Introduction
For scholars in the arts and humanities, the opportunity to secure independent postdoctoral funding is often as much a personal calling as an academic pursuit. While the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the British Academy have long established themselves as leaders in providing such opportunities, the academic landscape in the United States offers its own set of resources for scholars. This article delves into the avenues available in the U.S. for postdoctoral support in the arts and humanities, emphasizing those independent grants that offer scholars the freedom to choose their institutions post-award.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a prominent source of support for the arts and humanities, offers postdoctoral fellowships that are distinct from government grants. Unlike governmental awards that require a specific institution for funding, Mellon fellowships provide recipients with a stipend that allows them the autonomy to decide where to work after receiving the award. This aspect of the fellowship is particularly valuable for scholars who value independence in their career choices.
Eligibility and Application Process
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation provides fellowships for postdoctoral research in a variety of areas within the arts and humanities, including but not limited to literature, history, philosophy, and visual arts. Eligibility criteria can vary, but typically involve a competitive application process that includes a detailed research proposal and letters of recommendation. The foundation awards fellowships to individuals who have recently completed their doctoral degrees or have held fewer than two years of postdoctoral experience.
Impact of Mellon Fellowships
Since its establishment, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has significantly impacted the field of arts and humanities by fostering collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary research. Fellows often find that the flexibility and financial support provided by these fellowships enable them to pursue novel research questions and gain invaluable experience outside of traditional academic settings.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)
The NEA and NEH are essential federal agencies that provide support for the arts and humanities. Both offer some level of postdoctoral funding, but the process typically requires that recipients be affiliated with an institution before receiving the award. While this aligns with the requirements of many academic institutions, it can limit the independence of researchers to determine their next academic step.
NEA and NEH: Overview
The NEA and NEH fund a wide array of projects in the arts and humanities, including research, educational programs, and public programs. Both organizations use a competitive application process to select recipients, and awards are often in the form of grants to support research or project-based work. While these grants are valuable, they require a pre-approval of the institution, which may impact the researcher’s decision-making process.
Independent Funding from Other Sources
In addition to the aforementioned foundations, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) also offers funding that tends to benefit arts and humanities scholars. While IMLS primarily focuses on museums, libraries, and cultural institutions, a substantial portion of its funding can be leveraged by scholars in the arts and humanities for research and project-based work.
IMLS: Opportunities for Scholars
The IMLS provides grants to support a variety of activities, including research, planning, and technology integration. These resources can be instrumental for scholars seeking to advance their work in the arts and humanities. By leveraging IMLS funding, researchers can further their projects and contribute to the broader academic community. While the process involves a level of institutional approval, the awards often provide the type of support needed to pursue independent research.
Conclusion: Scholarly Independence vs. Institutional Constraints
For scholars working in the arts and humanities, the pursuit of an independent postdoctoral fellowship can be a rewarding and enriching experience. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation stands out for its commitment to providing scholars with the freedom to decide where to work after receiving the award. While the NEA, NEH, and IMLS are valuable resources, the requirement for institutional approval may limit the financial independence of researchers. As academic institutions evolve, the availability and type of independent funding sources will continue to be a vital consideration for those seeking to build their careers in the arts and humanities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any government foundations in the U.S. that offer postdoctoral fellowships in arts and humanities like the UKRI/British Academy?
Answer: While there are no direct equivalents to the UKRI/British Academy in the U.S., the NEA, NEH, and IMLS do offer support for arts and humanities research. However, they typically require institutional affiliation prior to funding.
2. What are the advantages of getting independent funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation?
Answer: The Mellon Foundation provides postdoctoral fellows with the flexibility to choose their institutions post-award, allowing for greater autonomy and the ability to pursue research in the most supportive and innovative environments.
3. How competitive is the application process for Mellon Fellowships?
Answer: The application process for Mellon Fellowships is highly competitive and requires a strong research proposal, a detailed CV, and letters of recommendation. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a clear research agenda and significant potential for innovation.