Netherlands
1 Fulbright/American Friends of the Mauritshuis Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length11-12 Months |
Award Type
Specialized Grant Types
- Arts
Award Profile
The Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis is internationally known as one of the most important collections of seventeenth-century Dutch and Flemish paintings. Its conservation studio has demonstrated a commitment to technical research and advanced training opportunities.
The University of Amsterdam is the only university in The Netherlands offering an English language study program in Conservation and Restoration (consisting of nine conservation specializations and technical art history). The research, conservation and restoration of objects are core aspects of the program.
This grant is sponsored by the American Friends of the Mauritshuis.
The purpose of the grant is to provide advanced training, research and education opportunities in paintings conservation. The grant will focus on the study, examination and treatment of works of art in the collection of the Mauritshuis, in combination with a tailor made study program at the University of Amsterdam. The grantee will gain practical experience and knowledge in in-depth technical study and treatment of paintings in the conservation studio of the Mauritshuis, under the supervision of the conservators of the museum. The grantee will participate in workshops, (informal) lectures, symposia and other events at the university. During the grant period, research may not only include paintings in the Mauritshuis collection, but also pictures in other Dutch and/or European institutions.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Applications for 11 to 12 month grants starting September 1 will be considered.
Orientation
The one-day Fulbright In-Country orientation will take place at the end of August/beginning of September (date to be determined). There also is a second introduction meeting at the end of September, at the Ambassador's Residence.
Candidate Profile
Applications will be considered from well-qualified candidates who are enrolled in or recently graduated (no more than 3 years) from a recognized US conservation training program, or US citizens who are enrolled in or recently graduated (no more than 3 years) from a conservation program abroad. Applicants still in their PhD during the application period will also be considered. The Fulbright Commission encourages applications from students with a strong interest and/or experience in the conservation and restoration of Old Master paintings. An online interview for semi-finalists with representatives of the Mauritshuis and the University of Amsterdam will be part of the selection procedure.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
The Netherlands is a small country, approximately the size of Maryland or West-Virginia. It is a fairly densely populated country, with good public transport links. This makes it easy to travel to other parts of the country during your stay. It has a temperate climate with a fair amount of rain. The Dutch economy is geared mainly towards import/export, services and trade, and less on heavy industry. Most Dutch people will be able to speak basic English, and you will be able to get around without speaking Dutch. However, it is really appreciated if you learn some Dutch either before or during your stay in the Netherlands. With two airports in Amsterdam and Eindhoven, it is also easy to reach other European countries for weekend trips.
The Dutch are known for being direct, which can also be interpreted as being rude or blunt. In general, most Fulbright grantees indicate that it takes a bit of getting used to, but they appreciate it after being in the country for a while. The grading system in the Netherlands may also take some time getting used to. It ranges from 10-1, with a 10 being a perfect score and anything below 6 a fail. The grades 10 and 9 are rarely given, only in case of exceptionally good work, a 7 and 8 are considered to be good grades. Also, the courses and grading are mostly based on exams at the end of term. In terms of discussions on diversity, equity and access, there is a growing awareness of the systemic inequalities in society. You may find that there are differences in interpretation and the discussion between the U.S. and the Netherlands on these topics.
The Dutch Fulbright Commission will organize four meetings during your stay, two introduction meetings at the beginning of the grant period, a mid-year evaluation and a meeting at the end of the grant period. There also is a cultural excursion program in place, where an alumna organizes 5 excursions to places of interest in the Netherlands.
Eligibility
1 Month
Degree Level of Applicant
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In your Fulbright online application, for Award Name please select Mauritshuis Award from the drop down menu.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Dutch language proficiency is not required, but is useful at the time of arrival. Some study of Dutch prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
No affiliation letter required at deadline
The University of Amsterdam will register the approved applicant as a research fellow. The grantee will be placed at the University of Amsterdam for education and at the Mauritshuis for training. A letter of affiliation is not necessary.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Tuition fees at the University of Amsterdam will be waived.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
The grant is paid in monthly instalments.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Housing allowance (separate from living stipend)
- Registration/Permitting fees
- A residence permit is necessary for the Netherlands: these costs will be covered
- An extra allowance of €3,000 for housing will be paid in two instalments, at the beginning and the middle of the grant period
- An extra allowance of € 350 will be given for cultural activities
- An international travel allowance of €3,000 will be provided, for a round trip ticket to the Netherlands and other possible international travel costs.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
There will be four meetings over the course of the year, one of which will be the mid-year evaluation.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
This website is a good way to get a general idea about the cost of living in the Netherlands.
Dependents
Dependent support is not available. If an applicant is planning on bringing dependents, please contact the host institution to inquire whether they are willing to also apply for a residence permit for the dependents. Without a residence permit applied for by the host, dependents will not be able to join the applicant.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for finding housing themselves.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
University of Amsterdam Conservation and Restoration: http://www.uva.nl/en/disciplines/conservation-and-restoration
American Friends of the Mauritshuis: http://www.americanfriendsofthemauritshuis.org
Information about the Netherlands: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/themes
Government information: https://www.government.nl/topics
More information about the Netherlands: https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/more-about-the-netherlands