Visiting Senior Fellowships

The National Gallery of Art – Washington, D.C., USA

Award Period: September 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Application Deadline: March 21, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time

Visiting Senior Fellowships provide scholars with two-month appointments to conduct full-time research in residence at the Center. Fellows are offered an office in the National Gallery’s East Building and, subject to availability, housing. They benefit from access to the Gallery’s renowned library and art collection, as well as the broader resources available in Washington, D.C. Fellows also engage with a vibrant community of scholars through lectures, colloquia, and discussions.

Fellowship Types and Aims

• Up to two Leonard A. Lauder Visiting Senior Fellowships and up to five Paul Mellon and Beinecke Visiting Senior Fellowships are available.
• Support research in the history, theory, and criticism of the visual arts across any period or geographical area.
• The Leonard A. Lauder Fellowship especially encourages applications that contribute to scholarship in understudied areas.
• Open to scholars in any discipline whose work examines art or artifacts or informs the analysis, interpretation, and criticism of visual art or visual culture.

Eligibility and Conditions

• Applicants must have held a PhD for five years or more at the time of application, or possess an equivalent record of professional accomplishment.
• Applicants should not have a pending application for, or have previously been awarded, another Center fellowship.
• Individuals currently affiliated with the National Gallery are not eligible.
• Visiting Senior Fellows may reapply three years after the completion of their fellowship.
• Fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality and cannot be postponed or renewed.

Funding and Benefits

• Paul Mellon and Beinecke Visiting Senior Fellows receive $7,000 or $8,000, depending on relocation requirements.
• Leonard A. Lauder Visiting Senior Fellows receive up to $12,500, which includes a $2,500 supplement for future research and publication expenses.
• Fellows receive an office in the National Gallery’s East Building and access to housing (subject to availability).

Application Requirements

• A proposal.
• A copy of one publication (either an article or a book chapter).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Complete the online application form with all required materials.

How to Apply

Submit your complete application by March 21, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.