New York – October 19, 2026 -- The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is offering seven dissertation fellowships worth $49,500 each, or $346,500 in total, for doctoral research on the history of art and visual culture of the United States. Applications close at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on October 28, 2026.

Each Luce/ACLS fellowship combines a stipend with travel and research funds

The 2026 Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art cover all aspects of Native American art. Awards include a stipend plus additional money for travel and research. Applicants may be at any stage of dissertation research or writing. The Henry Luce Foundation funds the program.

Eligibility is limited to US-based PhD candidates with object-centered projects

Applicants must be doctoral students at a US university in art history or a related field, such as Native American and Indigenous studies, ethnic studies, or African American studies. Students preparing Master of Fine Arts theses are excluded.

Dissertations must address the history of the visual arts of the United States. Projects must focus foremost on the art object or image and use an art-historical or visual studies approach. Candidates must have completed all PhD requirements except the dissertation before the fellowship begins. Anyone who has already applied more than once is ineligible.

Eligibility extends to DACA recipients, refugees and Jay Treaty rights holders

Eligible applicants include:

• US citizens and permanent residents
• Indigenous persons residing in the United States through rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794
• DACA recipients
• Asylees and refugees
• Individuals granted Temporary Protected Status in the United States