Predoctoral Dissertation Fellowships
CASVA Predoctoral Dissertation Fellowships support graduate research and dissertation completion in visual arts history, theory, and criticism, with opportunities for travel and a residency at the National Gallery of Art.
Funder: Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $30,000 per year; most fellowships 12–36 months; travel and housing allowances available
Summary: Supports graduate research and dissertation completion in the history, theory, and criticism of the visual arts, often including travel and a one-year residency at CASVA.
Key Information: Departmental nomination required; applicants must be US citizens or enrolled at a US university and advanced to doctoral candidacy by the deadline.
Description
The Predoctoral Dissertation Fellowships offered by the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts (CASVA) support graduate students engaged in research on the history, theory, and criticism of the visual arts. These fellowships are designed to facilitate dissertation completion and often include research travel and a one-year residency at CASVA, located at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Fellows join a vibrant scholarly community, participate in lectures and colloquia, and have opportunities to interact with peers and distinguished professors.
The program encompasses several specific fellowships, each targeting different research areas within the visual arts, such as European art, American art, and topics beyond European and US traditions. Award durations and requirements vary by fellowship, but all are geared toward advancing scholarly research and fostering academic and curatorial development.
