NAAS Research and Curatorial Fellowship 2025–2026

The NAAS Research and Curatorial Fellowship 2025–2026 is now accepting applications. Offered by the Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS), this 9–10 month fellowship supports cultural practitioners, curators, researchers, and creatives working in Arab cinema and visual culture. The program encourages innovative and critical approaches to media, film, and storytelling from the Arab world and its diasporas.

Whether you’re a film programmer, researcher, writer, academic, or cultural organizer, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to challenge conventional narratives and elevate underrepresented perspectives within Arab visual culture.

Ideal Fellowship Projects

NAAS seeks applicants with project proposals that:

• Challenge dominant cinematic and media narratives

• Explore overlooked or marginalized Arab film archives

• Innovate curatorial practices to engage new audiences

• Focus on alternative or independent Arab film histories

• Integrate academic research with public programming

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows selected for the NAAS program will receive comprehensive support to carry out their projects, including:

• A competitive research stipend

• Monthly online seminars led by leading experts

• Ongoing mentorship and peer feedback

• Two in-person colloquiums (travel covered)

• Opportunity to publish in Malaffat, NAAS’s journal

• A platform to present both interim and final research outcomes

This program is more than a grant—it’s a collaborative environment designed to foster critical inquiry, professional growth, and broader public engagement.

Why Apply?

By joining the NAAS Fellowship, you will:

• Receive funding and mentorship to develop your research

• Join an international community of peers and experts

• Participate in vital conversations shaping Arab visual culture

• Gain visibility through NAAS’s publication and programming platforms

• Contribute to reshaping the cultural and historical narrative around Arab cinema

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to individuals and collectives working within Arab cultural contexts. Eligible applicants include:

• Researchers and academics

• Curators and cultural organizers

• Film programmers and critics

• Writers and independent scholars

• Filmmakers, artists, and activists

There are no nationality restrictions. Applicants from the Arab region or its diasporas are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

To apply for the NAAS Research and Curatorial Fellowship:

1. Visit the NAAS Fellowship Application Portal

2. Review the official fellowship concept note and FAQs

3. Prepare a detailed project proposal

4. Submit your application before the deadline

Deadline to Apply: August 22, 2025

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a university degree or academic background to apply?
No. The fellowship is open to academics and non-academics alike, including independent researchers, curators, filmmakers, and cultural practitioners.

2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The NAAS Fellowship includes a research stipend, mentorship, travel expenses for in-person events, and opportunities for publication and presentation.

3. Can I apply as a duo or collective?
Absolutely. Duos and collectives are encouraged to apply. Be sure to clearly define each member’s role in your proposal.

4. Is this fellowship limited to Arab nationals?
No. Applicants of all nationalities can apply, provided their work is relevant to Arab cinema or visual culture.

5. What is the duration of the fellowship?
The program runs from November 2025 to July 2026, approximately 9–10 months.

6. Will I receive mentorship during the fellowship?
Yes. Fellows will benefit from regular feedback, peer reviews, and guidance from mentors throughout the program.

7. Are there in-person events involved?
Yes. The fellowship includes two in-person colloquiums, with travel expenses covered by NAAS.

8. What kind of project outcomes are expected?
Outcomes may include research papers, curatorial projects, digital publications, or public presentations. A final presentation is required.

9. Where will the research be published or showcased?
Selected work will be featured in Malaffat, the NAAS journal, and presented through the NAAS platform or partner venues.

10. How competitive is the selection process?
The fellowship is competitive, and applicants are assessed based on the originality, relevance, and feasibility of their proposals, as well as their commitment to the themes of the fellowship.