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Announcing the 2026 Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellows in American Art

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art. These fellowships are generously supported by the Henry Luce Foundation and aim to uplift emerging scholars who are making significant contributions to the field of art history. Since their inception in 1992, these fellowships have played a crucial role in supporting over 300 scholars who are engaged in critical research about the visual arts of the United States, encompassing a wide range of Native American art as well.

This year’s cohort of fellows is notable for their focus on voices and subjects that have historically been marginalized within academic discourse. Their research covers a variety of innovative and engaging topics. For instance, Morgan J. Brittain from the College of William & Mary is set to explore the striking imagery associated with the petrochemical industry, focusing specifically on the dramatic representations of oil well fires in American art. This examination not only touches on the aesthetic aspects of such disasters but also prompts important discussions about ecological consequences.

Another fascinating project is being undertaken by Emily Rose Beeber from the University of Delaware, who plans to investigate Jewish identity as depicted through portraiture in the Atlantic World from 1715 to 1830. This research promises to unveil new insights into the intersection of visual culture and identity formation during a pivotal era in history.

Additionally, Kiki M. Barnes, associated with the City University of New York, will delve into the cultural imagination surrounding the Great Lakes through her project titled “The Hiawatha Effect.” This investigation addresses artistic representations and narratives related to this vital body of water throughout a span of a century.

The fellowships provide scholars with $43,500 each to assist in their research and writing endeavors over the course of one year, covering fellowship-related travel expenses between July 2026 and May 2027. This financial support enables recipients to engage with various scholarly resources, conferences, and archival materials that are essential for their academic journeys.

Alison Chang, the Senior Program Officer at ACLS, expressed her pride in this exceptional group of scholars and articulated the fellowship’s commitment to fostering rigorous scholarship that broadens our understanding of American art history. The projects not only remember those voices often left unheard but also challenge existing narratives within the field, enriching the academic conversation.

The 2026 cohort includes a diverse array of projects like Kale Serrato Doyen’s examination of the Teenie Harris Archive, which focuses on photography, community, and the Black geography of Pittsburgh, and Delaney Chieyen Holton’s exploration of transpacific entanglements through lens-based media in the U.S. South.

In conclusion, the Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships represent a critical investment in the future of art historical scholarship, one that values diversity and seeks to amplify underrepresented narratives. As these students embark on their significant projects over the next year, their work is sure to contribute greatly to our understanding of American art and its multifaceted histories. The American Council of Learned Societies, a nonprofit organization founded a century ago, continues to be a fundamental force in the humanities, championing knowledge as a public good and fostering growth in scholarship that reflects our evolving society.

With continued support from the Henry Luce Foundation, ACLS endeavors to build a future where scholarship reflects the rich tapestry of experiences and identities that shape our world.