Deadline: March 31, 2026
The Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for writers, independent scholars, community historians, and faculty members working on public-facing humanities projects. This fellowship supports individuals whose work connects with Virginia’s diverse communities and contributes to the broader public understanding of history, culture, and storytelling.
Through this fellowship, selected applicants will receive a substantial stipend and access to invaluable academic and community resources to advance their projects.
About the Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship 2026
The Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship 2026 is designed to encourage projects that explore the cultural, historical, and social narratives shaping Virginia. Fellows will work independently or in collaboration with Virginia Humanities to bring public-oriented humanities projects to life—whether through research, storytelling, exhibitions, digital projects, podcasts, or written works.
The fellowship also aims to strengthen connections between communities, scholars, and institutions, fostering inclusivity and innovation in public humanities across the state.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants to the Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship 2026 will receive:
- A $15,000 stipend to support a four-month fellowship period.
- Access to research resources, including the University of Virginia library system and the Library of Virginia archives.
- Opportunities for public engagement, including showcasing their work through Virginia Humanities’ various platforms such as With Good Reason (radio/podcast), the Virginia Festival of the Book’s Shelf Life series, and the Library of Virginia’s UncommonWealth blog.
- A collaborative fellowship community, enabling fellows to exchange ideas and insights with peers and mentors in the humanities field.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Reside in Virginia or be affiliated with a Virginia-based college or university.
- Propose a project that is relevant to communities within Virginia.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to public engagement through humanities-based work.
A direct university affiliation is not mandatory—independent scholars, community historians, cultural practitioners, and artists are strongly encouraged to apply.
Expectations and Deliverables
Fellows are expected to dedicate significant time to developing their projects over the four-month fellowship period. Each project must produce a publicly accessible outcome, which could take one or more of the following forms:
- Digital or online project
- Public exhibition or installation
- Oral history collection or archive
- Podcast or audio storytelling series
- Book manuscript or scholarly article
- Community-based humanities initiative
At the conclusion of the fellowship, participants will share their outcomes through a public presentation in collaboration with Virginia Humanities or the Library of Virginia.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, 31 March 2026
- Notification of Results: May 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their materials early to ensure all documents are complete before submission.
Application Requirements
The online application process requires the following documents:
- A project proposal clearly outlining the scope, goals, and public impact of the work.
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two letters of recommendation supporting the applicant’s qualifications and the project’s significance.
Applications are submitted via the official Virginia Humanities application portal.
Why Apply for the Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship 2026
This fellowship represents a remarkable chance to advance meaningful humanities work that connects research, storytelling, and community engagement. With funding support, institutional resources, and public platforms for dissemination, the Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship 2026 empowers creatives and scholars to make lasting contributions to the cultural and intellectual fabric of Virginia.
How to Apply
Ready to begin your journey?
👉 Click here to apply for the Virginia Humanities Public Humanities Fellowship
📘 Click here to read more about the programme
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