Clark Art Institute Fellowship 2026 USA (Fully Funded)

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The Clark Art Institute offers funded residential fellowships for international scholars through its Research and Academic Program (RAP) for the 2026-2027 cycle. This prestigious program invites individuals to pursue research in the theory, history, and interpretation of art. The institute provides a collaborative environment to foster critical inquiry and visual culture studies.

Fellowship recipients reside in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to utilize the premier art history library and museum collections. The program supports diverse disciplinary approaches, including art history, museum studies, and critical Caribbean scholarship. Scholars engage in an international community of artists, curators, and critics during their residency.

Securing a fellowship requires a well-developed research proposal and a significant professional record. The Clark Art Institute awards between 11 and 16 fellowships annually to support both established and promising scholars. These residential awards ensure that participants can focus entirely on their creative and academic projects.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Postdoctoral, Professional (Scholars, Artists, Curators, Critics)
Location: Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Institution(s): Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute
Program Period: 1 to 10 months (typically one academic semester)
Course offered: Art History, Visual Culture, Theory, and Interpretation
Deadline: Open all year round.

Scholarship Coverage

The Clark Art Institute provides comprehensive financial and logistical support for all selected fellows.

Stipend: Fellows receive a stipend of up to $30,000 per semester, depending on their current salary and financial need.
Housing: The institute provides a private apartment in a shared house located near the Clark campus.
Travel: The program arranges and reimburses travel expenses for the fellow and one accompanying family member.
Research Space: Each fellow receives a private office in the Manton Research Center, which houses over 280,000 volumes.
Library Access: You gain full access to the Clark’s art history library, museum collections, and digital research tools.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 fellowship, you must meet the following professional and academic requirements.

Professional Record: Applicants must demonstrate a significant professional record in the arts or humanities.
Education: You should hold a PhD or demonstrate equivalent high-level professional experience in your field.
Nationality: The fellowship is open to citizens of any country, as you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply.
Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in English, as the application and residency activities are conducted in English.

The Clark Art Institute does not fund dissertation work, if you are currently a doctoral student. The program also does not support projects intended to transform a dissertation into a first book.

Application Process

You must submit all application materials through the official online portal to be considered for the 2026 cycle.

Access the Portal: Create an account on the Clark Art Institute Application System.
Submit Abstract: Provide a brief abstract of your research project, limited to 500 characters.
Upload Project Description: Attach a detailed project description of no more than 750 words.
Provide Work Schedule: Submit a proposed schedule for the work you intend to complete during your residency, not exceeding 250 words.
Attach CV: Upload a current curriculum vitae that highlights your publications, exhibitions, and professional achievements.
Select Special Fellowships: Indicate your interest in specific awards, such as the Caribbean Art and Its Diasporas Fellowship or the Futures Fellowship, if your work aligns with these themes.