Organizer Information

The Morgan Library & Museum, located in New York City, is a historic institution founded on the personal collections of financier and philanthropist J. Pierpont Morgan. Today, it serves as both a museum and an independent research library, housing rare manuscripts, Medieval and Renaissance books, drawings, prints, and archives. Through its Drawing Institute, the Morgan supports scholarship on drawing in all periods, offering fellowships to scholars to conduct research in its holdings and participate in the intellectual life of the institution.

Title & Description

Drawing Institute Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – The Morgan Library & Museum (2026–27)

This is a nine-month postdoctoral fellowship offered by the Morgan’s Drawing Institute. The successful fellow will carry out an independent research project — ideally with a well-defined publication goal — that explores the history, theory, collecting practices, or interpretation of drawings. The fellowship requires residence at the Morgan, where the researcher will have access to its extensive collection of drawings, albums, sketchbooks, prints, and related archival material. In addition to research time, the fellow is expected to engage with the intellectual life of the Institute, attend its events, and possibly contribute to programming. The fellow will conclude the term with a presentation (colloquium) and submit a final report on their project.

Category

  • Research Fellowship
  • Visual / Art History
  • Drawing Studies

Eligibility

  • Early-career scholars (within approximately ten years of completing their Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree).
  • International applicants are welcome. The Morgan provides non-financial visa assistance for international fellows.
  • Applicants whose research convincingly draws on Morgan’s collections (but interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged).

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Stipend: US$4,850/month for nine months.
  • Travel allowance: US$2,000 to support a short research trip.
  • Moving allowance: One-time payment of US$1,500 to support relocation.
  • Access to Collections: Fellows get in-person access to the Morgan’s drawing and print collections, reference library, and study spaces.
  • Intellectual Engagement: Fellows are required to participate in Drawing Institute programs, present a colloquium at the end of their term, and submit a final written report.
  • Visa Assistance: Non-financial visa support is offered for non-U.S. applicants.

Application Fee

No Entry fee

Application Requirements

  1. Cover Letter / Personal Statement: Outlining their area of interest, project proposal, and how they will use Morgan’s resources.
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic and professional background.
  3. Research Proposal: Up to 3 pages, double-spaced, clearly describing goals, methodology, and relevance of the Morgan’s collections.
  4. Writing Sample: A scholarly writing sample in English.
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Two academic or professional reference letters should be sent directly from referees to: drawinginstitute@themorgan.org.

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: December 1, 2025.
  • Fellowship Period: Expected approximately September/October 2026 – May/June 2027.

Location

New York, USA

Additional Details

  • Health Insurance: Not provided by the Morgan; fellows must make their own arrangements.
  • Housing: Not provided; fellows are expected to secure housing independently.
  • Final Report & Presentation: At the end of the fellowship, fellows present their work at a colloquium and submit a written report.
  • Review Process: Applications are first short-listed by staff, then reviewed by external referees, and finally decided by the Director.
  • Resubmission Allowed: Applicants may revise and resubmit their application in future rounds if not selected.

Website Link: https://www.themorgan.org/opportunities/fellowships

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