Overview
The Professional Development Fellowship in Art History offered by CAA is designed to assist graduate students and scholars in the fields of art, architecture, and design history, whether they are curators or critics, in the post-PhD phase. This fellowship caters to individuals who are either preparing their PhD for publication or conducting research in their final year towards completing their doctoral studies.
Eligibility and Awards
This fellowship aims to support multicultural art historians and those from underrepresented groups and culturally diverse communities. Each fellow will receive a one-time award that can be used for various purposes, such as covering job-search expenses, image license fees, or other publishing costs. Additionally, fellows will benefit from a complimentary one-year CAA membership and free registration to the next Annual Conference. Honorable Mentions may be granted at the discretion of the jury, entitling recipients to a one-year CAA membership and complimentary registration for the next Annual Conference.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Professional Development Fellowship, you need to provide the following forms, attachments, and references:
- CV or resume
- Personal essay (up to four double-spaced pages, 12 pt, Times New Roman font)
- Dissertation prospectus
- Sample completed chapter
- Timetable for dissertation completion (required only for dissertations in progress)
- Two letters of recommendation (provide contact information, and we will notify referees. Please note that this is due at the same time as the rest of the application).
Selection Criteria
Recipients of the fellowship will be chosen based on the following criteria:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Quality and relevance of work (demonstrated through the personal essay, prospectus, and sample chapter)
- Strength of academic record and recommendations
- Completion of the dissertation and conferment of the PhD in the year following the application
- Applicants from underrepresented groups
- Demonstrated financial need


