This fellowship supports researchers and professionals from formerly colonized countries to study (lost) collections or objects from their regions currently held in the Netherlands. Fellows will explore the social histories, trajectories, and cultural significance of these objects, and may engage with broader questions of restitution, heritage, and community connections. The fellowship is hosted by NIAS, with support from NIOD and KITLV, and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science through the Colonial Collections Consortium.

 

Information & Application Details:

  • Application deadline: 17 March 2025, 12:00 CET
  • Residency period: Five months (September 2025 to January 2026)
  • Number of Fellowships: Two

 

Eligibility:

  • Open to historians, archaeologists, social scientists, heritage experts, artists, journalists, and cultural activists.
  • Applicants must be based in formerly colonized countries with collections in the Netherlands.
  • The fellowship encourages diverse disciplinary and regional backgrounds.

 

Theme:

The program focuses on the social life of cultural objects, their histories, and valuation in the context of decolonization, heritage restitution, and community engagement. It prioritizes research that challenges dominant frames of national histories and heritage institutions, and explores alternative narratives and connections to communities of origin.

 

How to Apply:

  • Submit the following in English:
    1. Curriculum Vitae and list of publications, works, or products.
    2. Plan of activities during the fellowship (max 500 words).
    3. Outline of objects/collections to be researched (max 500 words).
    4. Reflection on how the research relates to the country of origin’s needs and questions (max 500 words).
    5. Reflection on how the research can uncover alternative histories beyond dominant heritage narratives (max 500 words).
  • Submit applications to partners@nias.knaw.nl.

 

Selection Process:

Applications will be reviewed by a committee from NIAS, NIOD, and KITLV. Selection prioritizes disciplinary and regional diversity and innovative approaches to cultural heritage beyond academic credentials. Candidates will be notified by late April 2025.

 

Program Benefits:

  • Opportunity to conduct independent research on collections and archives in the Netherlands.
  • Networking with other scholars and cultural practitioners.
  • Travel support and access to resources for research in the Netherlands.
  • Travel costs within the Netherlands (up to €500).
  • Research access to affiliated museum depots, archives, and collections (e.g., Wereldmuseum, Rijksmuseum).
  • Structural guidance from NIOD and KITLV.

 

Contact & Resources:

 

Website link:

https://nias.knaw.nl/fellowships/nias-niod-kitlv-fellowship-moving-objects-mobilising-culture-in-the-context-of-decolonisation/

 

 

FellowshipAccommodationStipendTravel costs