Are you passionate about uncovering lost histories, reclaiming cultural narratives, and exploring heritage beyond traditional frameworks? If you’re a researcher, heritage expert, artist, journalist, archaeologist, or cultural activist from a formerly colonized country, the NIAS – NIOD – KITLV Fellowship: Moving Objects, Mobilising Culture is an incredible opportunity to engage with historical collections in the Netherlands and reshape global heritage discussions.
Application Deadline: March 17, 2025, 12:00 PM CET
Why This Fellowship is a Game-Changer?
This fellowship allows scholars and professionals to:
- Gain access to archives, collections, and museums in the Netherlands that house artifacts from their home country.
- Engage in meaningful research that challenges colonial-era narratives.
- Reconnect lost objects with their cultural and historical significance.
- Contribute to global heritage discussions on restitution, artifact histories, and cultural memory.
Supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, this program is ideal for those interested in social histories, valuation of artifacts, and re-establishing connections between objects and their communities.
Fellowship Benefits
Fully funded five-month research fellowship in the Netherlands (September 2025 – January 2026).
Travel expenses within the Netherlands (up to €500).
Access to renowned institutions like:
- Rijksmuseum
- Wereldmuseum
- Museum Bronbeek
- Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
✔ Research mentorship and institutional support from NIAS, NIOD, and KITLV.
✔ A unique platform to explore heritage beyond dominant institutional narratives.
Who is Eligible?
The fellowship is open to researchers and professionals from formerly colonized countries with collections housed in the Netherlands. Eligible applicants must have a background in one or more of the following fields:
- Historians
- Archaeologists
- Social Scientists
- Heritage Experts
- Artists
- Journalists
- Cultural Activists
Available Research Areas
Candidates can explore:
- Cultural, historical, or ancestral objects housed in the Netherlands.
- Social histories and valuation of objects beyond restitution debates.
- Re-establishing connections between artifacts and their countries of origin.
- Understanding the contemporary significance of historical objects.
How to Apply?
To apply, submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae & list of publications or creative works.
- Research proposal (max 500 words) outlining planned activities.
- Outline of objects or collections to be researched (max 500 words).
- Reflection on research connection with the country of origin (max 500 words).
- Reflection on how research can uncover new histories beyond mainstream narratives (max 500 words).
Selection will be carried out by an expert panel from NIAS, NIOD, and KITLV, prioritizing diversity in disciplinary and regional backgrounds.
Apply here: NIAS Fellowship Application
Application Deadline
- Last date to apply: March 17, 2025, 12:00 PM CET
- Selection results announced by: April 2025
The NIAS – NIOD – KITLV Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers, artists, and heritage professionals from formerly colonized countries to engage with historical artifacts, reclaim cultural narratives, and reshape global heritage discussions.
This fully funded program provides the resources, mentorship, and institutional access needed to redefine historical interpretations and explore heritage beyond traditional frameworks. Apply before March 17, 2025, and be part of this transformative experience!
FAQ:
Who can apply for the NIAS – NIOD – KITLV Fellowship?
This fellowship is open to researchers, heritage experts, artists, journalists, archaeologists, and cultural activists from formerly colonized countries with collections housed in the Netherlands.
What does the NIAS Fellowship cover?
The fellowship covers full research funding, travel expenses within the Netherlands (up to €500), and access to renowned museums and archives such as the Rijksmuseum and Museum Bronbeek.
What topics can be researched under this fellowship?
Research can focus on cultural and historical objects housed in the Netherlands, social histories of artifacts, re-establishing connections with countries of origin, and contemporary significance of objects.
How do I apply for the NIAS – NIOD – KITLV Fellowship?
Applicants must submit a CV, list of publications or creative works, a research proposal, an outline of objects to be studied, and reflections on research impact. Applications must be submitted via the NIAS website.
When is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is March 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM CET. Selected candidates will be notified by April 2025.
Where can I apply for the fellowship?
Interested applicants can apply online via the official NIAS website: https://nias.knaw.nl/fellowships/nias-niod-kitlv-fellowship-moving-objects-mobilising-culture-in-the-context-of-decolonisation/.
