Today's students of the history of art are confronted by a discipline recently opened up to a much wider range of methods and approaches, and a broader definition of what constitutes the object of study than existed only twenty years ago. In the wake of post-structuralism, the social history of art, and cultural studies, the field today finds itself beneficially influenced by ideas from history, literary studies, anthropology, and identity politics; at the same time, art historians are increasingly looking back to the theoretical foundations of their own discipline, including a renewed interest in formalism, in order to arrive at a more thoroughly visual approach to works of art. As they are often compelled to present themselves to the profession with some kind of methodological alliance, students may find it useful and thought-provoking to discuss their work and its broader art historical implications with their peers.

The two-day workshop at the Getty Research Institute will provide twelve doctoral candidates with an opportunity to present their work to each other and to two senior professors in the discipline. Participants will discuss not only the significance of their individual projects, but how they might position their work within an increasingly pluralistic professional world.

The Getty Research Institute will provide up to $500 for travel expenses (to be reimbursed after the workshop), accommodations, and several meals for participants.

To apply: Please send a two-page letter describing how your project would contribute to the workshop and briefly outlining its progress; a dissertation proposal no longer than ten (10) pages; and a letter of recommendation from the thesis advisor. Applicants must be advanced to candidacy and have written at least one chapter of their dissertation.

Send application materials to Christopher Hughes at the Getty Research Institute, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA, 90049. Application materials must be received by January 2, 2006.