Public Humanities Fellowships 2026: Supporting Storytellers, Scholars, and Community Voices Across Virginia

 

The Public Humanities Fellowships offered by Virginia Humanities continue a long-standing commitment to supporting scholars, writers, community historians, and cultural practitioners whose work deepens public understanding of Virginia’s diverse stories. Since 1974, the fellowship program has enabled more than 400 fellows to explore meaningful topics, engage residents across the state, and connect Virginia’s histories to wider regional, national, and global contexts.

The 2026 cycle continues this legacy by inviting proposals rooted in public engagement, creativity, and community relevance. Whether through literature, history, religion, or community storytelling, the program supports projects that spark dialogue and bring Virginians closer to the complexities of their shared past and present.

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About the Public Humanities Fellowships

Each selected Public Humanities Fellow receives a $15,000 stipend to support a four-month project dedicated to creating publicly accessible, engaging work. Fellows gain access to the University of Virginia’s library system and the extensive archives at the Library of Virginia, offering robust research support for projects across disciplines.

Fellows become part of a collaborative community, joining others exploring innovative themes in public humanities. In addition to research support, fellows may have opportunities to share their work through high-visibility programs such as the With Good Reason radio show and podcast, Virginia Festival of the Book’s Shelf Life, or the Library of Virginia’s UncommonWealth blog. These platforms help fellows bring their research to broader audiences while contributing to ongoing conversations about Virginia’s cultural and historical landscape.

Preference is given to projects that engage the public creatively, meaningfully, and inclusively—especially those that highlight untold histories, amplify community voices, or explore social and cultural themes central to Virginians today.

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2026 Fellowship Timeline

• Applications close: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• Applicant notifications: May 2026

This annual program has supported generations of scholars, including recent fellows such as Lincoln Lewis (2025) and the 2024 and 2023 cohorts who contributed impactful work across art, history, storytelling, and cultural research.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Live in Virginia or be affiliated with a Virginia college or university
• Work on a project that is relevant to communities within Virginia

A university affiliation is not required. In fact, Virginia Humanities encourages applications from community-based practitioners and independent researchers, especially those experienced in engaging broad and diverse audiences.

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Expectations and Deliverables

Public Humanities Fellows are expected to commit substantial time to their projects over the four-month fellowship period. Applicants are encouraged to take a leave of absence from their primary workplace where possible, allowing full focus on research and public engagement.

Each fellowship includes a public program requirement. Fellows will present their developed research to a public audience in partnership with Virginia Humanities or the Library of Virginia at the end of their term.

Final deliverables must result in publicly accessible work, which may include:

• Digital projects or websites
• Public archives
• Books or scholarly articles
• Exhibits
• Podcasts
• Oral histories

The aim is to produce work that invites interaction, fosters dialogue, and contributes lasting value to Virginia’s cultural landscape.

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How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form, which includes:

• A project proposal
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Two letters of recommendation

Selections are based on the quality and originality of the proposed work, its relevance to Virginia communities, and the feasibility of achieving meaningful public outcomes within the four-month timeframe.

For first-time applicants to Virginia Humanities, creating an online account is required before submitting the application.

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A Commitment to Virginia’s Public Storytelling

For more than five decades, the Public Humanities Fellowship program has uplifted voices that help Virginians understand the state’s evolving identity. The 2026 fellowship cycle continues this mission, offering scholars and creators the support, visibility, and resources needed to bring important stories to life—and to the public.

Application can be accessed from here.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.