Which artists, genres, topics, and themes are eligible for the fellowship?
The New Voices Publishing Fellowship is intended to support early-career scholars in the field of Canadian art history. We welcome proposals on a wide range of artists, genres, topics, and themes relevant to current scholarship in the discipline. Eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
- Studies on the life and work of Indigenous and Canadian artists, artist groups, or collectives working in any medium or period.
- Survey studies on significant genres and art practices in Canada, such as craft, sculpture, ceramics, or landscape.
- Survey studies on major themes and critical issues in Canadian art history, such as identity, migration, or the work of women artists.
- Explorations of artistic movements or regional schools.
- Reinterpretations of canonical artists through new critical frameworks.
Applicants proposing to work on a thematic manuscript must ensure that their project represents a major and critical topic within Canadian art history. Such topics must be broad enough to have a substantial visual history to draw from while also being engaging and accessible to a general reader.
I hold a phd and I’m employed in an alt-academic position. Am I eligible for the fellowship?
We welcome applicants who hold a PhD and are employed in alt-academic positions in cultural, research, and educational institutions, or non-profit organizations. The fellowship is designed to support emerging voices in Canadian art history, and we recognize alt-academics as key contributors to the field. If awarded the fellowship, it is the Fellow’s responsibility to ensure that their work schedule can accommodate the time and commitments required to write their manuscript and participate in other critical milestones during the fellowship year. This includes securing support or flexibility from their employer, where necessary.
How is my proposal assessed?
Only complete applications will be considered. An adjudication committee comprised of leading scholars in Canadian art history will assess each application according to the following criteria:
- Relevance and originality.
- Evidence of research and focus.
- Contribution to the field.
- Scope and feasibility.
- Author expertise and preparedness.
For more information on the adjudication process, please see our How to Apply page.
Can I propose a project based on my PHD work?
Applicants are welcome to propose a project based on the work they completed for their PhD. The fellowship is designed to support projects that draw from a significant body of research (such as a doctoral dissertation), to adapt, expand, and reimagine it for broader public engagement. Applicants are encouraged to revisit their scholarship through new lenses and to show how their project offers fresh insights or addresses gaps in Canadian art history.
I am currently enrolled in a phd program. Am I eligible for the fellowship?
Individuals currently enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible for the fellowship. The program is intended for applicants who have already completed their doctoral studies. This ensures that Fellows can fully dedicate themselves to their proposed project without the demands of ongoing coursework or dissertation research. Applicants should apply only after they have completed all requirements for their PhD. (We will accept applicants who are near completion, but they must have a confirmed date for their defence before the fellowship year commences.)
I received my phd in 2019. Am I still eligible for the fellowship?
The program is open to applicants who received their PhD within the past seven years. For the current application cycle (intake in 2026), this includes anyone who received their PhD on or after January 1, 2019.
I am a Canadian citizen living abroad. Am I eligible for the fellowship?
Applicants living abroad are welcome to apply, as long as they meet the citizenship or permanent residency requirement.
I have other funding. Can I apply for this fellowship?
It is up to the applicant to ensure there are no funding conflicts.
Is the fellowship based in Toronto?
ACI’s main office is based in Toronto, but Fellows may live and work anywhere.