The Center: Paul Mellon Senior Fellowships Grant

The Paul Mellon Senior Fellowships at the National Gallery of Art promote in-depth research in visual arts history, theory, and criticism. Scholars receive $50,000 annually, housing, and access to extensive resources, fostering a collaborative academic environment. Open to PhD holders with five years of experience, these fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality. Candidates can apply for a single term or the full academic year, with opportunities for associate appointments available.

The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts is the National Gallery’s research institute.
Senior Fellowship Program
Senior fellowships provide scholars with the opportunity to conduct full-time research in residence at the Center. 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.
One Paul Mellon Fellowship and four to six Ailsa Mellon Bruce, Samuel H. Kress, and William C. Seitz Senior Fellowships will be awarded for the academic year, early fall to spring. Applications for a single academic term are also considered.
Stipend and housing
Senior fellows receive $50,000 for the academic year. This may be paid directly to the fellow or through their institution.Awards for a single academic term are prorated.Senior fellows receive an allowance for travel to a scholarly conference.Senior fellows will receive an office in the National Gallery’s East Building as well as housing, as available.

Eligibility

We welcome applications from scholars in any discipline whose work examines art or artifacts or has implications for the analysis, interpretation, and criticism of visual art or visual culture.Senior fellowships are intended for those who have held a PhD for five years or more, or who possess an equivalent record of professional accomplishment.Senior fellows may reapply five years after the completion of their fellowship.Senior fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality.We will consider associate appointments for individuals with outside awards for full-time research who would like to be affiliated with the Center. Associate appointments may be for an academic year or a single academic term. Qualifications and selection for associate appointments are the same as those for senior fellows.

Ineligibility

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