Artists in the Archives Fellowship [2027]

Calling All Student Artists!

Are you working on an arts-related project and looking for support? The University Libraries invites undergraduate and graduate students to apply for the Artists in the Archives Fellowship.

The fellowship gives you both financial and research help for your creative work. If you’re interested in exploring historical and rare materials from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Libraries for inspiration or research, this opportunity is for you! But don’t worry—your project doesn’t have to be entirely based on our collections. As an award recipient, you’ll receive a stipend, personalized guidance on using our special collections and support from library staff to help you bring your project to life.

Students from all artistic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Whether you’re a musician, visual artist, writer or performer, you can apply for an individual award of $1,000 or team up with friends for a group award of up to $3,000. Plus, you’ll get to showcase your work at a special event in April.

Posible projects ideas include, but are not limited to:

• Artists’ books

• Costume or set design
• Creative fiction, non-fiction, or poetry
• Dance choreography and performance
• Documentary film or videos
• Music composition or performance
• Drawings, paintings, installations, sculptures, or videos
• Performance of historical music or drama
• Plays or screenplays

Artists in the Archives Fellowship awardees must:

• Be an enrolled student in a academic program at UNC-Chapel Hill.
• Attend the Award Orientation in December to get started.
• Use special collections and other historic materials collected and housed in the UNC University Libraries, such as Wilson Library, Sloane Art Library, the Music Library, in your project.
• Meet with a special collections librarian for a research consultation in January and check in with them at least once between February and March.
• Schedule and attend at least 5 research visits.
• Share your work at the Award Showcase in April.

• October 1: Application form opens (submit online through Interfolio).
• October 25: Proposals due by 11:59 p.m.
• November 15: Award winners will be notified
• December: Orientation
• January: Research consultation with a special collections librarian
• February – March: At least one check in with librarian and 5 research visits
• March: Funds are dispersed.
• April (date TBD): Award winners showcase their work

Are you ready to take your creative project to the next level? Here’s how you can apply for the Artists in the Archives Fellowship::

• Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill can apply for individual awards ($1,000) or group awards ($3,000).

• Submit your proposal by midnight on October 25 through Interfolio using the Artists in the Archive Fellowship application.

Your application will include:

• Project Summary: A 300-450 word summary that clearly explains your project.

• Research Goals: A short (about 250 words) statement describing what you plan to accomplish by researching in Wilson Library. Be sure to mention:

• The types of materials you want to explore
• What information you’re hoping to find

• + How this research will contribute to your creative work

• Faculty Sponsor: Provide the name and contact information of a faculty member who knows your work and can:

• + Act as a reference during the application process.
• Be your point of contact while you’re working on the project.
• Offer feedback as your project develops.

• Group Applications: If applying as a group, include the full name, current academic program and year, UNC-CH email address, and project role for each group member.

• Optional: Feel free to include drawings or other non-text materials along with your written summary

Your application will be evaluated on these criteria:

• The artistic quality of your project.

• Whether your proposal is realistic and achievable.

• How well your project connects to UNC University Library’s special collections.

Up to six grants will be awarded. Priority will go to proposals contributing to thesis work or other projects developed with faculty or departmental support.

Fellowship Funds will be dispersed in March.