Post by : Badri Ariffin

Louvre Abu Dhabi has officially opened the second round for proposals for its 2026 Fellowships and Grants Programme, amplifying its initiative to foster innovative research in art history, museum studies, and heritage science. This new phase builds on the enthusiastic response received during the inaugural 2025 cycle and furthers the museum's goal of promoting knowledge through international academic collaboration.

The fellowship program invites scholars globally to present proposals that align closely with the museum’s extensive collection, archives, and research resources. Aimed at stimulating new perspectives, this initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of worldwide artistic connections and encourages investigations that go beyond conventional narratives.

Applications will be accepted until 7 February 2026, with all submissions undergoing review by a panel of distinguished experts. The names of selected fellows will be revealed in May 2026.

The 2026 call is centered around three core themes. The first, Global History of Museums and Collections, examines the evolution of museums in various cultural contexts, alongside how collecting practices, exhibition techniques, and visitor engagement have contributed to the universal museum concept.

The second theme, Circulation of Styles, Images and Texts, delves into how artistic concepts, objects, and visual narratives have traversed through trade, migration, and cultural interaction. This theme emphasizes the impact of these movements on artistic growth over different regions and eras.

The third theme, Precious Materials and Routes of Exchange, investigates the transfer of materials and craftsmanship through historical trade routes—from the Silk Roads to maritime channels—and how these interactions have influenced art production.

Successful researchers will have access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi Resource Centre and its advanced Scientific Laboratory, the first of its kind in the Gulf area. These facilities are equipped with cutting-edge tools for material research, conservation studies, and art historical inquiry. Additionally, fellows will engage in internal workshops and collaborative knowledge-sharing with the museum community.

Both short-term (three months) and long-term (nine months) fellowships are available, accommodating scholars based in the region as well as those from abroad. Proposals should be submitted in English via the museum's official website.

This 2026 program represents another meaningful stride for Louvre Abu Dhabi in enhancing global research networks and supporting inquiries that reassess artistic histories through a broader, interconnected perspective.

#Abu Dhabi News #UAE News