#United States #New York #American Art #Luce Foundation #ACLS Fellowships

2026 Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is now accepting applications for the prestigious 2026 Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art. This funding opportunity aims to support graduate students who are conducting research in the history of art and visual culture in the United States, emphasizing diverse perspectives, including Native American art.

Fellowship Details

The program offers a total of seven fellowships, each providing a stipend of $49,500 along with additional funding for travel and research-related expenses. The ACLS encourages a broad range of applicants at any stage of their PhD dissertation research or writing process, highlighting the organization's commitment to enriching the humanities through diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for these fellowships, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• - Be a doctoral student enrolled in a university in the United States, specializing in art history or a related field such as Native American studies, ethnic studies, or African American studies. Note that students preparing for their Master of Fine Arts degree are not eligible.
• - Focus their dissertation on a topic related to the visual arts in the United States, specifically including Native American art. Projects should prioritize art objects and employ an art-historical or visual studies methodology.
• - Complete all PhD requirements besides the dissertation before the fellowship period begins.
• - Have not applied for this fellowship more than once in the past.
• - Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, an Indigenous person residing in the U.S. under the rights established by the Jay Treaty of 1794, a DACA recipient, asylee, refugee, or an individual granted Temporary Protected Status in the U.S.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their applications by 5 PM Eastern Time on October 28, 2026. Detailed information about the application process can be found on the ACLS website. Questions regarding the application or eligibility can be directed to the organization's contact email.

Support and Mission

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Henry Luce Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting greater understanding and knowledge across diverse fields. The ACLS, formed a century ago, is a leading nonprofit federation representing over 85 scholarly organizations, promoting the advancement of knowledge in humanities and social sciences, which is perceived as a public good.

Throughout its history, ACLS has been committed to expanding the forms, flow, and content of scholarly knowledge while reflecting a commitment to diversity of identity and experience. The fellowship is not only an opportunity for financial support but an invitation to contribute significantly to the study of American art and visual culture.

For more detailed guidelines and to learn more about the ACLS Fellowships and their impact on the American art community, please visit their official website.