Call for Applications: Visual AIDS Research Fellowship Program

Visual AIDS invites applications for its 2026–27 Research Fellowship, a mentored program that supports new scholarship on artists who have been lost to AIDS. Over seven months, three fellows will conduct original research and writing on one of four designated artists in the Visual AIDS Archive, receiving a $1,000 research stipend plus workshops and mentorship. The application deadline is November 10, 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Visual AIDS

- Opportunity name: 2026–27 Research Fellowship (Call for Applications)

- Type: Mentored research and writing fellowship

- Funding/benefit: $1,000 research stipend (per fellow), plus group workshops and one-on-one mentorship

- Number of fellows: Three fellows

- Research topics (designated): Mark Carter, Edwin Lacend, Kenneth Mitchell, or Joseph Modica

- Eligible applicants: Emerging voices in writing and research about art, AIDS, and cultural history (no advanced degree required)

- Eligible locations: Applicants may be based anywhere

- Key requirement for Joseph Modica track: Priority for applicants based in/able to regularly conduct in-person research in New York City

- Application deadline: November 10, 2026

- Program period (workshops/mentorship/research): December 2026–June 2027

- Publication/outputs: Visual AIDS Journal (Fall 2027) and participation in the Visual AIDS Research Symposium (October 2027)

About the Opportunity

The Visual AIDS Research Fellowship is designed to support new scholarship on artists who have been lost to AIDS, with mentorship focused on research methods, art historical analysis, argumentation, and archival research. The fellowship runs for over seven months and includes: - An orientation - Three group workshops - Three individual mentorship meetings - Independent research and development of a final essay in English Funding and Benefits

Fellows will receive:

- A $1,000 research stipend - Participation in group workshops - One-on-one mentorship from an established scholar Over the course of the program, fellows will produce an original essay that will be: - Published in the web-based Visual AIDS Journal - Shared publicly at the annual Visual AIDS Research Symposium in October 2027 Who Is Eligible? The fellowship is intended for emerging voices in writing and research about art, AIDS, and cultural history. Applicants are especially encouraged if they are: - Independent researchers, writers, artists, curators, archivists, or others newer to art historical research - Applicants who have had limited access to traditional academic research opportunities

Key eligibility points:

- No advanced degree required - No university affiliation required - No previous publication about HIV/AIDS required - Applicants should be strong writers with curiosity about archival research and a compelling interest in one of the four designated artists.

Selection preference:

- Preference will be given to applicants early in their research practice who would benefit from mentorship in research methods and archival research. Commitment and participation requirements: - Fellows must be able to participate in virtual meetings and develop a final text in English. - Workshops take place on Zoom and are scheduled on Eastern Time (mentors generally also based in the Eastern Time Zone).

Joseph Modica–specific priority:

- Because this fellowship track involves sustained work with a large physical collection, priority will be given to applicants based in the New York City area or otherwise able to conduct regular in-person research at the Visual AIDS Archive. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Applicants must propose a research project that fits one of the following categories tied to four artists in the Visual AIDS Archive: - Mark Carter - Edwin Lacend - Kenneth Mitchell - Joseph Modica The fellowship topics are not “any artist of your choice.” This cycle requires applicants to select from the four designated research subjects. Why This Opportunity Matters This fellowship supports writers and researchers developing art-historical research grounded in archival materials. It is particularly suitable for applicants who want mentored guidance in transforming early research questions into a publishable essay, including through structured workshops and individualized mentorship. The outputs—publication in the Visual AIDS Journal and sharing at the Visual AIDS Research Symposium—are integral parts of the program design. How to Apply - Submit the application form along with a writing sample by November 10, 2026. - In the application, you will be asked to: - Select the artist you would like to research. - Explain what draws you to that artist, including the aspects of their life and work you want to explore, and share two or three questions you hope to answer during the fellowship. - Describe your background and interests and how they might inform your approach to the research. - Describe your experience with research and writing and how you hope to develop through the fellowship’s workshops and mentorship. - Submit using the official application link on the opportunity page (“Apply here.”). If you have questions about the application process, contact: Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Visual AIDS states they are not looking for a developed thesis or evidence of having conducted prior research on the subject. - A strong application should demonstrate curiosity, a thoughtful starting point for research, and the potential to develop a compelling piece through the fellowship process. - Ensure your proposed work aligns with one of the four designated artists and that you can meet the fellowship’s participation expectations (virtual meetings and English final text). Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the Visual AIDS 2026–27 Research Fellowship?

It is a mentored research and writing fellowship supporting new scholarship on artists lost to AIDS, offering workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and a research stipend.

2) How much funding does the fellowship pro