Ming Fay Research Fellowship 2027 Open Call

Overview

The Ming Fay Research Fellowship supports original, archives-based scholarship on Ming Fay (1943–2025), a multidisciplinary artist whose practice bridged sculpture, drawing, installation, ecology, and transnational cultural histories. The fellowship provides access to the Ming Fay Papers at NYU Special Collections, related holdings at Asia Art Archive, and materials at the Ming Fay Studio/Estate.

Eligibility

• Senior Research Fellowship: professors, established independent scholars, curators, postdoctoral researchers, advanced PhD candidates.
• Exploratory Research Fellowship: master's students, early PhD students, emerging scholars, artists, curators.
• Non-US applicants welcome; the University does not assist with housing or visas.
• Graduate students must include one letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor.

Research Scope & Topics

Research must be conducted between January 4 and December 10, 2027. Proposals may address ecology and environmental thought; transnational identity and migration; Asian diasporic histories; material experimentation and sculptural practice; intersections of art, science, and spirituality; nature as mythology and cultural symbolism in art; Downtown New York art networks and artist collectives; and public art and site-specific installations.

Awards & Funding

• Senior Research Fellowship: grant of up to $7,500, based on the proposed budget and demonstrated research needs.
• Exploratory Research Fellowship: grant of up to $2,500, based on the proposed budget and demonstrated research needs.
• Fellowship funds are distributed by NYU in one payment in February 2027.
• Funding covers travel to and from New York; temporary housing and local transportation; translation services; research materials and technical support; and expenses for publication preparation.

Program Benefits

• On-site archival access at NYU Special Collections.
• Research consultation with archival staff.
• Digital access to holdings at Asia Art Archive.
• Research access at the Ming Fay Studio/Estate, as appropriate.
• Eligibility for appointment as a Visiting Scholar or Research Affiliate at NYU.
• Reading room access at Asia Art Archive in America.

Final Deliverables

• Senior Research Fellowship: peer-reviewed journal article (6,000–10,000 words), book or dissertation chapter, critical essay, or substantial research toward an exhibition.
• Exploratory Research Fellowship: research paper, article, report, dissertation chapter, documentary film, essay, exhibition proposal, or other appropriate format.
• All fellows must submit a final research project and a brief report (2–3 pages) summarizing research activities, archival engagement, and outcomes, by January 31, 2028, via email to [email protected].

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026.
• Notification of Awards: December 15, 2026.
• Fellowship Period/Research Period: January 4–December 10, 2027.
• Final Deliverables Due: January 31, 2028.

How to Apply

Submit an online application. Selected fellows will coordinate research visits with NYU Special Collections, the Asian/Pacific/American Institute, and the Ming Fay Studio/Estate.

Contact

[email protected]