The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center

The most recent submission period for residency applications closed January 15, 2008. Please watch this space for information about the next submission period.

In striving to address the root causes of serious problems, the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center is central to the Foundation's commitment to 'promote the well-being' of humanity. The Center provides a platform for:

Framing debates on globally relevant issues
Reflection on significant scholarship and public policy
Conceiving and considering ways and means to translate theory into action

Work is accomplished in an atmosphere in which ideas and solutions evolve through the cross-pollination of the differences and diversity of those in residence at any given time.

The Center operates two main programs: residencies and conferences.

The residency program offers influential scholars, artists, writers, scientists, policymakers and other professionals from around the world the opportunity to pursue ideas and to engage others in their work.

The conference program leverages “convening power”: the ability to bring notable and diverse participants from around the world together to share ideas, to debate and to collaborate.

The Foundation has operated the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in Italy since 1960. In leaving the property to the Foundation, the previous owner mandated that it be used “for purposes connected with the promotion of international understanding.” A group of distinguished scholars was convened to discuss and advise on the land's usage and function. It was their view that the property should be a refuge for contemplation, writing, and purposeful discussion -- a place where the world’s leading thinkers could be free from everyday demands. In addition, they proposed the Center host targeted conferences, with the goal of arriving at important conclusions concerning the state of knowledge in a given field, and plotting paths for future development.

In adhering to these proposed functions, the Center supports and implements the Foundation’s mission, vision and initiatives, and serves the worlds of scholarship, science, art, and public affairs.

The Bellagio Center lies on a hilly peninsula adjacent to Lake Como, two hours north of Milan.

Residencies

Scholarly Residencies
Humanities, social sciences, academic diciplines

Creative Arts Residencies
Artists, composers, writers

Public Affairs Residencies
Policy makers, non-profit leaders & public advocates

Recently selected residents (updated 09/27/07)

Conferences recently invited to the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Study & Conference Center

Conferences

The Bellagio conference program provides space for framing debates on world-class issues, for translating theory into action and for devising creative responses to some of the most pressing issues of our time, especially those directed at alleviating poverty and vulnerability. The Foundation seeks applications from groups who are addressing significant issues and who expect the conference to generate innovative yet concrete outcomes.

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. Details on the Foundation’s mission and philosophy can be found in the “About Us” section.

The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center operates two buildings for meetings; the smaller, more intimate building can accommodate up to 19 participants and the larger building, up to 23. Organizers may need to modify the number of participants invited due to the size limitations of available accommodations. Conferences are generally scheduled for three to six working days.

Smaller groups working on intensive projects can be scheduled for more than six days if space permits. more