Call for Applications: Wallace Fellowship Program

The Wallace Fellowship Program at Villa I Tatti supports early- and mid-career scholars researching the historiography, reception, and modern impact of the Italian Renaissance. Fellows receive USD 5,200 per month for 4 or 6 months, plus up to USD 1,800 for relocation expenses, housing support, and access to research resources in Florence.

About the Wallace Fellowship Program

The Wallace Fellowship Program provides residential support for scholars examining how the Italian Renaissance has been interpreted, transformed, and remembered in the modern era.

The fellowship welcomes interdisciplinary research exploring the Renaissance’s continuing influence across areas such as:

• Modern art and architecture.
• Literature and music.
• Philosophy and political thought.
• Museum and collecting history.
• Renaissance historiography.
• Modern interpretations of Renaissance culture.
• The survival of Renaissance ideas in contemporary culture.
• Interdisciplinary approaches to the Renaissance’s modern legacy.

Projects should demonstrate a substantive connection to the study of the Italian Renaissance and its impact or reception in the modern period.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows receive substantial financial and residential support.

• USD 5,200 per month.
• Fellowship duration of 4 or 6 months.
• One-time relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.
• A rent-free apartment when available.
• Housing subsidy when a rent-free apartment cannot be provided.
• Access to the Biblioteca Berenson.
• Access to the scholarly and academic community at the center.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences, lectures, concerts, and other academic activities.

The fellowship is residential, and fellows are expected to live in the Florence area and participate actively in the intellectual life of the center.

Research Focus

The program is particularly suitable for researchers investigating the Renaissance beyond its original historical period.

Potential research themes include:

• The Renaissance in modern visual arts.
• Renaissance influences on contemporary architecture.
• Modern literary representations of the Renaissance.
• Renaissance music and its later reception.
• Renaissance philosophy and political thought in modern contexts.
• The development of Renaissance historiography.
• Museums, collecting, and changing perceptions of Renaissance objects.
• The continued influence of Renaissance concepts on contemporary culture.
• Cross-disciplinary interpretations of Renaissance heritage.

Innovative projects that examine the Renaissance’s continuing cultural influence are encouraged.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the fellowship’s academic and residency requirements.

Eligible candidates must:

• Hold a PhD at the time of application.
• Not be pursuing a second PhD.
• Be early- or mid-career scholars, as these applicants receive priority.
• Be able to conduct most of the proposed research in Florence.
• Be conversant in English.
• Be familiar with Italian.
• Be able to reside in the Florence area during the fellowship.
• Commit to the proposed research project as their primary activity during the fellowship.

The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities.

Special consideration may be given to scholars who do not have regular access to research materials and facilities in Italy.

Residential Requirement

The Wallace Fellowship is designed as a residential research opportunity.

Fellows are expected to:

• Live in the Florence area during their appointment.
• Spend significant time at the center.
• Participate in the academic community.
• Make substantial use of research resources available in Florence.
• Conduct most of their proposed research locally.

The residential structure allows fellows to benefit from direct interaction with other scholars and the wider intellectual community at Villa I Tatti.

Fellowship Duration and Funding

The fellowship can be held for either:

• 4 months, or
• 6 months.

The monthly grant is USD 5,200, providing a total stipend of:

• USD 20,800 for 4 months, or
• USD 31,200 for 6 months.

In addition, fellows may receive up to USD 1,800 in relocation assistance.

Housing assistance further reduces the cost of undertaking the residential fellowship in Florence.

Application Considerations

Applicants should propose a focused research project that clearly demonstrates why residence in Florence is important for completing the work.

A competitive proposal should:

• Clearly explain the research question.
• Demonstrate its connection to the Italian Renaissance and its modern reception or impact.
• Explain the project’s originality and scholarly contribution.
• Show why research in Florence is necessary.
• Identify relevant collections, libraries, archives, or other resources.
• Demonstrate that the project can realistically be completed during the fellowship period.

Applicants should also demonstrate familiarity with relevant Italian-language sources where appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wallace Fellowship?

It is a residential research fellowship supporting scholars studying the historiography, reception, and modern impact of the Italian Renaissance.

How much does the fellowship provide?

Fellows receive USD 5,200 per month for either four or six months, plus a relocation supplement of up to USD 1,800.

Is housing provided?

When possible, fellows receive a rent-free apartment. If one is unavailable, a housing subsidy may be provided.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must hold a PhD, be able to conduct most of their research in Florence, be conversant in English and familiar with Italian, and meet the program’s other residential and research requirements.

Is the fellowship open internationally?

Yes. Scholars of all nationalities may apply.

Can someone pursuing a second PhD apply?

No. Applicants may not be pursuing a second PhD.

Where must fellows live?

Fellows are expected to reside in the Florence area throughout their residential appointment and participate in the center’s academic life.

Conclusion

The Wallace Fellowship Program offers an excellent opportunity for PhD-qualified scholars researching the modern reception and continuing influence of the Italian Renaissance. With a USD 5,200 monthly grant, relocation assistance, housing support, and access to major scholarly resources in Florence, the fellowship provides both financial and academic support for focused residential research.