The Getty is a world-renowned arts institution dedicated to preserving, studying, and promoting artistic and cultural heritage. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization works globally with diverse partners to conserve art and enhance public understanding of its historical and cultural significance. Through exhibitions, research, and educational programs, Getty bridges local and global audiences, offering both in-person engagement at the Getty Center and Getty Villa, as well as digital access to resources, collections, and scholarly content. Since its establishment, Getty has been committed to advancing art history and visual studies by fostering dialogue among researchers, curators, and artists. One of its flagship initiatives, the Getty Scholars Program, has welcomed over 1,300 scholars from more than fifty countries since 1985, promoting research that spans across time periods and regions. The program cultivates a dynamic intellectual community by integrating senior scholars with early-career fellows, creating opportunities for exchange of knowledge and mentorship. In addition to supporting groundbreaking research, Getty also places emphasis on inclusivity, with initiatives such as the African American Art History Initiative (AAAHI) aimed at expanding critical inquiry into historically underrepresented fields. By providing resources, funding, and access to collections, Getty continues to play a vital role in shaping the global study of art.

The Getty Pre- and Postdoctoral Fellowships form a significant part of the Getty Scholars Program, designed to nurture early-career researchers in art history and visual studies. These fellowships support emerging scholars in completing or expanding their doctoral research while engaging with the Getty’s annual research theme. Participants benefit from access to Getty Research Institute collections, participation in weekly lectures, and involvement in a vibrant scholarly community at the Getty Center or Getty Villa in Los Angeles. Predoctoral Fellows, who are pursuing dissertations, can focus on completing their projects, while Postdoctoral Fellows may expand dissertation work for publication or embark on new research directions. A special category of grants is also reserved for scholars exploring African American art within the Getty’s African American Art History Initiative (AAAHI). By joining the program, fellows gain both academic support and institutional resources, including housing, workspace, and healthcare options, creating a conducive environment for sustained intellectual growth. In addition to financial stipends, the grant fosters international collaboration and dialogue across disciplines. The fellowships have historically attracted scholars from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, ensuring a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives that advance the understanding of art and its global histories.