The Folger Institute, the research arm of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, runs these fellowships for artists whose work needs significant primary research into the early modern world (about 1400–1800) and its legacies.
Fellows spend one to three months with the Folger collections, onsite, virtually, or a mix of both. Applications open on 15 October 2026 and close on 15 January 2027.
Benefits & funding
- US$5,000 per onsite month; US$4,000 per virtual month.
- One, two, or three months; most awards run one or two months.
- The award is meant to cover travel, housing and living costs; fellows choose Folger housing or their own lodging.
- No studio space is included; artists who need one arrange it themselves.
- For international fellows, the Folger sponsors a J-1 visa and pays the application costs.
Eligibility
- Artists of any nationality whose work would benefit from significant primary research on the early modern world and its legacies.
- No formal degree required; the CV sets out training and industry-specific experience.
- For a collaborative project, only the project lead may apply.
- At most two Folger fellowships per project; a second application must show progress and the project’s new aspect.
- Other grants may be held only if their dates do not overlap the Folger fellowship.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
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Application process
- 1Submit in the Folger online portal, 15 October 2026 to 15 January 2027 (11:59 pm ET): abstract, 1,500-word project description, two-page CV, one-page Folger source list and portfolio.
- 2Name one referee (anyone may write); a missing letter can disadvantage an application but does not disqualify it.
- 3An external committee of artists, changed yearly, reviews (artistic page; the FAQ describes invited specialists and Folger staff); artistic awards come in late April.
Program timeline
Portal opens
15 October 2026
Virtual information session
1 December 2026, 12 pm ET
Application deadline
15 January 2027, 11:59 pm ET
Artistic awards announced
Late April 2027
Fellowship window
1 July 2027 – 30 June 2028