Research Grants
Research Grants support graduate students’ travel for Master’s thesis and PhD dissertation research in decorative arts and material culture, advancing object-based scholarship and inclusive perspectives.
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Funder: The Decorative Arts Trust
Due Dates: April 30, 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $500–$2,000 for research travel, paid after travel and receipt of final materials
Summary: Supports graduate students’ research travel for Master’s theses and PhD dissertations in decorative arts and material culture.
Key Information: Recipients must maintain Trust membership during the year(s) funding is provided.
Description
The Decorative Arts Trust’s Research Grants support graduate students conducting research travel for a Master’s thesis or PhD dissertation focused on decorative arts and material culture. Awarded since 2003, the grants advance vital and groundbreaking scholarship rooted in object-based research. The Trust encourages diverse and inclusive perspectives, including work on marginalized and underrepresented communities, while valuing hands-on close looking and connoisseurship.
Alongside its general research travel support, the Trust offers partnership grants with particular topical or regional focuses. The Marie Zimmermann Grant supports late-19th- and 20th-century topics. The DARTS Grant supports students researching West Coast objects, collections, makers, or designers, as well as students enrolled in West Coast-based graduate programs.
