Organizer Information:

The Modern Ancient Brown Foundation (MABF) is dedicated to supporting scholars, artists, and writers who identify as members of historically marginalized groups—specifically queer, Black, Indigenous, and people of color. The Foundation provides crucial space and resources to makers and scholars from both within and outside the academy whose practices involve research and creation across the arts.

Title & Description:

Applications will open on February 19, 2026, for the 2026–2027 Visiting Fellowships at the Modern Ancient Brown Foundation.

This fellowship is designed for emerging curators and scholars with rigorous research and writing practices, who may also have an interest in creative disciplines such as poetry, music, visual art, and performance. Fellows are often working on long-form writing projects that expand across many genres of literary art.

The program is ideal for those with a particular interest in the City of Detroit, offering an opportunity to engage with local archives and conduct research at specific city institutions. The fellowship provides a space for scholars to rest, write, and explore ways their scholarship can expand across genre and form. The Foundation will select up to four fellows for the 2026–2027 cycle.

Category:

Research / Writing / Curatorial.

(Focusing on art writing, critical studies, curating, performance, film, music, and creative writing).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Emerging curators, scholars, writers, and artists.
  • Demographic: Applicants must identify as members of historically marginalized groups (queer, Black, Indigenous, and people of color).
  • Scope: National/International (air travel to Detroit provided).

Program Benefits:

  • Accommodation: An apartment and study space for 6 to 12 weeks maximum, located on a private floor of the ALEO Bed & Breakfast on Detroit’s east side.
  • Stipend: A living wage stipend (amount based on length of stay) plus a per diem.
  • Travel: Round-trip air travel to and from Detroit.
  • Support: Assistance with local library facilities and opportunities to interact with the broader Metro-Detroit community of artists, writers, curators, and scholars.

Application Fee:

Free.

Application Requirements:

Submit a single PDF containing:

  1. CV: A current curriculum vitae.
  2. Statement of Purpose: (500–750 words) Outline your proposal and goals.
  3. Work Sample: Writing or score (approx. 15 pages) or 10 minutes of audio.
  4. References: Names and contact emails for three references (no letters needed).

How to Apply?

Submit your completed application in PDF format to the Foundation’s SlideRoom portal.

Key Dates:

  • Application Opens: February 19, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: March 23, 2026.
  • Notification: End of May 2026.

Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Contact Information:

Email: fellowship@mab-foundation.com

Website: MAB Foundation Fellowship