The Rijksmuseum operates a Fellowship Programme for outstanding candidates working on the art and history of the Low Countries whose principal concern is object-based research.
The aim of the programme is to train a new generation of museum professionals: inquisitive object-based specialists who will further develop understanding of art and history for the future. The focus of research should relate to the Rijksmuseum’s collection, and may encompass any of its varied holdings, including Netherlandish paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, prints, drawings, photography and historical artefacts. The purpose of the programme is to enable applicants to base part of their research at the Rijksmuseum, to strengthen the bonds between the universities and the Rijksmuseum, and to encourage the understanding of Netherlandish art and history. The programme offers students and academic scholars access to the museum’s collections, library, conservation laboratories and curatorial expertise.
Predoctoral Fellowship
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation will enable one predoctoral candidate annually to base part of his/her PhD-research in the history of art at the Rijksmuseum. This is a one-year Fellowship, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year. Applications should include an outline of the proposed research, related to the Rijksmuseum's holdings, in which objects are fundamental. A suitable project might entail research into art objects as artistic or historical sources or object-related archival research. The Fellow’s progress will be assessed in consultation with his/her supervisors at the university and the Rijksmuseum, to determine if the renewal of the Fellowship for a second year is desirable. The Fellowship will preferably result in a publication, the content and form of which will be decided by the Fellow and his/her academic supervisors in consultation with the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum will provide working space for the Fellows, in order to stimulate an exchange of knowledge, ideas and experience. Access will be provided to all necessary information in the museum, as well as to the library and the resources of the Netherlands Institute for Art History (RKD) in The Hague.
Eligibility
- The Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship supports individuals engaged in postgraduate university studies leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (DSc) degree, whose research is compatible with the Fellowship position. The candidate has to have a university-affiliated supervisor.
- Fellowships are open to candidates of all nationalities and with varied specialisms. They may include art historians, curators, conservators and historians.
- Candidates should have proven research capabilities, academic credentials and excellent written and spoken knowledge of two languages (English and preferably Dutch or German).
Funding
Fellowship stipends are awarded to help support a Fellow’s study and research efforts during the tenure of their appointment. Funding is available for one Fellowship a year. The stipend of €33,000 (less applicable taxes and deductions) is for a period of twelve months commencing 1 September 2017, the start of the academic year. The Fellowship will allow for limited travel for research in art collections and archives elsewhere in Europe to a maximum value of €5,000 annually. This is a one-year Fellowship, with the possibility of renewal for one additional year.
Application and procedure
Complete applications have to be submitted through our online application system on the official website. The closing date for all applications is 12 March 2017, at 6:00 p.m. (Amsterdam time/CET), but candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. All applications must be submitted online and in English. Applications or related materials delivered via email, postal mail, or in person will not be accepted.
Selection will be made by an international committee in April 2017. The committee consists of eminent scholars in the relevant fields of study from European universities and institutions, and members of the curatorial staff of the Rijksmuseum. Applicants will be notified by 1 May 2017. All Fellowships will start in September 2017.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/fellowships/rijksmuseum-fellowship-programma/andrew-w-mellon-fellowship