Photo – courtesy of Louvre Abu Dhabi ©
Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled its Fellowships and Grants Programme, a visionary initiative aimed at fostering cutting-edge research in art and history. By inviting scholars, researchers, and museum professionals from across the globe, the program seeks to inspire innovative ideas, spark cross-cultural dialogue, and unveil new perspectives in the international art landscape.
A Focus on Pioneering Research Themes
The program is structured around three central themes:
Global History of Museums and Collections
Circulation of Styles, Images, and Texts
Precious Materials and Routes of Exchange
These themes aim to tackle fundamental questions in art history, broadening the museum’s research horizons. Scholars specializing in fields such as Art History, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Heritage Science, Conservation, and related disciplines are encouraged to submit proposals that align with one of these focal areas. Through this initiative, Louvre Abu Dhabi reaffirms its commitment to advancing global art history research while deepening the understanding of its own collections.
State-of-the-Art Research Facilities
Participants in the program will have access to Louvre Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge research infrastructure, which includes:
The Resource Centre, a hub for academic study and exploration.
The Conservation Centre, where experts preserve and restore artworks.
An Advanced Scientific Laboratory for artwork analysis, the first of its kind in the Gulf region.
These resources will empower scholars to undertake innovative research that pushes the boundaries of art history and heritage science. Additionally, the program will host symposiums, workshops, and publications, creating opportunities for meaningful knowledge-sharing and dialogue about the museum’s vast collections and broader themes in the field.
A Hub for Global Knowledge Exchange
Highlighting the program’s importance, H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated: “An important element of Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global cultural centre is its role as a hub for research and knowledge exchange. While they remain rooted in a regional context, it is vital that our cultural institutions are plugged in to the global discourse, benefitting from diverse viewpoints and perspectives. This grant programme will bring talent from around the world to Abu Dhabi, helping to generate fresh insights into topics which reflect our shared humanity.”
Echoing this sentiment, Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “Launching this programme is a natural extension of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mission to be a universal museum, one that not only collects and displays the world’s artistic heritage but also actively contributes to its preservation and understanding.”
Fellowships, Grants, and Collaborative Opportunities
To kick off the program, Louvre Abu Dhabi will offer both short- and long-term fellowships, providing critical support to scholars at different stages of their research.
Short-term fellowships (three months): AED 85,000
Long-term fellowships (nine months): AED 245,000
Starting in 2025, the museum will also launch institutional grants to encourage collaborative projects between Louvre Abu Dhabi and cultural institutions worldwide, including museums, research centres, and universities. These grants are designed to foster partnerships that advance the museum’s mission of promoting cultural exchange and dialogue.
Application Process and Key Dates
Applications for the Fellowships and Grants Programme are open until 10 January 2025, with the selected candidates announced by March 2025. A distinguished committee of museum representatives and subject matter experts will oversee the selection process, evaluating submissions through a rigorous review process that may include interviews. All proposals must be submitted in English via the museum’s official website.
Championing the Future of Art and Heritage Research
By launching this ambitious program, Louvre Abu Dhabi cements its role as a global hub for scholarship, collaboration, and innovation in the fields of art and history. This initiative not only enhances understanding of its world-class collections but also fosters a vibrant academic community dedicated to uncovering the cultural narratives that unite us all.
The Fellowships and Grants Programme is a call to scholars worldwide to join Louvre Abu Dhabi on a journey of discovery, dialogue, and preservation—a testament to the museum’s vision of connecting cultures through art and research.
