Support for Graduate Fellowship in the Rosand Library & Study Center

The Rosand Library & Study Center (RLSC) at Save Venice provides a valuable research resource on art and culture in Venice. Its nucleus is the library of David Rosand (1938–2014), a preeminent professor of art history at Columbia University and Save Venice Board member. The RLSC was established in 2014 when Professor Rosand bequeathed his personal library to Save Venice with the stipulation that it be housed in Venice. Open to the public since June 2015, the RLSC is flourishing as a premier center in Venice for gathering scholars and students through events such as Research & Restoration Roundtables, book presentations, lectures, as well as an expanding collection of books and archival resources.

The main collection of the RLSC boasts more than 5,000 volumes, a substantial rare book collection dating to the 16th century, periodicals, journals, and dissertations, ranging in topic from Venetian Studies to Chinese calligraphy to Abstract Expressionism. Thousands of items from the personal archive of David Rosand including offprints, annotations, correspondence, research notes, drawings, and photographs, are available to anyone conducting research in Venice. In 2018, 275 volumes donated by the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation further enriched the Library.

To enhance and expand upon Save Venice’s commitment to education and scholarship, we are offering a semester-long graduate fellowship in the RLSC. This fellowship is designed for a current PhD student, whose research and career would greatly benefit from a period in Venice and use of the RLSC’s collection and archival resources.

The fellowship of $16,500 will underwrite one semester as Save Venice’s scholar in residence in the RLSC; travel and living expenses in Venice; enhanced learning opportunities through participation in Research & Restoration Roundtables, presentations and conferences, and visits to Save Venice’s restoration worksites; and ongoing teaching experience by serving as a docent for Save Venice restoration tours.

The sponsor of this fellowship will receive special benefits including recognition in the RLSC Golden Book displayed in the Library reading room, recognition on savevenice.org and in digital and printed newsletters, a personalized progress report and final statement from the selected fellow, and the opportunity to meet with the fellow.