The GBF fellowship program addresses scholars, curators, and artists specializing in Indian painting. The focus lies on researching the museum's holdings. The research fellows are given the opportunity to engage with originals from the renowned collections of Indian art and painting, respectively, for a period of three to six months in a research project of their own design. This is realized in close exchange with the scientific team on site as well as, depending on the individual focus, other experts from Switzerland and Europe. The research results will be presented in lectures and published as essays or monographs. They will feed into the work at the Museum Rietberg. The research fellowships are awarded by invitation, i.e. applications are currently not possible.

The public-private partnership is at the same time a homage to its founders, three of the internationally most renowned names in art historical research, who have dedicated their work to Indian art for long years/decades: Prof B. N. Goswamy from India, Prof Milo Cleveland Beach from the United States, and Dr Eberhard Fischer (former director of the Museum Rietberg) from Switzerland. Their initials make up the name of the research program.

The aim of the programme is to enhance the international scientific, artistic, and curatorial exchange on Indian art and keep on advancing the museum’s collections through lively dialogue from many different perspectives.

The Museum Rietberg is home to a unique ensemble of collections of Indian art. Alongside those in London, Paris and Berlin, the Museum’s collections of Indian painting rank among the most significant in the world. The research environment at the Museum Rietberg includes the team of resident scholars as well as the requisite structures such as the library, a restoration-conservation studio, and the publishing house Artibus Asiae.

With the generous support of Barbara Fischer, Catharina Dohrn and Dominik Keller.

GBF Fellowship Programme, Fall 2025 For the Fall 2025 program, GBF offers grants for research projects that invite art histo­rians to critically examine and explore the intricate layers of a single selected paint­ing. The program aims to foster innovative research approaches and interventions in the study of Indian paintings, focusing on the broader context of Indian painters and their workshops. Fellows will collaborate with Museum Rietberg curators and staff to generate fresh insights and methodologies in the field. Key objectives include opening new avenues for studying Indian paintings and painters, as well as gaining hands-on experience with the various departments of the museum. This GBF Fellowship especially supports early-career academics—Master’s, Doctoral, and Post-Doctoral candidates— seeking to refine their critical perspectives in the study of Indian art. The selected proposal, focusing on one painting from a primary selection of four,  will allow for an in-depth exploration of this works, examining every facet of its creation. The aim is to investigate closely and ex­tract as much information as possible. Who might have produced this painting? Was it part of a series or set? Who was its intended audience? Was it produced under state patronage or for a single patron?  What insights do the inscriptions offer, and  do they enhance the artwork’s value or meaning? Does the painting reflect the ide­ologies of the court or religion it represents? Were these works used by their creators or patrons as statements of power within religious or socio-political contexts? Are they complete works of art in their own right? What has been written and concluded about these paintings? Furthermore, how did these objects come to be part of the Rietberg  collection? At a fundamental level, what do we know about the painters and workshops behind them? Primary selection of objects attached in the end. 

PRESENTING THE RESEARCH RESULTS TO THE PUBLIC AND TO EXPERTS

This fellowship provides a rare opportunity  to curate the research outputs, in addition to a final written report and presentation, at the Museum Rietberg. The outcomes of this collaborative research project may be shared in various formats, such as a public talk, a specialist lecture, a research publication, or even a focused one-room display. This short-term display could include a series of concise  texts and comparative materials presented  alongside the original artworks. Where rele­vant, limited multimedia elements—such  as a screen showcasing key findings—can also be incorporated. The final format and pre­sentation details will be collaboratively deter­mined at the conclusion of the research, based on the findings and available support materials. 

WHO CAN APPLY 

This fellowship encourages students and early career fellows perusing their master’s degree, Doctoral or Post Doctoral program. Applicants, all over the world, of any nationality, must  be studying relevant aspects on India paintings and painters  

HOW CAN YOU APPLY 

Abstract: Submit a proposal on one of the above-mentioned objects, up to 1000 words, including a brief methodology  (Submit your Abstract and updated CV here) Last date of submission: 15th March 2025 Duration: September till November 2025,  no extensions 

Process: Shortlisted candidates will be asked for an online interview 

Grant announcement date: 15th of April 2025 

What does the Fellowship provide: 

a. Honorarium: 5,000 CHF  

b. Residency in Zürich for the duration of three months  

c. Flying to and from Zürich (including public transport in Zürich) 

d. Resources, supportive and healthy work environment at the Museum Rietberg 

e. A one room­display as part of the final presentation, open to public  

Expectations from the Select Participants: 

a. Full and active participation in the research and study for three months  

b. Research Development: To actively demonstrate the progress and share it with the GBF team  

c. Final Presentation: A one-room display of the research, public talk, and/or  publication to be determined in the last month of your research 

d. Respectful Conduct: Foster inclusivity and professionalism. Discrimination, racism,  or violence in any form will not be tolerated.