Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The National Gallery of Canada’s Canadian War Art Research Fellowship Program supports advanced research in Canadian and Indigenous Canadian war and military art. The fellowship provides up to CAD 5,000 to support research activities including publications, exhibitions, thesis work, and scholarly projects using collections from major Canadian institutions.
The fellowship is open to researchers from Canada and internationally and runs for one calendar year beginning 1 September 2026.
Overview of the Canadian War Art Research Fellowship Program
The fellowship programme encourages research into Canadian military and war-related visual arts and promotes the use of important national collections and archives.
The initiative supports scholarly work that contributes to a deeper understanding of Canadian and Indigenous military art traditions and historical representation.
The programme encourages research using collections from:
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canadian War Museum
- Library and Archives Canada
Programme Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Support advanced research in war and military art
- Encourage use of national collections and archives
- Promote scholarship in Canadian and Indigenous art history
- Support publication and exhibition development
- Strengthen interdisciplinary research
- Expand understanding of military visual culture
Supported Research Areas
Research projects may focus on Canadian war or military art across different media.
Eligible examples include:
Visual Arts and Creative Media
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Mixed media
- Other visual art forms
Research Activities
Supported scholarly work may include:
- Publishing projects
- Exhibition development
- Thesis research
- Dissertation work
- Independent academic research
- Equivalent scholarly projects
Funding Information
Award Amount
Each fellowship provides:
- Up to CAD 5,000
Funding may support both project costs and stipends.
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Relocation expenses to Ottawa
- Living and subsistence expenses
- Research-related travel
- Project supplies
- Professional services
- Stipend support
Fellowship Duration and Location
Fellowship Term
- One calendar year
Programme Start Date
- 1 September 2026
Residency Requirement
The fellowship is tenable only at:
- National Gallery of Canada
Who Is Eligible?
The programme accepts applications from a broad range of professionals and researchers.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
- Art historians
- Curators
- Critics
- Conservators
- Graduate students
- Independent researchers
- Visual arts professionals
- Museology specialists
- Humanities researchers
- Social science researchers
International Applicants
International candidates are also eligible.
Applicants from outside Canada must ensure:
- Required visas are obtained
- Entry documentation is completed before travel
Why This Fellowship Matters
Military and war-related art provides important perspectives on history, identity, memory, and cultural narratives.
The fellowship supports:
- Research in Canadian art history
- Indigenous artistic perspectives
- Preservation of cultural knowledge
- Interdisciplinary scholarship
- Access to important collections
- Development of new research and publications
How to Apply
Step 1: Develop a Research Proposal
Prepare a project focused on:
- Canadian war art
- Indigenous military art
- Military visual culture
- Related scholarly themes
Step 2: Prepare a Research Statement
The proposal should include:
- Research aims
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
Step 3: Create a Proposal Summary
Provide a concise overview of:
- Research objectives
- Scope of work
- Expected contribution
Step 4: Identify Research Resources
Include details regarding:
- Materials needed
- Facilities required
- Archives or collections to be used
Step 5: Develop a Timeline and Budget
Prepare:
- Residency schedule
- Research timetable
- Estimated expenses
- Stipend requirements
Step 6: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application with all required documentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Unclear Research Objectives
Clearly define the purpose and significance of the study.
2. Weak Methodology
Explain how the research will be conducted.
3. Missing Collection Relevance
Demonstrate how institutional collections support the project.
4. Unrealistic Budgets
Provide practical and justified expense estimates.
5. Incomplete Residency Planning
Present a structured timeline for the fellowship period.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define research questions
- Demonstrate scholarly relevance
- Explain expected outcomes
- Show alignment with collection resources
- Present realistic timelines
- Include well-structured budgets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Canadian War Art Research Fellowship Program?
It is a research fellowship supporting scholarly work in Canadian and Indigenous Canadian war and military art.
2. How much funding is available?
Each fellowship provides up to CAD 5,000.
3. Who can apply?
Researchers, graduate students, curators, historians, critics, and related professionals may apply.
4. Can international applicants apply?
Yes. International applicants are eligible.
5. Where is the fellowship conducted?
The fellowship is tenable at the National Gallery of Canada.
6. What types of projects are supported?
Publishing projects, exhibitions, thesis work, dissertations, and other scholarly research activities are supported.
7. When does the fellowship begin?
The fellowship begins on 1 September 2026.
Conclusion
The Canadian War Art Research Fellowship Program provides funding and institutional support for researchers investigating Canadian and Indigenous military art traditions. By enabling access to major collections and encouraging interdisciplinary scholarship, the programme contributes to deeper understanding and preservation of military visual history.
For more information, visit National Gallery of Canada.