The Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts is pleased to announce the opening of its application portal for visiting senior fellowships—two-month appointments to take place between March 1 and August 15, 2026. Applications are due September 21, 2025.

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.

The Center will award up to six visiting senior fellowships for the period.

Fields of Study:

Visiting senior fellowships support research in the history, theory, and criticism of the visual arts of any period or geographical area. 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.

Qualifications and Selection:

• Visiting senior fellowships are intended for those who have held a PhD for five years or more by the application’s deadline, or who possess an equivalent record of professional accomplishment.
• 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 visiting senior fellowships.
• Visiting senior fellows may reapply three years after the completion of their fellowship.

Selection:

• Visiting senior fellowships are awarded without regard to age or nationality.
• Applications are reviewed by an external selection committee composed of scholars in the history of art and related disciplines.
• Outside readers may assist in the evaluation of proposals.
• Visiting senior fellowships may not be postponed or renewed.

Stipends and Housing:

• Paul Mellon and Beinecke Visiting Senior Fellows receive $7,000 or $8,000, depending upon relocation requirements.
• Leonard A. Lauder Visiting Senior Fellows receive up to $12,500, which includes a supplement of $2,500 to support future research and publication expenses.
• Visiting senior fellows will receive an office in the National Gallery’s East Building as well as housing, as available.

Applications:

A complete application includes:

• a proposal of two to four double-spaced pages
• a copy of one publication, either an article or book chapter
• two letters of recommendation

Applications are due on September 21, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Contact:

If you have questions about our fellowship program that aren’t included in our FAQs, please email TheCenternga.gov.

Learn more here: https://www.nga.gov/research/center/fellowships/visiting-senior-fellowships