Bard Graduate Center is a research institute for advanced, interdisciplinary study of diverse material worlds. We support the innovative scholarship of our faculty and students as well as resident fellows, guest curators and artists, and visiting speakers.

Photo by Fresco Arts Team.

Our Public Humanities + Research department focuses on making scholarly work widely available and accessible through the coordination of the fellowship program and public programming that combines academic research with exhibition-related events. Across the institution—from the classroom to the gallery, from publications to this website—we utilize digital media to facilitate and share original research. This section outlines current programming and provides a repository for past scholarly content.

The Fields of the Future fund is intended to provide current BGC students and alums with financial support to pursue projects that align with the mission and values of the Fields of the Future Institute: bringing new voices or narratives into the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. This is an open call, but all proposals must result in a finished product, for example, a panel discussion, a digital exhibition, or a resource or guide. These funds are not meant to supplement another award, be used in place of the general student travel/research fund, or provide funds for an unpaid internship. See the FAQ for more information.

Applications due March 1, 2022.

The application form is available here. Email completed applications to laura.minsky@bgc.bard.edu.

Previous Awardees

Mary Adeogun (2021)
untitled multimedia project

The project is about two textiles (pictured below) linked to four individuals, who are sisters, and of Yoruba heritage. In a multimedia format combining photography, video, and brief interviews with each individual, the project tells a story about their collaboration and shows the liveliness of their textiles and garments. The Fields of the Future grant helped cover expenses associated with the production of the project, such as renting high quality camera and audio equipment, and hiring a small team. The interviews, photography, and video were carried out in the summer of 2021. Post-production and editing took place in the fall of 2021. Portions of this project were shared privately with advisors at Bard Graduate Center, and with the sisters. With gratitude to Yoruba dress culture, the Solarin sisters, the production team, and Bard Graduate Center.

FAQ

When are applications due?

Applications are due March 1, 2022.

When will I be notified as to the status of my application?

All applicants will be notified as to the status of their application by March 15, 2022.

Is there a deadline by which my project must be completed?

Projects must be completed by June 30, 2022.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?

Current BGC MA and PhD students and BGC alumni.

How much is the award?

Awards will be made up to $1,000.

Do I have to apply as an individual or can a group apply for funds?

Individuals and groups are welcome to apply. If applying as a group one person should submit the application on behalf of the group. This person will be the point person for the application and, should the proposal be selected, this person would liaise with administrative staff at BGC on behalf of the group.

Who selects the winning submission(s)?

A committee made up of one faculty member, one staff member, and one student.

I have more question, who can I contact?

Please email Laura Minsky at laura.minsky@bgc.bard.edu.