Bard Graduate Center
Ariah delegate
Alternate Ariah delegate
Bard Graduate Center advances the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through its object-centered approach to teaching, research, exhibitions, publications, and events. At BGC, we study the human past and present through their material expressions. We focus on objects and other material forms—from those valued for their aesthetic elements to the ordinary things used in everyday life. Our accomplished interdisciplinary faculty inspires and prepares students in our MA and PhD programs for successful careers in academia, museums, and the private sector. We bring equal intellectual rigor to our acclaimed exhibitions, award-winning catalogues and scholarly publications, and innovative public programs, and we view all of these integrated elements as vital to our curriculum. BGC’s campus comprises a state-of-the-art academic programs building at 38 West 86th Street, a gallery at 18 West 86th Street, and a residence hall at 410 West 58th Street. A new collection study center will open at 8 West 86th Street in 2026. Founded by Dr. Susan Weber in 1993, Bard Graduate Center has become the preeminent institute for academic research and exhibition of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. BGC is an accredited unit of Bard College.
Fellowships offered
Fields of the Future Fellowships
The Fields of the Future fellowship and mentorship program aims to help promote diversity and inclusion in the advanced study of the material world. These partially funded fellowships—for both scholars and artists—reflect our commitment to explore and expand the sources, techniques, voices, and questions of interdisciplinary humanities scholarship from different perspectives.
Visiting Fellowships
We invite scholars from university, museum, and independent backgrounds with a PhD or equivalent professional experience to apply for non-stipendiary visiting fellowships. Intended for scholars who have already secured means of funding, this fellowship provides scholars with workspace in the BGC Research Center and enables them to join our dynamic, intellectual, and scholarly community in New York City.
BGC Fields of the Future Fellowship applications are due due December 2, 2024.
BGC Visiting Fellowship applications for the 2024-25 academic year are due March 1, 2025.