Professional Development & Travel Research Funding for MFAs

The Department of Fine Arts is pleased to offer a limited number of Halpern-Rogath Independent Travel Research Grants each summer for MFAs.

The grant supports travel for thesis-related research and production. Research travel might include visits to archives, museums, exhibitions, and sites of study. The grant also may support travel necessary for attending residencies, workshops, or events in difficult-to-reach locations and for travel required for the production of new work.

Funding is made possible through the Halpern-Rogath Endowment, specifically donated to the Graduate Fine Arts Program to fund travel research for MFA students at the Weitzman School of Design. Applications are open to all continuing and graduating MFAs, and will be reviewed internally by MFA faculty to fund travel from May through August after the 1st or 2nd academic year of the program. 

Application Timeline & Details:  

Application Due: Annually in April (details will be emailed to enrolled students).
Application Review: Mid-April 
Awards Announced: Early May

• Open to all continuing and graduating MFAs.
• How to apply? Submit a one-page description of your project/travel, including a budget for this amount related to travel and project expenses. Images/portfolio not required.  
• Five awards at $4,000 each are disbursed annually. The amount and number of awards may vary by year. 
• Awarded fellowships will be distributed in the form of a lump sum to the recipient, taxes will apply.
• Proposals will be voted on by standing fine arts faculty each year and will be paid out in May for use that summer. Although you may apply in both years, this specific travel funding will not be awarded more than once for a single student.
• Funding for the travel grants is supported by the Halpern Rogath Endowment, recipients are required to fill out a short form and provide photos/info for the Weitzman Development Office, who are responsible for ongoing relationships with our donors.