Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled a new Fellowships and Grants Programme aimed at advancing research in art and history by attracting scholars and museum professionals from around the world. This pioneering initiative is designed to foster innovative studies, spark cross-cultural conversations, and introduce fresh perspectives into global art research.
The programme’s research agenda revolves around three primary themes: ‘Global History of Museums and Collections,’ ‘Circulation of Styles, Images and Texts,’ and ‘Precious Materials and Routes of Exchange.’ Louvre Abu Dhabi’s initiative invites researchers in fields such as Art History, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Heritage Science, and Conservation to submit proposals within these areas. The project signals Louvre Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing global knowledge and supporting art research from an international perspective.
Selected researchers will have access to the museum’s world-class research facilities, including its Resource Centre, Conservation Centre, and the Scientific Laboratory—an advanced research space for artwork analysis and the first of its kind in the Gulf region. These resources are intended to equip scholars with tools for cutting-edge research while promoting a deeper understanding of cultural narratives within Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collections. The programme will also offer symposiums, workshops, and academic publications to facilitate knowledge sharing and build an engaged scholarly community focused on art history and heritage.
Speaking about the launch, H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. “An important element of Abu Dhabi’s transformation into a global cultural centre is its role as a hub for research and knowledge exchange. While they remain rooted in a regional context, it is vital that our cultural institutions engage in global discourse, gaining from a diversity of perspectives. This grant programme will bring talent from across the world to Abu Dhabi, generating insights that reflect our shared humanity,” he said.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said, “Launching this programme is a natural extension of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mission to be a universal museum—one that not only displays the world’s artistic heritage but also actively contributes to its understanding and preservation.”
The programme offers both short- and long-term fellowships with significant financial awards, allowing recipients to conduct extensive research. Short-term fellows will receive AED 85,000 for three-month projects, while long-term fellows will be awarded AED 245,000 for nine-month studies. These fellowships are designed to support the academic work of local and international researchers alike.
In 2025, the initiative will expand to include institutional grants, encouraging collaboration between Louvre Abu Dhabi and other cultural institutions globally. These grants will support joint research projects with museums, research centres, and universities, aligning with Louvre Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange.
The application process for the Fellowships and Grants Programme is open until 10 January 2025, with successful applicants announced in March 2025. A committee of experts and museum representatives will assess applications, with some candidates invited for interview as part of the review.
This programme is the latest step in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mission to position itself as a hub for global art scholarship and enhance the international art community’s understanding of historical narratives, materials, and cultural connections embedded in art. Proposals must be submitted online through the museum’s website and must be in English.
