Deadline: October 29, 2025
The Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art 2026 provide a prestigious opportunity for PhD candidates engaged in research on the history of art and visual culture of the United States. This includes Native American art. The fellowship supports advanced graduate students at any stage of dissertation research or writing, offering both financial and institutional backing to complete their work successfully.
About the Fellowship
The programme is designed to advance knowledge and scholarship in American art. Each fellowship has a duration of 9–12 continuous months, to be undertaken between July 2026 and May 2027.
This opportunity not only supports research and writing but also helps PhD candidates access vital resources and networks to strengthen their academic trajectory.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive up to US $42,500 in total funding, which includes both a stipend and travel/research allowances. The fellowship is non-renewable, and the funded period must conclude before the recipient earns their PhD.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a doctoral programme at a U.S. university in art history or related fields, including Native American/Indigenous studies, ethnic studies, and African American studies.
- Have completed all requirements for the PhD except the dissertation by the fellowship start date.
- Must not have applied for the fellowship more than once before.
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, asylee, refugee, hold Temporary Protected Status, or be an Indigenous person residing in the U.S. under Jay Treaty rights.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Proposal: Maximum of 8 double-spaced pages, including at least three images. The proposal should detail the project, methodology, progress, schedule, and significance.
- Annotated Bibliography: Maximum of 4 pages, listing at least 10 key secondary sources, with primary sources listed separately.
- Optional Materials: A list of publications, exhibitions, or presentations.
- Reference Letters: Two letters of recommendation, with one from the dissertation advisor.
- Institutional Statement: A letter from the applicant’s university confirming good standing, tuition/fee waivers or coverage, and continued access to resources and facilities.
Timeline and Deadline
- Application deadline: October 29, 2025
- Fellowship period: Between July 2026 and May 2027
Why Apply?
The Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art 2026 are among the most competitive awards in the field of American art history. By supporting doctoral research, this fellowship strengthens emerging scholarship and contributes to the understanding of the diverse artistic and cultural narratives of the United States.
How to Apply
For guidance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact us today.
