Category
Application Deadline
Information
2025–2027 VLC Focus Theme and Open Call
The Vera List Center for Art and Politics at The New School is pleased to announce its 2025–2027 Focus Theme, Matter of Intelligence, and Open Call. Our newly envisioned Open Call, now spanning two rounds, is designed to welcome ideas and project proposals that find support and advance across a range of VLC’s programs and initiatives, including our signature fellowship program.
With Matter of Intelligence, and an emphasis on forms of collective intelligence, this cycle of the Open Call places artists and their ideas at the forefront of our exploration from the outset, continually highlighting these voices and perspectives throughout the two-year inquiry. This approach builds on a solid history of past fellowship project proposals that have been successfully supported and presented through the center’s programs and publications.
Projects submitted in the first round will be considered for the VLC Fellowship, as well as a range of other programs, including the center’s seminar series, exhibitions, annual VLC Forum, and digital or print publications. A limited number of applications will advance to the second round and be invited to submit full proposals for fellowship commission projects. This new open call approach is designed to minimize the labor involved in the fellowship application, while continuing to engage and develop ideas and projects from the first round within the center’s programs.
Fellowship project proposals creatively and rigorously approach the Focus Theme in content and form and make an intellectual and artistic contribution that advances the understanding of intelligence. Four two-year, non-residential fellowships will be awarded to commission and support scholarly and creative work that critically engages with the Vera List Center’s 2025–2027 Focus Theme: Matter of Intelligence. With support from the Mellon Foundation, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, The VLC Producers Council, Vera’s List, and other donors, the VLC Fellowship stipend for this cycle has been increased to $25,000.
How to apply
Open Call Process and Timeline
Round I Matter of Intelligence – Have an idea? We’d love to know!
Round I Applications DueJanuary 30, 2025
Notification of Advancement to Round II
Round II – Fellowship Proposals – Let’s take a closer look at your project!
Applicants who advance to this phase must submit a detailed project budget, timeline, and work samples for consideration for the VLC Fellowship, which will be reviewed by an ad hoc selection committee composed of VLC staff and Advisory Board members, past VLC Fellows, and New School faculty. Selection committee members make recommendations to the VLC team, who makes final decisions based on project feasibility, institutional capacity, and curatorial priorities.
March 7, 2025
Round II Fellowship Proposals Due
March 30, 2025
Fellowship finalists meet with the VLC curatorial team to confirm eligibility and fellowship requirements.
May 2025
Announcement of fellowship appointments.
October 2025
Vera List Center Forum 2025 and convening of 2025–2027 Vera List Center Fellows.
Dates subject to change.
Application