Selection Process and Criteria | Application Requirements | Application Checklist | Application Deadlines | FAQs
The Bellagio Experience
The Bellagio Center provides an arena for exploring new ideas and finding solutions to some of the most difficult global problems. The Residency Program allows for disciplined work and collaborative action on these issues, uninterrupted by the usual professional and personal demands. Residency participants include scholars, scientists, artists, journalists, writers, non-governmental organization practitioners and policymakers from around the world.
Collegial engagement with the other residents is an integral dimension of the Bellagio experience. Meals and informal presentations of residents’ work afford an opportunity for dynamic discussion and engagement within and across disciplines. During special dinners, residents may be able to interact with participants in international conferences hosted in various buildings on the Center’s grounds.
Spouses/life partners may accompany residents, or may apply for concurrent residencies.
The Center also offers collaborative residencies for two to four people working on the same project. It is possible to apply for collaborative grants for a two-person team or a team composed of three or four individuals.
Length of Stay
Residencies typically last four weeks, but applicants may request a shorter stay by submitting a statement explaining why they prefer an alternate length of time.
Accommodations and Travel Assistance
Residents are housed in two main buildings and each resident is given a private room with a bath and a study/studio, either adjoining the bedroom or on the grounds. High-speed Internet access is available free of charge in all bedrooms and most studies. A small library includes basic reference books and online research tools; the works of many former residents and those resulting from Bellagio meetings are also available.
Spouses/life partners may accompany residents. Accommodations are not available for children, other family members, friends or pets. Room and board are provided to all residents and their spouses/partners, but they are responsible for their airfare and local transportation to and from Bellagio. However, the Foundation does have a limited travel assistance program, based on income level of invited residents.
Several resident suites are available for those with restricted mobility, and several of the buildings now include an elevator. Nonetheless, prospective applicants should be aware that the hillside setting of the facility and the surrounding area restricts the mobility of people who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
The Center is not equipped to provide medical services or assisted care. The nearest major hospital is in Lecco, a 40-minute drive away.
Eligibility
We seek applicants with demonstrated leadership qualities and responsibilities, and people we believe will contribute most significantly to the intellectual life of the Center. Priority is given to those working in fields that align with the mission of the Foundation and we try to maintain a global mix of residents
We accept applications on a rolling admissions basis throughout the year and normally applicants are notified within eight weeks of applying.
In selecting the practitioners, we look for three types of prospective residents:
1. People who have had successful careers in leadership positions and are transitioning to new roles
2. People who are actively engaged in leading major change in the world through their current positions (heads of state, NGOs, etc.)
3. Young emerging leaders
Practitioners have used the uninterrupted time during their residencies to work on projects such as book chapters or future organizational plans.
Selection Process and Criteria | Application Requirements | Application Checklist | Application Deadlines | FAQs