are required to complete an evaluation survey. The program encourages proposals that address inequities, marginalized subjects, and promote inclusive histories. Resources and benefits include: access to Folger's vast collections (rare materials, visual art, theatre history, digital image collection), consultation with Researcher Services, remote access to undigitized materials, networking opportunities with Folger professionals and staff, discounted tickets to Folger performances, participation in community-building programs, exposure through Folger's website, social media, blogs, and newsletters, and J1 Visa sponsorship if needed.

What is Offered

Fellowship awards are $4,000 per virtual month and $5,000 per onsite month, available between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Benefits include research access to the Folger's collections (rare materials, visual art, theatre history, digital image collection), consultation with staff, remote access to materials, networking opportunities, discounted event tickets, community programs, website/social media exposure, and J1 Visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Artistic applicants are not required to hold a formal degree, but must describe their training and industry-specific experience in their CV. Proposed projects must benefit from significant primary research related to the histories, concepts, art, and objects of the early modern world (ca. 1400-1800) and its legacies. Applicants must detail their proposed topic's impact, relevance, originality, feasibility, and a preliminary plan for dissemination, indicating preferred research schedule (1, 2, or 3 months) and utilization of onsite/virtual components. A final art deliverable is not required. Fellows must complete an evaluation survey.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online application portal (https://www.onlineapplicationportal.com/folgerfellowships). Applicants should review the Fellowships FAQs page prior to applying. Required submissions include: a 250-word project abstract, a 1,500-word project description (emphasizing impact, relevance, originality, feasibility, and dissemination plan, with proposed duration and onsite/virtual utilization), a two-page CV, a one-page list of Folger sources to consult, and one letter of recommendation (optional but helpful). Optional portfolio materials or a link to an online portfolio can also be submitted if relevant to the proposed project. Applications can be revised until the deadline, but must be explicitly submitted.