Organizer Information
The Dedalus Foundation was established by the artist Robert Motherwell to foster public understanding of modern art and modernism. Through its diverse fellowship programs, the foundation supports scholars, writers, and artists who contribute to the critical discourse surrounding 20th-century art and its related disciplines.
Title & Description
Dedalus Foundation Senior Fellowship 2026: Critical Studies in Modern Art.
This fellowship is designed to encourage and support critical and historical studies related to painting, sculpture, and allied arts of the twentieth century. The program recognizes writers and scholars who have demonstrated significant ability through previous professional accomplishments. It is strictly a research and writing fellowship; it does not support the creation or commissioning of original works of art.
Categories
Art History, Art Theory, Critical Studies, Research.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
- Academic Status: Applicants must not be currently matriculated for an academic degree.
- Professional Standing: Open to writers and scholars with a proven track record of published research or critical contributions.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Stipend: A maximum award of $30,000.
- Project Support: The stipend varies according to the specific needs and budget of the project (covering living expenses, travel, and research).
- Prestige: Winners are selected by a jury of distinguished scholars in the field of modern art.
Fees
- Application Fee: None mentioned.
Application Requirements
Materials must be prepared as a single PDF using Times New Roman, 12pt typeface and include:
- Project Description: A brief summary (max 150 words).
- Project Statement: A detailed description (max 2,000 words) addressing the project's significance for the understanding of modern art.
- Work Completed to Date: Max 400 words.
- Budget Statement: A simple breakdown including living expenses, travel, and research costs.
- Biographical Material: A biographical statement (max 750 words) and a full Curriculum Vitae.
- References: Contact details for three referees who must submit letters directly to the Foundation by the deadline.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted electronically through the interface at the bottom of the official Dedalus Foundation fellowship page.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.
- Reference Letter Deadline: September 15, 2026.
Location
United States (National Eligibility).
Additional Details
Inquiries regarding the program can be directed to fellowships@dedalusfoundation.org. Referees have a dedicated portal on the Foundation's website to upload their letters; applicants are responsible for ensuring their three references upload their PDF letters by the exact 5 PM ET deadline. Furthermore, as the fellowship is intended for independent scholars, the project must emphasize historical and critical inquiry into existing 20th-century movements rather than the practical production or curation of contemporary art.