I Tatti-Getty Black Mediterranean Fellowship Program (Africa)

I Tatti will offer two residential Fellowships during the 2024-2025 academic year for scholars from African nations whose work examines exchanges within and between the African continent and the wider Mediterranean world during the early modern period (14th – 17th centuries). Designed for scholars working on African artistic and architectural material (including those working in archaeology and anthropology) and made possible by a generous grant from the Getty Foundation, the fellowships seek to create and promote collaboration between scholars working in African institutions and those working in European and North American institutions.

Projects will explore the reception of antiquity in the modern era (a major topic for the African countries that had been part of the Roman empire) and the reception and impact of artworks, crafts and practices of the early modern period created within the Eurafrica space on the modern and contemporary world. They are particularly interested in projects that connect the visual and material histories of Sub-Saharan Africa with those of Italy, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, broadly conceived.

As part of the larger Black Mediterranean/Mediterraneo Nero project, the Fellows will become automatic participants in a series of multi-day events to take place at I Tatti and, if possible, at one or more African institutions during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. (The eventual schedule of the programming will ideally be tailored with special consideration given to the projects of the Appointees; details about this programming to follow.) Based at I Tatti, the two Fellows will be embedded in a stimulating interdisciplinary milieu of scholars whose work is centered on the Mediterranean and Mediterranean cultures.

Terms

• The stipend is USD 5,200 per month, plus a one-time supplement (maximum USD 1,500) towards relocation expenses. In light of the residential nature of the fellowship, Fellows must live in the Florence area and spend at least three days a week at the center. When possible, an apartment will be set aside for the Fellow’s use, rent free, but with charges for utilities. If an apartment is not available, a housing subsidy will be offered to help offset rental costs.
• Applicants should indicate their preference between fall (September through December) and winter-spring (January through June). Fellows enjoy all the privileges of the Harvard Center, including use of the Biblioteca Berenson seven days a week and lunch with other appointees from Monday through Friday. Term Fellows do not receive an office or study, but they will have their own desk or carrel in the Library itself. Fellows may not take on any other obligations such as teaching positions, even part-time ones, during any part of their Fellowship period. The Fellowship may not be held concurrently with another fellowship or award.
• The Fellow is responsible for obtaining a visa, permesso di soggiorno, and health coverage (and, if appropriate, for accompanying family members). The Fellow must determine if a visa is required and, if necessary, obtain one before travel.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants for the Fellowships must be nationals of African countries, with preference given to scholars based or connected to African universities, museums, and cultural institutions. Applicants must be fluent in either English, Italian, or French and have a PhD certificate in hand by the time they apply (and will be asked to upload a scan of it when submitting their application).
• Successful applicants will have a solid background in premodern Africa and its global exchanges. Candidates offered the Fellowships will spend a four-month or six-month term in Florence at I Tatti with access to local and regional resources (libraries, photographic collections, archives, museums, collections).
• The Fellows will be expected to carry out original research on the topic for which they have been awarded their fellowship. Term Fellowships at I Tatti can be held only once and cannot be deferred. Term Fellowships are intended for scholars who have not previously held appointments at I Tatti (with the exception of Graduate Fellows).

For more information, visit I Tatti.