Getty Library Research Grants 2026 – Apply Now for Funded Research in Art History, Conservation, and Visual Culture (Deadline: 1 October, 2025)

Apply for Getty Library Research Grants 2026 – Funding for Scholars Using Getty Collections

The Getty Research Institute invites scholars, researchers, and undergraduate students from around the world to apply for the Getty Library Research Grants 2026. These short-term grants provide financial support to individuals who require access to the Getty Library’s extensive collections in order to advance their research in fields such as art history, visual culture, culinary studies, and cultural heritage conservation.

About the Getty Library Research Grants

Launched in 1997, the Getty Library Research Grants aim to support a wide range of research endeavors through an open call for proposals. These grants are designed to offer partial, short-term support for projects that make significant use of the Getty Library’s specialized holdings.

The program includes both general and focused grants, providing opportunities for scholars at various stages of their careers and in various disciplines related to art and visual culture.

Available Grant Categories

In addition to the open grant call, the Getty also offers focused research grants tied to specific collections:

• Whitney and Lee Kaplan African American Visual Culture Collection Grant
  Supports interdisciplinary research using a comprehensive collection of works related to African American art.
• Anne Willan and Mark Cherniavsky Gastronomy Collection Grant
  Funds projects focusing on culinary history, visual depictions of food, and the preparation and presentation of cuisine.
• Conservation Collection Grant
  Supports studies utilizing resources from the Getty Conservation Institute, emphasizing the preservation of cultural heritage.
• Awards for Undergraduates
  Designed for students who have completed or are completing a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as art history, studio art, architectural history, or related disciplines. Applicants must not yet have entered a Master’s or Ph.D. program.

Who Can Apply?

The Getty Library Research Grants are open to researchers of all nationalities, at any career stage, provided they:

• Live more than 80 miles from the Getty Center
• Require in-person access to items in the Getty Library collection (projects focused solely on museum holdings are not eligible)
• Clearly articulate why original materials are needed (especially if digital versions are available)

Grant Ineligibility Note:
Applicants who have received a Getty Library Research Grant within the past four years are not eligible to reapply.

Grant Details and Terms

• These are partial support grants designed to assist with travel, lodging, and living expenses.
• Housing is not provided.
• Grant amounts are based on the applicant’s place of residence:
  • $1,500 – For California residents (must be more than 80 miles away)
  • $3,000 – For residents of North America, including Canada and Mexico
  • $4,500 – For international applicants outside North America

Research Period:
Grants support visits between February 2, 2026, and December 18, 2026, for durations ranging from 5 days to 8 weeks.

Please review the Getty Library Research Grant Program Overview for information about potential tax obligations and other terms.

Application Process and Timeline

Grant Applications Open: July 1, 2025
Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
Notification of Grant Application Results: Approximately 12 weeks after the application deadline

Required Grant Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following as part of their online application form:

• Project Proposal (Maximum 2 pages, typed and double-spaced)
  Should outline the research topic, current progress, and specific goals for the visit.
• Curriculum Vitae
  Either a full or abbreviated CV is accepted.
• Selected Bibliography
  List specific materials from the Getty Library Catalog essential to your research. Include citations and permalinks.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  After entering your references’ names and emails in the application system, links will be sent to allow them to upload their letters confidentially.
  Note: Applications without two submitted letters will not be considered.

Applicants are responsible for checking their application portal to ensure both letters are uploaded.

Access to the Getty Library for Non-Awarded Applicants

Even if not selected for a grant, applicants are still welcome to use the Getty Library, provided they meet its access policy requirements.

Contact Information

For questions or more details, contact:

Email: researchgrants@getty.edu
Subject: Attn: Library Research Grants

Explore the Getty Library’s world-renowned collections and take the next step in your academic journey. Whether you are researching African American visual culture, culinary history, or art conservation, the Getty Library Research Grants offer valuable support for your scholarly pursuits.

Deadline: October 1, 2025