NYU Established Ming Fay Research Fellowship
The Asian/Pacific/American Institute has launched a new research fellowship honoring the legacy of artist Ming Fay.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Asian-American
The Asian/Pacific/American Institute at New York University announced the inaugural Ming Fay Research Fellowship for 2027. This program supports original, archives-based scholarship focused on the artist's life and practice.
Why it matters
The fellowship aims to expand academic understanding of Ming Fay, as scholarly analysis of his work remains limited despite significant institutional interest. It provides researchers with unique access to the Ming Fay Papers and extensive materials housed at the Asia Art Archive.
The fellowship utilizes the Ming Fay Papers at New York University, spanning the artist's career from his arrival in New York in the 1970s to his death in 2025. This research also encompasses his time co-founding the Epoxy Art Group in 1982.
The players
Asian/Pacific/American Institute at New York University
This institute is a research and community hub dedicated to exploring the histories and cultures of Asian/Pacific/Americans.
Ming Fay
He was an artist who lived from 1943 to 2025 and co-founded the Epoxy Art Group in 1982.
Asia Art Archive
This organization is an independent non-profit dedicated to documenting and archiving the history of contemporary art in Asia.
The details
Applicants for the fellowship must submit research proposals that address themes related to Ming Fay's artistic practice and historical context. Successful candidates gain access to primary materials held at the Ming Fay Studio / Estate, NYU Special Collections, and the Asia Art Archive.
Timeline
November 15, 2026: Application deadline for the fellowship.
December 15, 2026: Notification of awards.
January 4, 2027: Fellowship period begins.
December 10, 2027: Fellowship period ends.
Culture Shift
This fellowship reflects a growing trend in academic institutions to codify and preserve the legacies of influential artists through dedicated research programs. It signals a move away from sporadic individual study toward structured institutional support for historical scholarship.
Prospective applicants in New York City have until mid-November to submit their proposals for this research opportunity. The fellowship encourages researchers to engage directly with local archives, potentially uncovering new historical insights into the city's diverse artistic landscape.
The takeaway
This fellowship underscores the importance of archival preservation for cultural history. Researchers interested in art history or New York history should look for similar opportunities to engage with primary source collections held by university archives.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene in the Asian-American section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by E-flux.
