Here are some questions to consider before you decide to apply to the Bellagio Center Residency Program
Q. Am I ready to apply?
A. Give serious consideration to whether your project is at a point that a residency at Bellagio could be helpful in moving it ahead. Projects that the reviewers find preliminary and provisional are not likely to fare well. The maximum number of times you can apply is three.
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Q. Is my project appropriate for a Bellagio Residency?
A. Residencies are open to scholars in all disciplines, artists, journalists, as well as policymakers and practitioners from the governmental and non-profit sectors. We bring together a broad, stimulating mix of disciplines and fields within the Bellagio Community. Emphasis is made to select a core set of residency projects that align with the Foundation’s five interconnected issue areas: basic survival safeguards (food, water, and housing), global health, climate and environment, urbanization, social and economic security. However, all projects are welcome.
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Q. If my project is not in an area where I have experience and a track record, what are my prospects?
A. Reviewers are willing to consider projects that take the applicant’s work in new directions, but they are more likely to recommend projects that are directly related to an applicant’s principal area of training, experience, and expertise. Reviewers are more likely to be favorably disposed if the applicant has already produced a few articles or significant work in the new subject area.
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Q. Are projects that use Bellagio as a base for extensive travel around Europe appropriate?
A. No. Residents are expected to be at the Center for the majority of the time during their residency to fulfill one of the important objectives of the residencies, which is to bring the participants into active engagement with each other. Collegial interaction with other residents is an essential dimension of the Bellagio experience.
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Q. If there has already been considerable research on the area of my project, will it be competitive?
A. If the project’s subject is one that has already been extensively studied by others, it is imperative to demonstrate the new perspective or approach that you will bring to the subject. The Center looks for projects that are innovative and will be impactful in the respective field.
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Q. What should I consider in order to have a good balance between the scope of my work and a four-week residency?
A. There should be an appropriate balance between the proposed scope of work and the length of the residency. In other words, do not propose to do more in the four weeks at Bellagio than is reasonable, and likewise do not propose a work plan that can be accomplished in less than four weeks. It is important to explain in the application what the proposed activities will be while at Bellagio and a work plan for the residency period should be clearly articulated.
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Q. Is it possible to submit a team project?
A. Yes, team projects involving up to four people are welcome. Be sure to check the Collaborative Projects tab for more information and requirements.
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