Qatar National Library has launched its inaugural fellowship program, designed to allow Qatar-based scholars and artists to explore, celebrate and document the country's rich history through innovative and creative ways.
The Library is now calling on researchers, historians, photographers and filmmakers with a proven track record to seize this unique opportunity to delve into the Library's heritage collections and create engaging and pertinent content on Qatar's history directed at the wider community. Applications to be part of this exciting initiative are open until 20 August.
Successful candidates will be granted access to the Library's extensive resources and state-of-the-art facilities for a six-month period starting 6 October 2024. This will support them in crafting compelling content that draws rich inspiration from QNL's vast collections.
The fellowship will offer two pathways research and documentary with the former being more suitable for academics, historians and researchers, and the latter likely to be popular with photographers and filmmakers.
"This is a unique opportunity for someone to explore an area of Qatari history that they are passionate about, and to share their passion with a wider audience through the creation of a research paper, film or photographic exhibition," said Hanouf A. Al Buainain, QNL Press Manager. "The fellowship program is an important development in our ongoing efforts to explore Qatar's cultural heritage from new and innovative angles and promote our national heritage locally and internationally."
To apply, applicants should complete the application form on the Library's website and attach a detailed proposal outlining their research theme, intended outcomes, and how their proposed research will contribute to new perspectives of Qatar's history. The candidate must also provide their CV, a portfolio showcasing their achievements, including at least two previous works and two reference letters attesting to their qualifications.
Recipients of the fellowship will be awarded a monthly stipend for the duration of the program and enjoy the support of the Library's staff. Exceptional works may also be selected for inclusion in the Library's Qatar History Project (Thakira), providing additional exposure and recognition for the fellows' innovative contributions.
Applications will be evaluated based on the creativity and unique approach to the fellowship topics, the viability of the project plan, as well as the applicants' experience and previous work. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by 26 September 2024. Each fellow must submit a research paper within three months of completing the research fellowship, or a final report along with their creative works for the documentary fellowship.
