Sharjah Art Foundation Collection Research Fellowship 2027 to 2029

About this call

Sharjah Art Foundation in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, offers a two-year Collection Research Fellowship (March 2027 to March 2029) supporting sustained research into its collection and archives. The first cycle focuses on Hassan Sharif's studio and archive: artworks, objects, found materials, drawings, paintings, documentation of performances and part of his personal library. Fellows may also use the rest of the Collection, the library and publications, and work with the Collection and the Learning and Research teams. Fellows may research both off-site and in the UAE, with a first UAE-based phase in March to May 2027, mandatory check-ins and agreed milestones, and must produce a research publication or project in Arabic or English, such as a research paper, booklet, artist's book or audiovisual presentation.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Curatorial / Writing
• Entry fee: See official site
• Open to researchers, curators, artists, writers, archivists, conservators and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in research around modern and contemporary art and the history of the Gulf and wider region. Applicants need demonstrated interest and experience in research, writing, curatorial practice, archival work or a related field; a good understanding of Gulf and regional art history and the contemporary art scene; strong reading proficiency in Arabic and writing proficiency in Arabic and/or English; the ability to travel to the UAE for the required fellowship periods if not based there; and the ability to commit to the two-year fellowship, including agreed UAE-based periods, mandatory check-ins and key milestones. Submit a CV (maximum two pages) on relevant academic, professional and research experience; a statement of interest (500 words) on why you are applying and how previous experience supports the application; a research proposal (1,000 words) with key questions, methodology and expected outcomes; and three examples of previous work (research publications, unpublished academic papers, curatorial essays and/or images of artworks and work descriptions) in English or Arabic. All materials must be received by the deadline. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed. Fellows must attend the scheduled check-ins with the Collections and Learning and Research teams, meet key milestones, be available in the UAE for the first phase (March to May 2027) and later agreed phases if based elsewhere, and produce a research publication or project in Arabic or English. The public page does not state an application fee.