The Center: A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

The Center: A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Gallery of Art
Amount: US $110,000
Last Updated: August 29, 2025

Summary

The A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Gallery of Art supports research in the history, theory, and criticism of visual arts across various periods and regions. This two-year residential program allows fellows to engage in seminars and teach at local universities, enhancing scholarly contributions in understudied areas. The fellowship offers a stipend of $55,000 per year, along with allowances for medical insurance and travel, fostering a vibrant academic community.

Overview

The Center The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts is the National Gallery’s research institute. We foster the study of the production, use, and cultural meaning of art, artifacts, architecture, urbanism, photography, and film from all places and periods. Postdoctoral Fellowship Program A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships and Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowships are two-year, residential appointments that support research and writing for publication. In their first year, postdoctoral fellows design and direct an intensive weeklong seminar for the Center’s predoctoral fellows in residence, focusing on a topic related to the postdoctoral fellow’s field of interest and with a special emphasis on methodological issues. In the second year, postdoctoral fellows teach a course at a neighboring university. The A. W. Mellon and Beinecke Postdoctoral Fellowships commence in alternating years. Postdoctoral fellows receive an office in the National Gallery’s East Building as well as housing, subject to availability. They have access to the notable resources of the National Gallery, including its library and art collection, as well as those of greater Washington. Fellows participate in lectures, colloquia, and discussions with the Center’s vibrant community of scholars. A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships support research in the history, theory, and criticism of the visual arts of any period or geographical area. We especially encourage applications that contribute to scholarship in understudied areas. Stipend The award for the A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships is $55,000 per year. They also receive allowances for medical insurance premiums, relocation, and travel.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants for the A. W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships must have received the PhD degree within the five years preceding the next application deadline. The fellowships are awarded without regard to the age or nationality of applicants. Holders of the Postdoctoral Fellowships may reapply for a senior or visiting senior fellowship five years after the completion of the fellowship. All fellowship applicants must have a demonstrated proficiency in two languages other than English. If someone is a native speaker of another language, or if the department does not require language exams, the department chair should indicate that in the nominating letter.

Ineligibility

Individuals currently affiliated with the National Gallery of Art are not eligible for the postdoctoral fellowship program.Individuals may not apply for other Center fellowships while an application is pending or once a fellowship has been awarded. Postdoctoral fellowships may not be postponed or renewed.