Organizer Information
The Wolfsonian–FIU Museum, part of Florida International University in Miami Beach, United States, is a major institution dedicated to the study of modern design, visual culture, and material history from 1850 to 1950. Its collections span art, design objects, printed ephemera, and cultural artifacts that document the development of modern society.
Through its fellowship programs, The Wolfsonian supports international researchers and creative practitioners in engaging directly with its archives. The institution emphasizes the intersection of Visual Arts, design research, and cultural history, encouraging new interpretations of historical materials through contemporary artistic and technological practices.
The Creative Fellowship is designed to bridge archival research with experimental production, enabling artists and designers to transform historical content into innovative digital and conceptual outcomes.
Title & Description
Wolfsonian Creative Fellowship 2026–27 – Digital Practice & Experimental Media Residency
The Wolfsonian Creative Fellowship is a research-based Residency program that invites artists, designers, performers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and technologists to engage deeply with the museum’s collection.
The 2026–27 edition focuses on Digital Practice, exploring how contemporary technologies can reinterpret historical materials from 1850–1950. Fellows are encouraged to develop new conceptual frameworks that connect archival objects with present-day cultural, social, and technological concerns.
Selected participants undertake a two-week intensive residency in Miami Beach, where they conduct research within the collection and collaborate with museum staff. The program is structured around conceptual development rather than finished production.
A key feature of the fellowship is the opportunity to propose digital artworks that may be selected for future commissioning. These works can be presented within the museum’s Knight Labs, exhibition spaces, or online platforms.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Digital
- New Media
- Video/Film
- Animation
- Sound/Music
- Media Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Installation
- Research
- Technology
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Artists, designers, performers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and technologists
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong professional track record in creative practice
- Open to practitioners working in visual, time-based, performative, or digital media
- International applicants are not eligible for this specific cycle (as stated)
- Strong emphasis on research-led and interdisciplinary approaches
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully supported 2-week Residency
- Financial Stipend (amount not specified in provided text)
- Round-trip travel support
- Accommodation for non-local participants
- Full access to The Wolfsonian collection and research staff
- Participation in the Knight Labs digital innovation environment
- Opportunity to develop proposals for future commissioned digital artworks
- Public programming opportunities (talks, workshops, presentations)
- Potential inclusion of selected works in museum spaces or online platforms
- Professional engagement with curators and digital practitioners
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Project proposal outlining research and creative direction
- Portfolio of previous work in relevant media
- Evidence of professional artistic or creative practice
- Optional links to digital or time-based works (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube)
- Statement demonstrating a research-driven and interdisciplinary approach
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Residency Period: August 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027
- Program Duration: 2 weeks (on-site residency)
Location
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
Additional Details
- Fellowship focuses on concept development, not the production of final works
- Selected proposals may later be commissioned, but commission is not guaranteed
- Projects should engage with digital presentation formats such as LED walls, kiosks, or online platforms
- Acceptable formats include animation, moving image, generative media, sound-based works, and experimental digital practices
- Fellows work closely with museum staff and Knight Labs researchers
- The program encourages activation of historical collections through contemporary digital interpretation
- Participation may include public talks, workshops, or educational programming
- Strong emphasis on experimental, research-led, and interdisciplinary practice