These collections, often acquired through looting or coercion during colonial rule, hold stories that challenge dominant narratives and reconnect with communities of origin. Recent restitutions, such as the Lombok Treasure (Indonesia) and the Kandy Cannon (Sri Lanka), highlight the urgent need to explore these stories in greater depth.
To access and study objects currently (lost) in the Netherlands
The fellowship enables selected researchers to access and study objects – whether cultural, historical, ancestral or artistic – currently (lost) in the Netherlands. Fellows are invited to reflect on the social lives and trajectories of these objects, beyond institutional and national frameworks, and to explore their significance in contemporary and historical contexts. Fellows are encouraged to conduct research in the depots, archives and collections of the museums that make up the Colonial Collections Consortium (Wereldmuseum, Rijksmuseum, Museum Bronbeek and the Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency) and beyond.
Two fellowships are available for the academic year 2025-2026, running from September 2025 to January 2026. Organised by NIAS, with support from NIOD, KITLV and the Colonial Collections Consortium. The deadline for applications is 17 March 2025.
