Folger Institute Fellowships 2027–2028: Research and Artistic Fellowship Opportunities in the United States
The Folger Institute is accepting applications for its 2027–2028 fellowship programmes, offering opportunities for scholars, public humanities practitioners and artists to conduct research using the Folger Shakespeare Library’s collections. The programmes include long-term research fellowships, public humanities fellowships, short-term research fellowships and artistic research fellowships, with different eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
Applicants can apply for research support lasting from one month to nine months, depending on the fellowship category. Some opportunities allow fellows to conduct their work virtually, on-site or through a combination of both arrangements.
Folger Institute Fellowships 2027–2028: Overview
- Organisation: Folger Institute, Folger Shakespeare Library
- Programme: Research and Artistic Fellowships
- Location: Washington, DC, United States, for on-site research
- Fellowship period: 2027–2028
- Fields: Scholarly research, public humanities and artistic research
- Funding: Research support; specific financial terms should be confirmed on each fellowship page
- Application method: Online application through the official programme pages
1. Long-term Research Fellowships
Long-term fellowships support scholars undertaking substantial research projects that would benefit from access to the Folger Shakespeare Library’s collections.
Applicants may request either nine months of full-time research support or five months of support corresponding to one academic semester. Year-long fellows may undertake up to three months virtually, while semester-long fellows may undertake up to one month virtually.
Eligibility: A terminal degree is required.
- Applications open: 15 September 2026
- Application deadline: 15 December 2026
Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how they will use the Folger’s collections in productive and meaningful ways. Extensive prior experience working with archives and special collections is not required.
2. Long-term Public Humanities Fellowships
These fellowships support significant research and the development and implementation of public humanities projects for Folger audiences.
Recipients receive nine months of full-time research and project development support, with up to three months available virtually.
Eligibility: A terminal degree is not required.
- Applications open: 15 September 2026
- Application deadline: 15 December 2026
Projects should demonstrate how research can contribute to public engagement and benefit audiences through the Folger’s resources and collections.
3. Short-term Fellowships
Short-term fellowships provide one, two or three months of support for scholarly research. Fellows may work on-site, virtually or through a hybrid arrangement, depending on their research plans.
Eligibility: Applicants must be ABD PhD candidates (those who have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation) or hold an international equivalent.
- Applications open: 15 October 2026
- Application deadline: 15 January 2027
Applicants must explain their proposed research plans and justify their preferred working arrangements.
4. Artistic Research Fellowships
Artistic Research Fellowships support artists undertaking research projects connected to the Folger Institute’s resources and collections.
Applicants may request one, two or three months of research support, working on-site, virtually or through a combination of both.
Eligibility: No formal degree is required.
- Applications open: 15 October 2026
- Application deadline: 15 January 2027
Applicants should explain their research objectives and why their proposed working arrangement is appropriate for the project.
5. Books in Progress Fellowships
The Books in Progress Fellowship is designed for early-career scholars who lack institutional support for reviewing a book manuscript.
The programme includes a two-day workshop during the spring semester. Applicants must have a preliminary draft of their complete manuscript at the time of application.
Applications opened on 15 July 2026 and closed on 14 September 2026. Applications are currently closed.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Identify the fellowship category that matches their research or artistic project.
- Review the eligibility criteria, research arrangements and application requirements on the relevant official webpage.
- Prepare a proposal explaining the project’s objectives and its connection to the Folger’s collections or audiences, as appropriate.
- Submit the application through the official fellowship programme before the applicable deadline.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The Folger Institute’s 2027–2028 fellowships provide opportunities for scholars, public humanities practitioners and artists to develop research projects with support from one of the leading institutions for Shakespeare and early modern studies. With options ranging from short-term research placements to nine-month fellowships, applicants can explore the programme best suited to their qualifications and objectives.
Upcoming deadlines: 15 December 2026 for long-term research and public humanities fellowships, and 15 January 2027 for short-term and artistic research fellowships.
Note: The source announcement does not specify fellowship stipend amounts. Applicants should consult the official programme pages for financial details and full application requirements.
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