Residencies @ MIT

Residencies @ MIT

The MIT Open Documentary Lab’s Fellows Program hosts a limited number of distinguished artists, creative technologists, and scholars who want to engage deeply with new documentary storytelling techniques and technologies in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

We are looking for people who are pushing the boundaries of digital documentary storytelling, its social impact, and/or producing original scholarship in this area.

Visiting Fellowship positions are non-compensated appointments established to provide the opportunity for artists, technologists, and scholars to participate in a rich exchange with members of the Open Documentary Lab, the wider MIT community and other visiting fellows and artists.

Accepted applicants will have access to seminars, colloquia, and conferences, as well as the MIT library and other facilities. Unfortunately, OpenDocLab cannot provide individual office space or housing.

Eligibility

Selected artists and scholars are expected to secure their own financial support from a foundation, home university, other agency or personal finances.

Students currently enrolled in a degree program are not eligible to become Visiting Fellows.

Fellows are expected to have a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience.

Expectations

Visiting Fellows at OpenDocLab are expected to:

  • Reside at OpenDocLab for at least one semester
  • Participate in OpenDocLab research meetings and events
  • Present their work to the OpenDocLab community and on occasion to the wider MIT community
  • Publish or exhibit their work produced while in residence at the OpenDocLab

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Please submit the following information:

  1. A letter describing your intended project and your reason for wanting to be in residence at MIT OpenDocLab. Please include particular MIT faculty members whose research interests align with your own.  Applicants must demonstrate their ability to execute the projects they propose.  Also include the dates you would like to visit.
  2. A curriculum vitae.
  3. Three letters of recommendation.
  4. At least one publication, writing sample, or portfolio of project work. Please include URL’s.
  5. Contact information including name, address, phone, email and URL.

All application materials should be e-mailed to opendoclab-contact[at]mit[dot]edu. We only accept electronic applications.

Requirements for International Scholars
The OpenDocLab will act as a liaison with the MIT International Scholars Office (ISchO) to process visa applications. In order to apply for a visa, international visiting artists or scholars will need to provide proof of the following:

  • Minimum funding required per year (US$):
    • Single: $30,000
    • Married, no children: $33,000
    • Married, 1 child: $35,000 (add $1200 per year for each additional child).
    • Single, 1 child: $33,000 (add $1200 per year for each additional child).
  • Health Insurance

Approval
If your application is accepted, the department will contact you with further details and paperwork about your visit.

Further Information

MIT International Scholars Office

Off-Campus Housing