Organizer Information
The Morgan Library & Museum is a leading research library and museum in New York City, originally founded on the collections of J. Pierpont Morgan. It houses an exceptional array of rare manuscripts, drawings, prints, and books. Through its Drawing Institute, the Morgan supports academic research on drawing from the Renaissance to the present day by offering fellowships to emerging scholars.
Title & Description
Drawing Institute Predoctoral Research Fellowship – The Morgan Library & Museum
This fellowship is a nine-month in-residence opportunity for an advanced-level graduate student (PhD candidate) working on a dissertation in the history of art, specifically related to drawings. The fellow will conduct independent research with access to Morgan’s vast holdings — including drawings, sketchbooks, albums, and prints — and leverage the institution’s reference library.
During the fellowship, the scholar is expected to immerse themselves in the intellectual life of the Morgan: attending Drawing Institute events, participating in colloquia, and engaging with both curators and fellow researchers. At the end of the term, the fellow will present their research in a public or internal colloquium and submit a final report summarizing their outcomes.
Categories
- Research Fellowship
- Art History (Drawing Studies)
- Academic / Scholarly Research
Eligibility
- Advanced PhD candidate (must have completed all coursework and exams and be working on dissertation research) in the history of art or a related field.
- International applicants are welcome. The Morgan provides non-financial visa assistance for fellows.
- Research proposals should relate to drawing (but interdisciplinary approaches using other Morgan collections are encouraged).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Stipend: The predoctoral fellowship provides financial support (historically, in prior fellowship descriptions, a prorated stipend) to support a nine-month residence at the Morgan.
- Travel allowance: Support for a short research trip is permitted/reimbursed (per past fellowship terms).
- Access to Collections: Fellows gain full access to the Morgan’s drawing, print, and manuscript collections, plus its internal reference library during public hours.
- Intellectual Engagement: Participation in the Drawing Institute’s seminars, public lectures, and events.
- Final Presentation & Report: Fellows present their research in a colloquium and submit a final written report at the end of the fellowship.
- Visa Support: Non-financial help in obtaining a visa for international applicants.
Application Fee
No Entry fee
Application Requirements
- Cover Letter / Personal Statement: Describe your research interests, project proposal, and how you will use Morgan’s collection.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Academic CV detailing education, publications (or conference presentations), and other relevant experience.
- Research Proposal: A detailed project proposal (usually 2–3 pages) outlining dissertation topic, methodology, how Morgan resources factor in, and timeline.
- Writing Sample: Scholarly writing sample (e.g., a chapter draft, article, or paper) relevant to your proposed dissertation topic
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two academic references (supervisors or faculty) who can speak to the candidate’s research capacity.
How to Apply
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2025
Location
New York, USA
Additional Details
- Health Insurance: Not provided. Fellows must secure their own health insurance.
- Housing: Not provided by the Morgan; fellows are expected to arrange their own accommodation.
- Participation Requirements: Fellows are expected to take part in regular Drawing Institute lunches, colloquia, lectures, and study days.
- Use of Technical Resources: If your research requires access to the Thaw Conservation Center, you must clearly note that in your proposal; such requests may trigger additional review.
- Resubmission Policy: Applicants are allowed to reapply in future years if not selected.
Website Link: https://www.themorgan.org/opportunities/fellowships
