Organizer Information
The Czernecki Educational Foundation (EFC) is a leading Polish philanthropic foundation dedicated to supporting the arts and humanities in Central and Eastern Europe and fostering a vibrant international exchange of ideas. In partnership with Columbia University's Institute for Ideas and Imagination, EFC works to advance international collaboration and long-term creative development. The Institute, based at the historic Reid Hall in Paris, annually brings together an elite cohort of up to 15 fellows—comprising Columbia faculty, post-docs, and global artists and writers—to spend a year in focused work and interdisciplinary conversation.
Title & Description
EFC Fellowship at Columbia University's Institute for Ideas and Imagination 2027–2028
EFC has officially opened applications for its annual Fellowship at Columbia University's Institute for Ideas and Imagination in Paris. Designed to strengthen the arts and humanities in Central and Eastern Europe, this fellowship supports one artist, writer, or researcher from the CEE region for a full academic year of research, creative work, and interdisciplinary exchange. The selected fellow will work alongside an international cohort of scholars and creators, enjoying dedicated research facilities and the intellectual community of Reid Hall to elevate their practice and foster long-term global collaborations.
Categories
The fellowship accepts applications across Humanities Research, Creative Writing, Visual Arts.
Eligibility
- Regional Requirement: Open exclusively to artists, writers, and researchers from Central or Eastern Europe.
- Residency Constraint: Under the creative arts category, applicants must not reside permanently in the United States, regardless of their native nationality.
- Academic/Affiliation Standing: Creative arts applicants should not be affiliated with Columbia University.
- Solo Applicants Only: The Institute cannot accommodate collaborative groups or teams; all applications must be submitted by individuals.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Financial Stipend: A substantial fellowship grant of $75,000 for the full academic year.
- Workspace & Facilities: A private, dedicated office at the Institute for Ideas and Imagination at Reid Hall in Paris.
- Administrative & Research Support: On-site professional administrative assistance and research facilitation.
- Library Access: Full access to Columbia University's extensive digital/physical libraries and research resources across Paris and Europe.
- Community Engagement: Opportunities for sustained intellectual engagement with an exceptional international cohort of scholars, artists, and writers.
Application Fee
This fellowship is free to apply; there are no application fees or administrative processing charges.
How to Apply?
All portfolios and application materials - CV, project description (up to 1,500 words), a work sample, and three letters of recommendation - must be uploaded directly to the official Columbia University sub-portal.
- Application Link: Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination Application Portal
Key Dates
- Application Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026
- Fellowship Term: September 2027 – May 2028 (Academic Year 2027–2028)
Location
The physical fellowship, studio workspace, and academic exchanges take place live in France at:
- Columbia University's Institute for Ideas and Imagination Reid Hall, Paris, France
Additional Details
This fellowship represents a full-time residency commitment in Paris; fellows are expected to reside in the city and participate actively in the weekly life and shared events of the cohort. While the residency is hosted at Columbia's Reid Hall, EFC's dedicated slot guarantees that a deserving voice from Central or Eastern Europe is integrated into this prestigious global academic community.