The Cullman Center Fellowship 2027–2028 offers scholars, independent researchers, writers, and eligible visual artists the opportunity to complete a research-based project at The New York Public Library. Fellows work primarily with the collections of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in New York and receive a stipend of $90,000. The application deadline is September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. EDT.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center Fellowship
Category: Research and Writing Fellowship
Host: The New York Public Library
Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York
Format: In-person, five days per week
Award Period: September 7, 2027–May 26, 2028
Stipend: $90,000
Application Deadline: September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. EDT
Notification: March 2027
About the Cullman Center Fellowship 2027–2028
The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers supports projects that depend directly on The New York Public Library’s research collections.
The fellowship is based at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Its collections support research across areas such as literature, history, art, politics, philosophy, languages, religion, sociology, anthropology, psychology, popular culture, geography, sports, and urban studies.
The Cullman Center appoints 15 fellows each year. The programme brings together academics, independent scholars, journalists, novelists, playwrights, poets, translators, and visual artists. In addition to working on individual projects, fellows participate in intellectual exchange within the Center and public programmes across the Library.
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Fellowship Purpose and Research Focus
Applicants should propose projects that will benefit substantially from access to the research collections of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
The Center seeks strong writing from academics, creative writers, and independent scholars. Visual artists may also apply when their proposed projects require extensive use of the Library’s collections.
Projects may be written in languages other than English. However, applicants must be able to communicate effectively in English, and all application materials must be submitted in English.
What Cullman Center Fellows Receive
Successful applicants receive financial support, workspace, and access to The New York Public Library’s research resources.
Confirmed fellowship benefits include:
✓ A stipend of $90,000
✓ A private office with a computer
✓ Full access to the Library’s physical collections
✓ Full access to the Library’s electronic resources
✓ A nine-month period for focused research and writing
✓ Participation in the Cullman Center’s intellectual community
The official information does not describe the stipend as covering accommodation, travel, insurance, or relocation expenses.
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Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for people whose projects will benefit directly from access to the Library’s research collections.
Eligible applicant profiles may include:
• Academics
• Independent scholars
• Journalists
• Creative writers, including novelists, playwrights, and poets
• Translators
• Visual artists whose projects require extensive use of Library collections
• Foreign nationals who are conversant in English
Applicants working in languages other than English are welcome. Nevertheless, they must be able to communicate in English and prepare their application materials in English.
Eligibility Restrictions
The Cullman Center does not award fellowships for academic projects proposed by postdoctoral fellows or for graduate-school dissertation research.
The programme also does not accept applications from:
• New York Public Library employees
• Partners of New York Public Library employees
• People serving on the Library’s Board of Trustees
• Members of the Library’s Board Advisory Committees
• Members of the Library Council
Joint fellowship applicants must submit separate applications to The New York Public Library and the American Council of Learned Societies.
Fellowship Attendance and Professional Commitments
Fellows are expected to work at the Cullman Center five days per week, from Monday through Friday, throughout the fellowship period.
Successful applicants must work primarily at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building rather than at other Library divisions. Fellows may not accept other major professional obligations during the award period.
A limited number of prior commitments may be accepted. However, fellows must keep research trips, academic meetings, and speaking engagements brief.
Anyone who needs to be away from the Center for more than two days must inform the Center’s Director or Deputy Director. The Library may reduce the stipend when a fellow spends excessive time away from the Center.
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Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit a complete application and all supporting materials through the official online application portal.
The required materials include:
• Research proposal
• Curriculum vitae
• New letters of recommendation
• Creative writing sample or artwork sample, depending on the proposed project
The Cullman Center does not accept dossier letters as substitutes for new recommendation letters. All application materials, including recommendation letters, must be received before the application deadline.
How to Submit an Application
First-time applicants must create an account through the Cullman Center’s online application portal.
During registration, applicants must provide their name, email address, and a password containing at least eight characters. The name entered during registration should appear exactly as the applicant wants it displayed on the application because it cannot be changed later.
After creating an account, applicants can log in, complete the application, upload the required materials, and return to make changes until the application is formally submitted.
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted by September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. EDT. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Applicants are expected to receive notification in March 2027.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Cullman Center Fellowship 2027–2028 is:
September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. EDT
The fellowship award period will run from September 7, 2027, through May 26, 2028.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official Cullman Center application portal.
