Deadline: 20-May-2026
Center for Craft is offering four Craft Archive Fellowships of $5,000 each to support research on underrepresented craft histories. The 12-month fellowship (Sept 2026–Sept 2027) funds archival research and includes publication in Hyperallergic.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Craft Archive Fellowship 2026 supports independent research that explores overlooked and nondominant craft histories.
It encourages scholars and artist-researchers to investigate diverse narratives and expand how archival research in craft is understood and practiced.
Core Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Highlight underrepresented craft histories
- Expand definitions of archives and research methods
- Promote inclusive and intersectional scholarship
- Increase visibility of craft research
- Contribute to national and global discourse
Key Focus Areas
Research may explore:
- Feminist and intersectional craft histories
- Queer, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, AAPI perspectives
- Community-based and nontraditional archives
- Material culture and objects as archives
- Oral histories and grassroots documentation
Funding Details
- Number of fellowships: 4
- Grant amount: $5,000 each
- Duration: 12 months (Sept 2026 – Sept 2027)
Funding can be used for:
- Travel and accommodation
- Research materials
- Living expenses
- Other project-related costs
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be 21 years or older
- Be able to receive taxable income in the United States
Eligible applicants include:
- Scholars and researchers
- Artist-scholars
- Independent researchers at any career stage
The programme strongly encourages applications from underrepresented communities.
What the Fellowship Supports
The fellowship supports:
- Archival research (digital or in-person)
- Work with institutional and community archives
- Innovative and experimental research approaches
- Independent research projects
Fellowship Requirements
Selected fellows must:
- Complete a 1,200-word article for publication in Hyperallergic
- Participate in a virtual public presentation hosted by Center for Craft
- Share research findings and methodologies
Timeline
- Application deadline: May 20, 2026
- Results announcement: August 2026
- Fellowship period: September 2026 – September 2027
What is Not Supported
The programme does NOT support:
- Applicants under 21 years
- Individuals unable to receive US taxable income
- Projects not aligned with craft research
- Non-research-based proposals
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Define a research topic in underrepresented craft history
- Identify relevant archives (digital, physical, or community-based)
- Develop a research proposal and methodology
- Prepare application materials
- Submit to Center for Craft before the deadline
- Await selection results
Why It Matters
This fellowship is important because:
- Many craft histories remain underdocumented
- It expands what counts as an archive
- It supports diverse voices and perspectives
- It bridges academic and public scholarship
- It increases access to craft knowledge globally
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposals lacking clear research focus
- Weak connection to underrepresented narratives
- Limited or unclear archival approach
- Ignoring publication and presentation requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
- Choose a unique and underexplored topic
- Clearly explain your research methods
- Highlight relevance to marginalized perspectives
- Show how your work contributes to broader discourse
- Plan realistic use of funding
FAQ
What is the Craft Archive Fellowship?
A research grant supporting archival work on underrepresented craft histories.
How much funding is provided?
$5,000 per fellow.
Who can apply?
Individuals aged 21+ able to receive taxable income in the US.
What is required from fellows?
A published article in Hyperallergic and a public presentation.
What types of research are supported?
Both traditional archival and innovative, community-based research.
When is the deadline?
May 20, 2026.
Conclusion
The Center for Craft Craft Archive Fellowship 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for researchers to explore and amplify overlooked craft histories. With funding, publication, and public engagement, it supports impactful scholarship that reshapes how craft and archives are understood.
For more information, visit Center for Craft.
