Faculty Grants

Exploratory grants provide seed funding of up to $5,000 to support research at the developmental stage where no definitive outcomes may be predicted. These projects allow faculty to conduct new research, explore new media, or collaborate in experimental ways. A selection committee composed of faculty from a cross-section of arts and design disciplines makes award recommendations to the dean.

Exploratory grants are intended to assist faculty in developing research that could lead to successful applications for Faculty Research Grants and external funding opportunities. 

Deadline: Monday October 5, 2020 at 5 p.m.

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Research grants provide funding of up to $7000 to support the final stages of research for which venues for dissemination have been determined. In most cases, research grants are awarded for specific art and design activities that have been invited or endorsed by peer review. Ideally, applicants have confirmation that they will be presenting, exhibiting, performing or sharing their work in an appropriate context, amongst professionals or for a significant public audience. The venues for realization of research results are a determining factor in the award of grants.

A selection committee composed of faculty from a cross-section of arts and design disciplines makes award recommendations to the dean. Previous recipients may reapply for support annually. This opportunity does not fund retroactive expenses for a past exhibit or performance. 

Deadline: Monday October 5, 2020 at 5 p.m. 

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Because ongoing and productive research is integral to the mission of VCU, highly active researchers may seek Dean’s Office support for research reassignment. From course reductions to leave, research reassignments are based on several factors and are evaluated by the Dean’s Office.

Reassignments can accommodate external fellowship awards and residencies that occur during the school year. Plan ahead for a research reassignment by applying for external residencies or fellowships that may also contribute to funding your reassignment expenses. 

All requests for Spring 2021 have been submitted. Faculty and Chairs will be notified by September 15th.

Notifications for Fall 2021 requests will be emailed to faculty and published on this page. Please check back for updates.

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The American Academy in Rome program provides research reassignment for faculty whose research interests may benefit from concentrated work in association with Fellows of the Academy in the Italian capital. 

This award covers travel costs as well as residency and studio fees at the American Academy, a value of up to $10,000. Residencies are four to six weeks and will be assigned by the Academy in the summer prior to the fall residency. A VCUarts selection committee composed of associate deans reviews applications and provides recommendations to the dean.

Please contact the Arts Research Institute at artsresearch@vcu.edu if you intend to apply for this program.

Read more about the Rome Affiliated Fellowship

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 VCUarts provides up to $30,000 annually to support research, creative/scholarly work and professional development. Proposals in the range of $500 to $1,000 are suggested in order to accommodate the demand.This support is realized from the profit of the Pre-college Summer Intensive Program for high school students where many of our adjunct faculty also teach.

Adjunct faculty must be employed by VCUarts during the time of the request and performing satisfactorily. Fountainhead Fellows and iCubed adjunct faculty are not eligible.

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The Arts Research Institute maintains a list of relevant grant opportunities and provides guidance in finding, selecting and applying for external funding. Contact ARI staff at artsresearch@vcu.edu.Back to top