Applications open for Craft Archive Fellowship 2026 (United States)

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.