Fellowships, assistantship & work-study opportunities

The application period for funded opportunities is open December 1 to 31. PBI funding opportunities are intended to assist those for whom the cost of attending will cause undue financial pressure. Applicants may apply for all awards for which they are eligible. These awards are selected by a jury, based on the specific criteria described for each award.

• The Book Explorer Fellowship: Awarded to an applicant with a primary interest and evident proficiency in bookbinding and/or conservation, this fellowship is supported by a gift from Pamela Spitzmueller, conservator and long-time PBI co-director. Pam’s book work was often inspired by historical book structures. She was enthusiastic and inquisitive—experimenting and innovating in her conservation work and her creative book work. The fellowship covers full tuition, room, and board.

• Paper and Book Inclusivity (PBI) Fellowship: This fellowship is offered to a US resident whose interests align with studies in the book arts and whose background is under-represented in the profession(s). For PBI 2026, priority will go to black and indigenous applicants. This fellowship covers full tuition, room, and board.

• Tom Balbo Scholarship for Working Artists: This scholarship is intended for a self-employed practitioner—one who makes their living primarily from making and selling their work, teaching short courses, engaging in occasional adjunct appointments, or working in community-based arts organizations—and for whom professional development opportunities are often out of reach. This fellowship covers full tuition, room, and board.

• Nell Mel­dahl Work-Study Half Scholarship: PBI offers six half-tuition work-study awards in honor of Nell Meldahl. Nell Meldahl was an inspiring PBI instructor and conservator of East Asian art who passed away far too early in her career. Her family and friends created a scholarship in her name which is now sustained with funds raised each year from the PBI auction.

  Accepted recipients will pay half of the cost of tuition to attend PBI. Work study recipients help with studio set up and take down for each session, assist with various mid-session tasks, and organize the auction and closing banquet. Work-Study Award recipients are expected to arrive Saturday, the day before PBI general attendees do. While at PBI, work study recipients live together in charming but rustic group dormitories, with bathroom facilities in nearby buildings.

To apply for any funding opportunity:

• Be prepared to select your class choices for the first and second session, in order of preference, #1 being the highest

• You will be asked to submit work samples; your resume or CV; a statement of interest; and a statement of financial need.

• Applications must be filled out completely. Incomplete or improperly formatted applications will not be considered, so please read the requirements of this application carefully.

• Please remember: These funding opportunities are intended for those whom the cost of attending PBI would cause undue financial pressure.

Deadline: December 31 at midnight CST.

Acceptance letters will sent starting in early February.