Restitution and Reparation: Africa and the Post-Colonial Condition Fellowship – Spring 2026

Deadline: October 1, 2025

Applications are open for the Restitution and Reparation: Africa and the Post-Colonial Condition Fellowship – Spring 2026. The program will convene scholars or practitioners interested in restitution and repatriation issues related to African art and artifacts. By fostering dialogue and research, the fellowship aims to shed light on this critical issue and contribute to meaningful progress in returning looted artifacts to their rightful homes in Africa.

This fellowship program aligns with The Africa Institute’s broader mission to foster critical thinking and dialogue around African and African diaspora studies. By bringing diverse voices and perspectives together, the program promises to advance crucial conversations about cultural heritage, historical accountability, and the path toward a more just future.

Benefits

Fellows spend one semester in residence at The Africa Institute (GSU) campus located in Sharjah, UAE, engaging with a global community of researchers and contributing to a collective publication.

Participants will also:

• Conduct focused research on restitution, repatriation, and African cultural heritage.
• Engage with leading scholars, practitioners, and institutions in the field.
• Contribute to critical debates and public scholarship on the return of looted artifacts.
• Receive mentorship and support for publishing or presenting their work.
• Join a network of fellows and experts committed to advancing restitution, reparation, and cultural heritage advocacy.

Eligibility

• Candidates must have a minimum of a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant specialization and/or area of research.
• Candidates must demonstrate how their research aligns with and contributes to the broader objectives of the Open Society-funded project, including the lecture series, residential fellowships, conference, and final publication.
• Fellows are expected to present their work as part of The Africa Institute’s lecture series and participate in the final conference and publication of its proceedings.

Application

All files must be submitted in PDF format, combined into one file, to streamline the review process. The required documents should be submitted in the below order:

• Candidates must submit a detailed research proposal/letter of interest (1,500–2,000 words) outlining the abstract for the publishable paper, project goals, research questions, methodology, and intended outcomes. The proposal must articulate how their work contributes to the larger conversation on restitution, repatriation, and reparations, as framed by the synopsis
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two sample writings (e.g., articles and book chapters)
• Two reference letters from a specialist in an area relevant to the fellowship themes and objectives

Name the file using the residency title abbreviation and the applicant’s name in this format: Open Society_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME. Use the same name in the email subject heading, ensure you specify the semester you are applying for, and send the PDF as an email attachment to [email protected].

For more information, visit Africa and the Post-Colonial Condition Fellowship.