Deadline: October 1, 2025
The Restitution and Reparation: Africa and the Post-Colonial Condition Fellowship – Spring 2026 is a prestigious research programme designed to bring together scholars and practitioners committed to addressing the restitution and repatriation of African art and cultural heritage. Hosted by The Africa Institute at Global Studies University (GSU) in Sharjah, UAE, in collaboration with the Open Society Foundations, this fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage deeply with issues surrounding post-colonial restitution and African cultural advocacy.
Fellowship Overview
The fellowship aims to foster dialogue, research, and collaboration on critical topics related to the restitution and repatriation of African artefacts. Participants will conduct focused research and contribute to scholarly and public discourse on the ethical, legal, and cultural dimensions of returning looted or displaced objects to African communities and institutions.
Key Objectives:
- Support cutting-edge research in restitution, repatriation, and African cultural heritage.
- Facilitate engagement between fellows, leading scholars, and practitioners in the field.
- Contribute to global debates on the return of looted artifacts and post-colonial cultural justice.
- Provide mentorship and guidance for publishing or presenting research outcomes.
- Build a collaborative network of experts and advocates committed to restitution and reparation.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to highly qualified individuals with a demonstrated interest and background in relevant fields.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a minimum of a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in fields such as African studies, anthropology, history, museology, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrate how their research aligns with the fellowship’s objectives and thematic focus.
- Show evidence of prior scholarly work or professional experience related to restitution, cultural heritage, or post-colonial studies.
Fellowship Duration & Location
- Duration: One semester during Spring 2026
- Location: The Africa Institute, Sharjah, UAE
This immersive fellowship allows participants to fully dedicate their time to research and engagement with leading experts and institutions in the field.
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit their materials as a single PDF document via email to:
applications@theafricainstitute.org
Deadline for applications: October 1, 2025
Applicants are encouraged to carefully outline their research objectives and relevance to the fellowship’s themes.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the Restitution and Reparation: Africa and the Post-Colonial Condition Fellowship – Spring 2026 will enjoy a range of benefits designed to enhance both scholarly and professional growth:
- Conduct specialised research on restitution, repatriation, and African cultural heritage.
- Collaborate with leading scholars, practitioners, and global institutions.
- Receive mentorship and guidance for publishing or presenting research.
- Contribute to critical debates and public scholarship on returning looted artifacts.
- Join an active network of fellows and experts committed to advancing restitution and reparation.
How to Apply & Learn More
- Apply Now: Submit your application here
- Learn More About the Programme: Read the full fellowship details here
For personalised support with your application, including proposal drafting, refining, and review, contactus for professional guidance to maximise your chances of success.
