UK Gaines Center opens applications for 2026-27 Humanities Cooperatives

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Gaines Center for the Humanities is now accepting applications for the second year of its Gaines Humanities Cooperatives, an initiative designed to support interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary working groups engaged in humanities-focused research, pedagogy, advocacy and public scholarship.

Launched in 2024, the Gaines Humanities Cooperatives foster collaboration across departments and colleges by providing funding, space and institutional support to groups coalescing around shared interests and goals. The program serves as a generator of intellectual community, helping participants build sustainable networks that advance the humanities both on campus and in the broader community.

“Our goal with the Gaines Humanities Cooperatives is to create meaningful space for collaboration across disciplines,” said Michelle Sizemore, Ph.D., director and endowed chair of the Gaines Center for the Humanities. “By offering modest funding and structural support, we can help incubate innovative ideas, strengthen scholarly communities and advance humanities work that might not otherwise have a clear institutional home.”

During its first full year, the program supported six cooperatives representing more than 30 departments and units across campus. Groups explored topics ranging from digital pedagogies and environmental conservation to global crises, health and the humanities, and Appalachian water studies.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the Gaines Center will award competitive grants of up to $1,500 to selected cooperatives. Funds may be used for purposes such as ordering books, hosting visiting speakers or consultants, supporting travel related to the group’s focus, participating in seminars or conferences, organizing writing retreats and other approved activities. Grant funds may not be used for salary and must be spent by May 1, 2027.

Eligibility and requirements

Applications are open to UK faculty, staff and graduate students from all disciplines. Working groups must include a minimum of three participants representing two or more departments, units or programs at UK. Groups must demonstrate a strong humanities component and a commitment to sustained participation throughout the 2026-27 academic year.

Selected cooperatives are expected to:

• Designate a lead or co-leads;
• Attend a Fall 2026 orientation;
• Meet at least twice per semester;
• Coordinate funding requests through their department budget officer;
• Participate in a Spring 2027 symposium featuring brief project presentations; and
• Submit a one-page report summarizing activities by May 14, 2027.

Participation is limited to one cooperative per person per academic year. To apply, follow this link.

The application period is now open and will close April 15.

For more information or questions about the application process, contact Michelle Sizemore at michelle.sizemore@uky.edu.