NAAS Research And Curatorial Fellowship 2025-2026
Description
Are you a cultural practitioner, curator, or researcher passionate about Arab cinema and visual culture? The NAAS Research & Curatorial Fellowship 2025–2026 is now open for applications. This 9–10 month fully funded program, hosted by the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS), supports creative and critical research on cinema, media, and visual culture from the Arab world and its diasporas.
Whether you're a researcher, curator, film programmer, writer, or cultural organizer, this prestigious curatorial fellowship opportunity is your chance to dive deep into overlooked narratives, marginalized histories, and experimental approaches in Arab visual culture.
Degree Level
NAAS Research And Curatorial Fellowship 2025-2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at .
Available Subjects
Ideal Projects
The NAAS Fellowship seeks projects that:
- Challenge dominant or inherited cinematic narratives
- Unearth marginalized or overlooked film/media archives
- Engage new audiences through curatorial experimentation
- Focus on alternative or independent Arab film histories
- Bridge scholarly research with public programming
Benefits
The NAAS Fellowship is a unique program designed to support critical research that reshapes narratives and expands cultural participation. Fellows are encouraged to explore themes in Arab cinema, visual storytelling, media archives, and curatorial practices, with outcomes that are accessible to the public.
The fellowship includes:
- A stipend to support your research journey
- Mentorship and peer feedback sessions
- Monthly virtual seminars led by field experts
- Two in-person colloquiums
- A chance to publish in Malaffat, the NAAS journal
- A platform to present your research outcomes (interim and final)
Why Apply?
This is more than a traditional research grant. It’s an opportunity to:
- Work in a collaborative learning environment
- Get exposure and feedback from regional and global peers
- Participate in conversations that shape the future of Arab cinema and visual culture
- Build your profile as a researcher or curator
- Access an international platform for publication and exhibition
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to a wide range of applicants from the Arabic-speaking region and its diasporas. This includes:
- Researchers
- Curators
- Film programmers
- Writers and academics
- Cultural organizers and activists
- Duos and collectives
There are no nationality restrictions as long as your project engages with Arab cultural contexts.
Application Procedure
Fellowship Duration & Timeline
- Fellowship Period: November 2025 to July 2026
- Application Deadline: August 22, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to have an academic background to apply for the NAAS Fellowship?
No. While academics are welcome, the fellowship is open to a wide range of applicants including curators, cultural organizers, filmmakers, writers, and independent researchers. What matters most is a strong proposal and commitment to Arab cinema, media, or visual culture.
2. Is the NAAS Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship includes a stipend, research support, mentorship, and travel coverage for the in-person colloquiums. It also provides a platform to present your research and publish in the Malaffat journal.
3. Can I apply as a team or collective?
- Yes. The NAAS Fellowship accepts applications from individuals, duos, and collectives. Just make sure the application clearly outlines the roles of each member and the collaborative nature of the proposed project.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must fill out the official NAAS Fellowship Application Form and read the fellowship concept and FAQs available on the NAAS website.
- Deadline: August 22, 2025
- Apply here: NAAS Fellowship Application Portal
For inquiries, visit the official NAAS website or contact their team directly.
