Call for Grant Applications – Visiting Artist Fellowship Program
Application Deadline:
January 2, 2025
About Organisation
The Mittal Institute at Harvard University is a leading interdisciplinary center dedicated to deepening understanding of South Asia’s complex realities and fostering connections between the region and the world. Through research, education, and outreach, the institute brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to explore critical issues affecting South Asia. Among its many initiatives, the Visiting Artist Fellowship (VAF) is a standout program that integrates the creative and intellectual, providing mid-career South Asian visual artists with a transformative experience at Harvard. With a strong focus on research and collaboration, the fellowship emphasizes using Harvard’s extensive resources to support and amplify artistic practices. The Mittal Institute has hosted over two dozen artists, offering them opportunities to share their work through exhibitions, presentations, and profiles, thus bridging artistic and academic communities.
About the Fellowship
The Visiting Artist Fellowship offers mid-career visual artists from South Asia an immersive eight-week program on the Harvard campus. Unlike traditional artist residencies, the VAF is research-centered, allowing fellows to access Harvard’s libraries, archives, museums, and academic resources. Guided by a faculty mentor, fellows work on self-chosen research topics while presenting a solo exhibition of their previous works. The fellowship fosters deep engagement with the university community, providing opportunities to attend classes, interact with faculty and students, and explore diverse academic and cultural resources. The program encourages a rich exchange of ideas and supports artists in exploring themes that inform their work. Artists benefit from structured programming and the flexibility to explore Harvard’s extensive offerings, culminating in enhanced artistic practices and visibility through exhibitions and presentations.
Who can Apply?
The fellowship is open to mid-career visual artists residing in South Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Applicants must have an established body of work actively exhibited in professional venues. While formal training at an accredited institution is not mandatory, it is preferred. Eligible candidates should demonstrate exceptional scholarly potential and present a research proposal related to South Asian issues. Applications should outline a clear plan for utilizing Harvard’s resources, such as specific classes, archives, libraries, or museum collections. A valid passport and ability to secure a visa are required. Shortlisted candidates must participate in a video interview with the review committee. Artists must also commit to program requirements, including an artist talk, an exhibition, and a comprehensive report on the fellowship experience.
How to Apply?
Submit all application materials through the ARIeS online platform. Create an account, complete the application form, and upload required documents, including an artist statement, CV, work portfolio, fellowship proposal, and letters of recommendation.
Application Deadline
Ensure submissions are completed by January 2, 2025.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
