Folger Shakespeare Library offers Artistic Research Fellowships for 2027–28, providing US$4,000 per virtual month or US$5,000 per onsite month for artists conducting research on the early modern world. Applications close on 15 January.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Folger Institute at the Folger Shakespeare Library is inviting artists to apply for its Artistic Research Fellowships, supporting creative projects that benefit from significant research into the histories, concepts, art and objects of the early modern world, approximately 1400–1800, and their continuing influence.
The fellowships are open to artists across different disciplines, including visual arts, performance, installation, music, writing, film, theatre and other creative practices. Applicants do not need a formal academic degree, but should demonstrate their artistic training and relevant professional experience.
The programme allows fellows to conduct research onsite, virtually or through a combination of both. Successful applicants can receive US$4,000 per virtual month or US$5,000 per onsite month, with research periods lasting one, two or three months.
Fellowships may take place between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2028, making this an opportunity for artists seeking financial support and access to research resources for upcoming creative projects.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Folger Institute, Folger Shakespeare Library |
| Fellowship | Artistic Research Fellowships 2027–28 |
| Research focus | Early modern world, approximately 1400–1800, and its legacies |
| Eligible applicants | Artists across creative disciplines |
| Virtual funding | US$4,000 per month |
| Onsite funding | US$5,000 per month |
| Duration | 1–3 months |
| Delivery options | Virtual, onsite or hybrid |
| Fellowship period | 1 July 2027 – 30 June 2028 |
| Application opening | 15 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 January, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time; confirm the applicable year on the official portal |
| Official website | Folger Artistic Research Fellowships |
Fellowship Benefits and Research Opportunities
The Artistic Research Fellowships provide financial support for dedicated research time and opportunities to explore the Folger Shakespeare Library’s collections and resources.
Financial Support
Fellows receive US$4,000 for each virtual fellowship month or US$5,000 for each onsite month. Applicants may request one, two or three months of support and propose a schedule suited to their research needs.
Awards are intended to help cover travel, accommodation and living expenses associated with the fellowship. Applicants should plan their budgets accordingly, particularly when considering an onsite residency.
Access to Research Collections
Onsite fellows can access the Folger’s collections, including rare materials, visual art, theatre history resources and related publications. Virtual fellows can use online resources such as the Folger Digital Image Collection, as well as eligible remote research services.
The programme also offers consultation with Researcher Services staff, opportunities to connect with other fellows and exposure through Folger communications, including its website and social media.
Onsite fellows should note that the fellowship does not include studio space. Artists who need a studio while in residence must arrange their own facilities.
Creative and Professional Development
The fellowships support research-led artistic work across a broad range of practices. Past fellows have included visual and performance artists, filmmakers, writers, poets, chefs and theatre-makers.
A finished artistic work is not required at the end of the residency. However, fellows must complete an evaluation survey.
The programme also lists J-1 visa sponsorship among its resources and benefits, if needed. Applicants requiring visa arrangements should confirm the applicable conditions directly with the Folger.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The fellowship is open to artists whose proposed projects would benefit from substantial primary research into the early modern world and its ongoing legacies.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear and relevant artistic research project.
- The significance of the project’s topic to the relevant field.
- An original and well-developed approach.
- Research goals that can realistically be achieved during the requested fellowship period.
- A suitable plan for sharing or disseminating the project after completion.
- Relevant artistic training and industry-specific experience, documented in a CV.
A formal academic degree is not required. Applicants from different artistic disciplines and professional backgrounds are encouraged to present projects that align with the fellowship’s research focus.
Additional Information
Applications must be submitted through the Folger’s online application portal. Applicants are advised to review the official fellowship FAQs and begin preparing their materials well before the deadline.
Required Application Documents
The application instructions list the following materials:
- Project abstract: 250 words.
- Project description: 1,500 words explaining the topic’s impact and relevance, originality, research feasibility, dissemination plans, requested fellowship duration and intended use of each month.
- Curriculum vitae: Two pages.
- Folger sources list: One page identifying collections, publications, digital materials and other resources the applicant intends to consult.
- Recommendation letter: One letter from an eligible recommender, such as an artist, scholar, teacher or colleague.
- Portfolio materials: Relevant work samples, drafts, performance recordings, music samples, film stills or a link to an online portfolio.
The Folger states that an application without a recommendation letter may be disadvantaged, but is not automatically ineligible or formally penalised for the missing letter.
Applicants can revise their submissions before the deadline, but must click the final submit button to complete the application.
How to apply: Visit the official Folger Artistic Research Fellowships page and follow the instructions for the relevant application cycle. Confirm the closing year and deadline displayed in the application portal before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Folger Artistic Research Fellowships?
They are research fellowships supporting artists whose creative work benefits from studying the histories, art, objects and ideas of the early modern world and their continuing impact.
2. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
The award is US$4,000 per virtual month or US$5,000 per onsite month.
3. How long can the fellowship last?
Applicants may request one, two or three months of research support. The period can be virtual, onsite or a combination of both.
4. When can the 2027–28 fellowship take place?
The stated fellowship period runs from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2028.
5. Do applicants need a university degree?
No. Artists are not required to hold a formal degree, but should describe their training and relevant professional experience in their CV.
6. Which artistic disciplines are eligible?
The programme supports a broad range of practices, including visual art, performance, installation, music, writing, filmmaking, poetry and theatre-making.
7. Does the fellowship include accommodation and travel costs?
Awards are intended to cover travel, housing and living expenses associated with the fellowship. Applicants should budget carefully because the award is intended to cover these costs rather than being stated as an additional reimbursement.
8. Is a completed artistic project required?
No. A final artistic deliverable is not required at the end of the residency, although fellows must complete an evaluation survey.
9. What documents are required to apply?
Applicants should prepare a 250-word abstract, a 1,500-word project description, a two-page CV, a one-page list of relevant Folger sources, a recommendation letter and relevant portfolio materials.
10. What is the application deadline?
The supplied fellowship information states that applications are due on 15 January by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The year should be confirmed on the official application portal because the supplied page contains an older application-cycle reference.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Folger Artistic Research Fellowships may suit artists seeking dedicated research time, access to historical collections and financial support for research-driven creative projects. The virtual and hybrid options may also benefit applicants who cannot undertake a full onsite residency.
Artists should prepare a focused proposal connecting their creative practice to the Folger’s research resources and confirm the applicable deadline before applying.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship and funding opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Folger Shakespeare Library and does not administer the fellowship. Applicants should verify all funding conditions, deadlines and application requirements through the official website.
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