We believe in the power and results of investing in and unleashing human capacity. The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center brings together people of diverse expertise and cultures in a neutral, inspiring and thought-provoking environment to promote international understanding that allows innovation and creativity to flourish.

For nearly fifty years, the Rockefeller Foundation has hosted scholars, creative artists, and practitioners at Bellagio for concentrated work on major projects.  Talented professionals use time at Bellagio to advance work that has impact across disciplines, while interacting daily with an active and diverse intellectual community.  Artists and scholars stay for one month of work at Bellagio, away from their usual daily demands, and flexible schedules are available for practitioners working at non-profit or NGO organizations.

Residents at the Bellagio Center from 2007-2009 represent a diverse group of more than 20 countries, including: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Austria, Denmark, Germany, Macedonia, Poland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Israel, Lebanon, Canada, the United States, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Togo.  The various disciplines under which an applicant may apply include the following:

Creative Artists: Composer, Novelist, Playwright, Poet, Video / Filmmaker, Visual Artist

Scholars: Ancient Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Film & Media Studies,

History, Law & Policy, Literary Studies, Music, Theatre & Dance Studies, Philosophy,

Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Sciences, Sociology, Visual Studies

Applicants from outside the United States and Western Europe are especially encouraged to apply, as are individuals working on projects aligned with the Foundation’s objective to expand opportunities for poor or vulnerable people. The Bellagio residency provides room/board and high-speed internet access to all residents free of charge.  Please note that financial assistance can be made available to successful applicants whose limited means might otherwise prevent them from accepting a residency.

The selection process for Bellagio is very competitive, and will ultimately favor professionals with significant experience and strong project proposals.  The Bellagio opportunity is not a grant, but rather a time to interact with a professional community while working toward tangible personal achievement.

The deadline for applications to the Fall 2009 residency period is February 11, 2009. To learn more about Bellagio, peruse accepted projects, and review a list of requisite application materials, please visit http://www.rockfound.org/bellagio/bellagio.shtml.

We cannot guarantee that you will receive an invitation to Bellagio if you apply, but the Institute of International Education Bellagio Office is more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have as you navigate the application process. They can be reached at bellagio_res at iie.org or +1 (212) 984-5537.

The Bellagio Center also hosts several conferences each year, and applications are open on a rolling basis.  Conferences must align with the Foundation’s mission to expand opportunities for poor or vulnerable people and to help ensure that globalization’s benefits are shared more widely. Please visit the Bellagio website to learn more.